Ford Taurus

2013 Ford Taurus EPA-Certified at Class-Leading 32 MPG with New 2.0-Liter EcoBoost Engine

Published June 29, 2012 | By Don Armstrong

DEARBORN, Mich., June 26, 2012 – The 2013 Ford Taurus, the Blue Oval’s technology and
performance flagship sedan, is now certified by the EPA as the class leader in large sedan city
and highway fuel economy.

The Taurus’ new 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine is certified at 32 mpg highway – better
than the 2012 Chrysler 300, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger and Toyota Avalon.
The all-new Taurus demonstrates fuel economy isn’t limited to compact car sizes. All three
engine options for the 2013 model have now been certified at 25 mpg or higher in EPA highway
estimates.

“Ford understands people want fuel-efficient vehicles but don’t want to sacrifice power, cargo
space or convenience preferences to get them,” said Raj Nair, vice president of Engineering for

Global Product Development. “Taurus fuel economy showcases Ford’s success in developing
smaller yet more powerful engines for its larger vehicles.”

Taurus offers comfort, convenience and technology comparable to premium German sport sedans, while beating their diesel and hybrid variants for fuel economy. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost helps Taurus deliver a 26-mpg combined EPA rating, higher than Mercedes-Benz E350 Bluetec diesel and Porsche Panamera S Hybrid.

Compared to smaller vehicles, Taurus 2.0-liter bests V6 models of Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, with comparable power.

Power of choice

The Taurus base 3.5-liter V6 engine also has been updated for 2013 with twin independent variable camshaft timing (It-VCT), adding 25 horsepower plus 1 mpg city and 2 mpg highway in EPA estimates – compared to the previous Taurus base V6.

The 2013 Taurus SHO (Super High Output) high-performance sport sedan continues to feature a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine producing 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque, while still delivering 25 mpg on the highway.

EcoBoost engines are fundamental to Ford’s strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance for millions of drivers around the world.

The 2013 Taurus demonstrates there is no need to trade power, performance, comfort or convenience to achieve savings at the gas pump.

Integrated efficiencies

Each Taurus powertrain features additional technologies to help conserve fuel, such as:

• Low-tension front-end accessory drive belt
• Smart battery management
• Aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff

• Variable-displacement air conditioning compressor
• Reduced friction lubricants

• Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS)

All new Taurus models now come with EPAS, helping improve steering response by rigidly mounting the steering rack to the subframe. The EPAS system allows for a high degree of tuning by Ford vehicle dynamics engineers to optimize steering feel, plus it saves fuel and provides drivers with enhanced feedback.

Additionally, fuel economy in the 2013 Taurus is enhanced by a class-exclusive Active Grille Shutter System. Positioned between the grille opening and radiator, the shutters are controlled by the engine’s control module. Shutter slats automatically open and close to maintain the ideal operating temperatures and optimize vehicle aerodynamics. The 2013 Taurus range is built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly facility and will begin arriving in
dealerships later this summer.

Posted in Car reviews, Don Armstrong Posting, General Car Stuff | Tagged Ford Taurus

Let’s talk the Ford Flex and Ford Taurus.

Published March 15, 2012 | By Don Armstrong

First, let’s explain that both the Flex and Taurus get what we call “re-fresh’s,” since the main ingredients are pretty much the same as last year’s models. The WOW-factor comes from new front fascia’s, continuing the theme started with the new 2012 Focus.

Both vehicles get upgraded engine choices, which include a bump in fuel economy and horsepower.

We have always had a soft place in our hearts for both vehicles. BMW should worry about the loaded Taurus SHO since it compares almost across the board with the 5 Series – except for the price; where Taurus wins hands-down.

As one of the Ford folks told me on this trip, “The Flex can be polarizing.” Okay, maybe so, but if I liked family vacation road trips – which I do – this vehicle tops the list. Three rows of comfortable seating with plenty of second row legroom, the revised My Ford Touch system, all-wheel drive with V-6 power and fuel economy all add up to a winner

The challenges were plentiful on our four hour ride through the snow-covered mountains to the Pacific coast -as you can see from our family photo album.

The Flex had as much traction as we called for with our right foot; no skids, slips or falls.

Same goes for the Taurus, as we were given an all-wheel drive model that clung to the road like Houston’s new-found March mosquito population finds bare skin.

I normally would not recommend all-wheel drive around these parts of Texas, since it would see very limited use, but frequent trips to Snowland proves it’s worth.

We’ll have more to report on these vehicles in coming weeks, so “stay tuned.” – Don

Posted in Don Armstrong Posting | Tagged Ford Flex, Ford Taurus