SANTA MONICA, California — A new spy photo of the 2010 Ford Taurus reveals dramatic new styling with obvious European influence.
Posted yesterday on the Taurus Car Club of America Web site, the hazy photo of the next-generation Ford Taurus depicts a sedan with a far more chiseled shape than the current model. Multiple creases down the side along with a more aggressive shape up front give the upcoming sedan a European look.
The radical change could be the result of an overwhelmingly positive response to Ford's Mondeo sedan, a midsize four-door sedan already on sale in Europe but too expensive to import to the U.S. It was penned by Ford's European design group led by Martin Smith. Up to this point, a U.S. design group, currently led by Peter Horbury, has worked on U.S-specific models like the Taurus.
Expect to see this Taurus sporting a version of Ford's new EcoBoost V6. The new turbocharged engine promises V8-like power with the efficiency of a four-cylinder. Big promises for sure, but even if it doesn't quite meet those goals, the 2010 Taurus should be one of the more powerful sedans in its class without sacrificing too much in the way of fuel mileage.
Expect to see the official unveil of the 2010 Ford Taurus at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show next January. Sales should begin in the fall of 2009.
What this means to you: How many times have you looked at the Mondeo and said, "Why can't the Taurus look like that?" Come next year, you'll get your wish. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..1.*