1992 Taurus SHO (Note: for all you people that know nothing about cars, SHO stands for "Super High Output". It has a Yamaha 3.0 liter engine it it pushing over 220hp....Real fast car).

The 89-95 SHO is equipped with a 220HP 24 valve DOHC V-6 manufactured for Ford by Yamaha, a handling suspension similar to that in the police package Taurus, better seats, and unique exterior trim. The regular Taurus and the SHO are as different as night and day, unlike most "family" cars with sporty versions.

Because the engine is not boosted, it runs cooler. It supplies a smooth flow of power right up to 7300 rpm. At this point, a rev limiter starts cutting out cylinders to hold the rpms steady at 7300. This technique for preventing over-revving is the result of Ford's Formula 1 racing experience. This rev limiter is not designed to protect the engine, but to protect accessory drive components. The engine itself has been tested at rpm's greater than 8500.

The V6 powered Taurus SHO (Super High Output) was produced between 1989 and 1995. Designed and built by Yamaha, the 24-valve DOHC V6 engine is the centrepiece of the car, equipped with a multi-port electronic fuel-injection system controlled by Ford's EEC-IV computer. It produces 220 horsepower at 6200rpm and 200lb-ft of torque at 4800rpm from 3.0L of displacement for cars equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission. From 1993 onwards, a 4-speed automatic transmission was also available on the SHO, the models outfitted with this option also receiving a displacement increase to 3.2L and consequently a higher torque rating, 215lb-ft vs. the normal 200.

Not only do these engines provide good performance, but also great reliability. They redline at 7000rpm with a rev limiter cutting out cylinders to hold the rpms steady at 7300, however this is done in order to protect accessory drive components rather than the engine, which has been tested up to 8500rpm. It is also not uncommon for these cars to see well over 200K miles.

Since they were produced in such large numbers, nearly 85,000 over the six year production run, most examples in good condition can be acquired for very reasonable sums of money but are, for the same reason, not excellent collector's cars. Only one model is quite rare, the SHO Plus produced only as a 1991 model that featured various cosmetic modifications and, on a small number of cars, fibreglass hoods. This model features a $2000-3000 premium over a basic '91 SHO.

The exterior differences separating the SHO from ordinary Taurii are minor and few, keeping the go-fast identity of the car a complete mystery from most motorists. Included are a new front bumper cover and foglamps, side ground effects, new rear bumper with the letters SHO stamped on it, stainless steel dual exhaust tips and the small rear spoiler.

Most importantly, however, the SHO is quite fast. A '93 model in automatic guise reaches 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, the 1/4 mile mark in 15.4 and eventually attains a top speed of over 140 mph (225 km/h), while manual equipped cars are generally even faster. To put that into perspective, those numbers would shame any pre-'94 Mustang GT.

No road going rocket, but speed is also not the SHO's only forte. For an excellent blend of performance, affordability and a great sleeper cloak, the Taurus SHO is a supremely competent package.