The 2012 Ford Taurus SHO represented a revival of Ford's performance sedan lineage, offering a blend of luxury, comfort, and potent V6 twin-turbo power, targeting enthusiasts seeking a capable, all-weather performance car.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Dodge Charger SRT8, Cadillac CTS-V, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6 in its segment.
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork repairs.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Searchability
Text Search:
Yes, fully searchable text content for quick information retrieval.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
3.5L EcoBoost V6 Twin-Turbocharged
Engine Code:
PZ
Performance
Horsepower:
365 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
350 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Port Fuel Injection (PFI) with Direct Injection (DI) staging
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended)
Cooling System
Cooling Capacity:
Approximately 13.8 quarts (13.1 L)
Lubrication
Oil Capacity:
8.8 quarts (8.3 L) with filter change
Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil (Ford specification WSS-M2C946-A)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6F50/6F55 SelectShift Automatic Transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Standard on SHO model)
Features
Drive System:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercon LV (Ford Specification WSS-M2C938-A)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10.3 quarts (9.8 L)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
201.7 inches (5123 mm)
Width:
76.2 inches (1935 mm) (excluding mirrors)
Height:
58.1 inches (1476 mm)
Wheelbase:
112.9 inches (2868 mm)
Front Track:
63.6 inches (1615 mm)
Rear Track:
64.0 inches (1626 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,350 - 4,400 lbs (1973 - 2000 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 5,650 lbs (2563 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
16.0 cubic feet (453 L)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (when new)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Aeb:
Not Standard (Available on some trims)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags
Seat Belts:
Front and rear 3-point seat belts, pretensioners and load limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch (touchscreen interface)
Audio System:
Available premium Sony audio system with 12 speakers.
Driver Assistance
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear View Camera:
Standard
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming, USB port, SD card reader.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (Iridium-tipped spark plugs).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended at 100,000 miles or as per severe service schedule.
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) - meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1.
Some early models experienced turbocharger wastegate rattle or failure, requiring replacement or repair of turbocharger assemblies.
Transmission Hesitation:
Occasional reports of transmission hesitation or rough shifting, often addressable with software updates or internal transmission service.
Carbon Buildup:
As with many direct-injection engines, carbon buildup on intake valves can occur over time, potentially affecting performance and requiring specialized cleaning.
Brake Wear:
Due to the performance nature, brake pads and rotors can wear faster than on standard sedans if driven aggressively.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Ford Heritage:
Ford has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles, dating back to the early days of motoring and iconic models like the Mustang and Thunderbird.
Model Evolution
Previous Sho Generations:
The SHO nameplate was originally introduced in 1989 as a high-performance variant of the Taurus, featuring a Yamaha-designed V6 engine. Subsequent generations evolved through naturally aspirated V6 and V8 powerplants before its hiatus.
Production
Production Start Year:
2000 (revived for 2010 model year)
Manufacturing Location:
Chicago Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Performance Awards:
Praised by automotive journalists for its powerful engine and surprisingly capable handling for its size and weight.
Ratings
Desempeño:
Often cited as one of the best American performance sedans of its era.