These videos are of people sharing their thoughts and opinions about new Ford cars, crossovers and SUVs. The comments are as real as the people who made them. They are not scripted. In fact, these people didn’t know that they were being filmed for Ford commercials. That’s the only way to get genuine opinions, and that’s how these were produced.

Here’s a short setup for each of the new video spots:

• “Rachel Escape Hybrid” talks about how her Escape Hybrid saves her money
• “Christopher Fusion Hybrid” tells us why he is pleasantly surprised to be a hybrid owner
• “Greg Edge” talks about how the Power lift gate in his Edge has made his life easier
• “Adam and Amie Flex” is about coexisting thanks to Dual Climate Control in their Flex

You can also view all of the previously loaded videos in this series.

This is a continuation of last year’s very successful work under the Drive One advertising campaign. Ford will keep highlighting accomplishments in four key areas that shape the reputation of the company – Quality, Green, Safe and Smart. Ford will continue its ongoing commitment to the community, the environment and innovation.

Do you have a story about Ford that you want to share? You can submit your story and upload a video or photo to make your Ford Story part of the Ford Story. Click here to see other stories and to learn more about submitting yours.

Ford continues to stand apart from competitors. From nontraditional marketing successes such as using social media to generate more than 50,000 hand raisers for the upcoming Ford Fiesta to leveraging global car platforms to bringing new cars such as the Ford C-MAX to North America, Ford is different and making progress.

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In addition to this important award, sales of the 2010 Fusion are at an all-time high. The car is now among America’s Top 10 selling vehicles, and it is the No. 1 selling domestic car.

“Ford has proven its resilience in these tough times by delivering to market a car with broad appeal to a broad range of consumers,” said Angus MacKenzie, MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief.  “The Fusion range has matured into a competitive roster of midsize sedans, able to compete with the sales juggernauts such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.  It is no surprise the Fusion now ranks in the top ten best selling cars in America.”

To win the coveted Car of the Year award, Fusion outperformed the competition – including the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan – in six new categories:  design achievement, engineering excellence, intended function, efficiency, safety and value. 

“The Fusion brought a vast assortment of choice that has the potential to appeal to every type of driver, from the eco-conscious to the sport-minded.  The Fusion’s combination of comfort, fuel efficiency, assortment and technology made it a clear winner among our panel of judges,” said MacKenzie.

The 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient sedans in America.  The new models offer more power; class-exclusive technologies such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) and Ford SYNC®; more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry; and better long-term reliability.

The Fusion lineup expanded in the 2010 model year to include all-new Hybrid and Sports models and a new selection of gas-powered engines – all paired with six-speed transmissions – that deliver even more horsepower and better fuel economy. 

The Ford Fusion has been generating excitement among journalists and consumers alike since the nameplate first launched in the fall of 2005.  In fact, the introductory model – which marked Ford’s re-entry into the midsize sedan market – was a finalist for MOTOR TREND’S 2006 Car of the Year award. 

Since then, Fusion’s popularity has continued to soar.  And so have sales.  Fusion set a sales record in April – the first full month of sales for the redesigned 2010 model and the new Fusion Hybrid version – and overall sales are already at an all-time high for 2009.

With its unsurpassed quality, best-in-class fuel economy, class-exclusive technologies and significant residual value improvement, the 2010 Ford Fusion is clearly delivering the key attributes that midsize sedan buyers want. 

“Even at a time when industry-wide sales are down 26 percent, Fusion sales continue to grow,” said Ford Sales Analyst George Pipas.  “That is extraordinary.”

The new Fusion Hybrid model has played an important role in Fusion’s success.  The vehicle delivers a certified 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.  It also offers innovative new technology – SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide – that coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.

Sales of the new Fusion Hybrid are strong, accounting for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales.  And more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda – according to information from Product Information Network, a division of J.D. Power and Associates.

According to Fusion Marketing Manager Jonathan Richards, car buyers are so passionate about Fusion that they are choosing to buy the high series models – Hybrid, SEL and Sport.

“Data shows that high series models account for 50 percent of sales,” he said.  “Customers are also embracing technology offerings like voice-activated navigation, SYNC® and Sony® Audio.”

Richards says the introduction of a Sport model is also drawing praise from Fusion customers as is the new six-speed gearbox with SelectShift transmission.

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The first application of the natural fiber-based plastic that contains 20-percent wheat straw bio-filler is on the 2010 Ford Flex’s third-row interior storage bins. Ford is already considering using the environmentally-friendly technology in the construction of center-console bins and trays, interior air registers, door trim panel components and armrest liners.

Ford’s sustainable materials portfolio also includes soy-based polyurethane seat cushions, seatbacks and headliners; post-industrial recycled yarns for seat fabrics; and post-consumer recycled resins for underbody systems, such as the new engine cam cover on the 2010 Ford Escape’s 3.0-liter V-6 engine

“Ford continues to explore and open doors for greener materials that positively impact the environment and work well for customers,” said Patrick Berryman, a Ford engineering manager who develops interior trim. “We seized the opportunity to add wheat straw-reinforced plastic as our next sustainable material on the production line, and the storage bin for the Flex was the ideal first application.”

Collaborative effort

Ford researchers were approached with the wheat straw-based plastics formulation by the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, as part of the Ontario BioCar Initiative – a multi-university effort between Waterloo, the University of Guelph, University of Toronto and University of Windsor. Ford works closely with the Ontario government-funded project, which is seeking to advance the use of more plant-based materials in the auto and agricultural industries.

The University of Waterloo already had been working with plastics supplier A. Schulman of Akron, Ohio, to perfect the lab formula for use in auto parts, ensuring the material is not only odorless, but also meets industry standards for thermal expansion and degradation, rigidity, moisture absorption and fogging. Less than 18 months after the initial presentation was made to Ford’s Biomaterials Group, the wheat straw-reinforced plastic was refined and approved for Flex, which is produced at Ford’s Oakville (Ontario) Assembly Complex.

The wheat straw-reinforced resin is the BioCar Initiative’s first production-ready application. It demonstrates better dimensional integrity than a non-reinforced plastic and weighs up to 10 percent less than a plastic reinforced with talc or glass.

“Without Ford’s driving force and contribution, we would have never been able to move from academia to industry in such lightning speed,” said Leonardo Simon, associate professor of chemical engineering at the University of Waterloo. “Seeing this go into production on the Ford Flex is a major accomplishment for the University of Waterloo and the BioCar Initiative.”

An interior storage bin may seem like a small start, but it opens the door for more applications, said Dr. Ellen Lee, technical expert, Ford’s Plastics Research.

“We see a great deal of potential for other applications since wheat straw has good mechanical properties, can meet our performance and durability specifications, and can further reduce our carbon footprint – all without compromise to the customer.”

Abundant waste material put to good use

The case for using wheat straw to reinforce plastics in higher-volume, higher-content applications is strong across many industries. In Ontario alone, where Flex is built, more than 28,000 farmers grow wheat, along with corn and soybeans. Typically, wheat straw, the byproduct of growing and processing wheat, is discarded. Ontario, for example, has some 30 million metric tons of available wheat straw waste at any given time.

“Wheat is everywhere and the straw is in excess,” said Lee. “We have found a practical automotive usage for a renewable resource that helps reduce our dependence on petroleum, uses less energy to manufacture, and reduces our carbon footprint. More importantly, it doesn’t jeopardize an essential food source.”

To date, Ford and its suppliers are working with four southern Ontario farmers for the wheat straw needed to mold the Flex’s two interior storage bins.

History in the making

Ford’s interest in wheat dates back to the 1920s, when company founder Henry Ford developed a product called Fordite – a mixture of wheat straw, rubber, sulphur, silica and other ingredients – that was used to make steering wheels for Ford cars and trucks. Much of the straw used to produce Fordite came from Henry Ford’s Dearborn-area farm.

The company’s new-age application for wheat straw joins other bio-based, reclaimed and recycled materials that are in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles today, including:

• Soy-based polyurethane foams on the seat cushions and seatbacks, now in production on the Ford Mustang, Expedition, F-150, Focus, Escape, Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner and Lincoln Navigator and Lincoln MKS. More than 1.5 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles on the road today have soy-foam seats, which equates to a reduction in petroleum oil usage of approximately 1.5 million pounds. This year, Ford has expanded its soy-foam portfolio to include the industry’s first application of a soy-foam headliner on the 2010 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner for a 25 percent weight savings over a traditional glass-mat headliner.
• Underbody systems, such as aerodynamic shields, splash shields and radiator air deflector shields, made from post-consumer recycled resins such as detergent bottles, tires and battery casings, diverting between 25 and 30 million pounds of plastic from landfills. The newest addition is the engine cam cover on the 3.0-liter V-6 2010 Ford Escape.
• 100 percent post-industrial recycled yarns in seat fabrics on vehicles such as the Ford Escape. The 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids feature 85 percent post-industrial yarns and 15 percent solution-dyed yarns. The 100 percent usage represents a 64 percent reduction in energy consumption and a 60 percent reduction in CO2 emissions.
• Repurposed nylon carpeting made into nylon resin and molded into cylinder head covers for Ford’s 3.0L Duratec engine. The industry’s first eco-friendly cylinder head cover is currently found in the 2010 Ford Fusion and Escape vehicles.

About the Ontario BioCar Initiative

The Ontario BioCar Initiative represents a partnership between the automotive industry and the public sector, aimed at accelerating the use of biomass in automotive materials. For additional information, please visit www.bioproductsatguelph.ca/biocar/.

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“Consumers demand the latest on-the-go innovation in their cars. Ford automobiles are built with cutting-edge technology that makes driving safer and more enjoyable,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association® (CEA), producer of the International CES. “We are thrilled to welcome Ford to the 2010 International CES and to name the new Ford Taurus as the ‘Official Car of CES.’ We also look forward to hearing Ford’s Alan Mulally kick off the 2010 CES with his opening keynote address on Thursday, January 7.”

Official Car of 2010 International CES

The 2010 Ford Taurus will be the official car of the 2010 International CES – offering 10 class-exclusive technologies not available from any other manufacturer. In addition to Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion, voice-activated navigation, SYNC and MyKey, other class-exclusive technologies available on the Ford Taurus include:

• EasyFuel® Capless Fuel-Filler – a self-seal system without a traditional fuel cap. No lost, dangling, or spinning caps. It seals automatically, every time.
• SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad – a feature that allows you to unlock the driver’s door by entering a five-digit code via a flush-mounted keypad
• Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support – a feature that allows you to set a cruising speed and uses radar technology to automatically adjust your speed and warn you if you’re getting too close to the vehicle in front of you
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert – a feature that uses radar technology to warn you of vehicles in your blind spot and alert you to oncoming traffic when you’re backing out of a parking spot
• Sony Audio® System – a surround sound system that delivers Dolby® Digital 5.1 sound through 12 high-quality Sony speakers
• Available EcoBoost™ V-6 – a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers the output of a V-8, 365 horsepower, without compromising its V-6 fuel economy 

2010 Innovations Design and Engineering Awards at CES

Ford Work Solutions’ in-dash computer won 2010 Best of Innovations in the category of In-Vehicle Accessories. SYNC’s latest application, Traffic, Directions & Information, was honored in the category of In-Vehicle Navigation/Telematics/ITS (Intelligent Transportation System).

“Our customers want the latest in connectivity and technology – making their drive experience more enjoyable and convenient,” said Mark Fields, president, The Americas, Ford Motor Company. “We’re honored that CES has recognized our efforts in providing these customer-driven features.”

Products entered in this prestigious program are judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the media to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting-edge consumer electronics products across 36 categories.

The Innovations entries are judged based on the following criteria:

• Engineering qualities, based on technical specs and materials used
• Aesthetic and design qualities, using photos provided
• The product’s intended use/function and user value
• Unique/novel features that consumers would find attractive
• How the design and innovation of the product compares to other products in the marketplace

Ford Work Solutions

Ford Work Solutions is a collection of technologies created to provide Ford commercial truck and van customers with connectivity, flexibility and security to better manage their businesses. Available on Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty, E-Series vans and the new Transit Connect, Ford Work Solutions delivers four innovative features:

• An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, Bluetooth-enabled hands-free calling and navigation by Garmin. The first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production, the system allows customers to print invoices, check inventories and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks – right on the job site. The office is now mobile.
• Tool Link™, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed in association with DeWALT™, the industry leader in professional power tools, and ThingMagic, the industry expert on embedded RFID technology. This technology enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the pickup box.
• Crew Chief™, a fleet tracking, telematics and diagnostics system, offered with market-leading telematics specialist Microlise, provides dynamic location and performance data fleet owners need to more efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites, monitor driver performance for safety and economy, and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.
• Cable Lock security system developed in association with Master Lock®, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, discourages theft of expensive tools too large to fit in the cab.

You can read more about Ford Work Solutions by clicking here.

SYNC with Traffic, Directions & Information

Ford SYNC’s latest application – Traffic, Directions & Information – leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer’s Bluetooth-capable mobile phone. It provides simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather.

These new capabilities are in addition to SYNC’s established hallmark suite of services, from hands-free, voice-activated cell phone and digital media player integration to the more recent security and convenience additions of 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report.

Introduced in 2007, more than 80 percent of the vehicles Ford sells in North America are equipped with SYNC, and more than 1 million SYNC-equipped vehicles are on the road today.

2010 International CES

Ford Work Solutions and SYNC with Traffic, Directions & Information will be on display at the 2010 International CES, which runs January 7-10, 2010 in Las Vegas. The Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase will feature honorees by product category in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center and they will also be featured at CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES on January 5.

Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering honoree products are featured on www.CESweb.org/Innovations, which lists product categories, as well as each product name, manufacturer information, designer, description, photo and URL.

The prestigious Innovations Design and Engineering Awards have been recognizing achievements in product design and engineering since 1976. It is sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the producer of the International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology trade show, and endorsed by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), the voice of industrial design, committed to advancing the profession through education, information, community and advocacy.

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“Collaboration with university partners is an essential part of delivering innovative ideas,” said Gerhard Schmidt, Ford’s chief technical officer and vice president of Research & Advanced Engineering.

Here are just a handful of the current cooperative projects that are creating future technologies for the automotive industry.

GPS Satellites and Accident Avoidance

Auburn University’s GPS and Vehicle Dynamics Laboratory, directed by Dr. David Bevly, is investigating the use of combining GPS and inertial measurement units data to provide precise information on a vehicle’s motion. The data could be used to improve performance of a vehicle’s electronic stability control system.

The researchers have found potential for a GPS satellite to act as an early warning system that detects when a vehicle is about to lose control and communicate with the vehicle’s stability control systems and other safety features to prevent a rollover or other serious accident.

The research findings were presented at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics in San Antonio, Texas.

A New App for SYNC®

Ford, University Detroit Mercy and California-based IDEO are sponsoring the UDM/Ford Innovation Contest. The intent of this challenge for University of Detroit Mercy students is to conceive a new application for SYNC®; to identify an unmet customer need and present a creative solution.

SYNC is a Bluetooth-based system developed by Ford and Microsoft that allows consumers to control their phones, their music and get directions, all by using the sound of their voice.

Contest participants were asked to develop and submit a 3-minute video presentation of a new SYNC application. The application could be a simulation and didn’t need to be a working application.

Automotive Telematics

A program with the University of Michigan recently began with students beta testing Ford prototype software platforms. The project is for a winter course on embedded automotive telematics. The course features small teams collaborating on the Ford developmental platform and build upon its connectivity capabilities – creating social networking interfaces, accessing cloud services and mobile network management.

Collaborating with universities and partners is the new blueprint for corporate research that will enable Ford to continue to build upon its leadership for in-car technology.

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This new and advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries.

Ford will introduce inflatable rear seat belts on the next-generation Ford Explorer, which goes into production next year for the North American market. Over time, Ford plans to offer the technology in vehicles globally.

“Ford’s rear inflatable seat belt technology will enhance safety for rear-seat passengers of all ages, especially for young children who are more vulnerable in crashes,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environmental and Safety Engineering. “This is another unique family technology that builds on our safety leadership, including the most top safety ratings of any automaker.”

This video explains how the new inflatable safety belts function.

Safer and more comfortable

Advances in air bag inflation and seat belt construction methods have enabled Ford and its suppliers to develop inflatable seat belts that are designed to deploy over a vehicle occupant’s torso and shoulder in 40 milliseconds in the event of a crash.

In everyday use, the inflatable belts operate like conventional seat belts and are safe and compatible with infant and children safety car and booster seats. In Ford’s research, more than 90 percent of those who tested the inflatable seat belts found them to be similar to or more comfortable than a conventional belt because they feel padded and softer. That comfort factor could help improve the 61 percent rear belt usage rate in the U.S., which compares to 82 percent usage by front seat passengers, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.

In the event of a frontal or side crash, the inflatable belt’s increased diameter more effectively holds the occupant in the appropriate seating position, helping to reduce the risk of injury.

Vehicle safety sensors determine the severity of the collision in the blink of an eye and deploy the inflatable belts’ air bags. Each belt’s tubular air bag inflates with cold compressed gas, which flows through a specially designed buckle from a cylinder housed below the seat.

The inflatable belt’s accordion-folded bag breaks through the belt fabric as it fills with air, expanding sideways across the occupant’s body in about the same amount of time it takes a car traveling at highway speed to cover a yard of distance.

The use of cold compressed gas instead of a heat-generating chemical reaction – which is typical of traditional air bag systems – means the inflated belts feel no warmer on the wearer’s body than the ambient temperature. The inflatable belts also fill at a lower pressure and a slower rate than traditional air bags, because the device does not need to close a gap between the belt and the occupant.

The inflated belt helps distribute crash force energy across five times more of the occupant’s torso than a traditional belt, which expands its range of protection and reduces risk of injury by diffusing crash pressure over a larger area, while providing additional support to the head and neck. After deployment, the belt remains inflated for several seconds before dispersing its air through the pores of the air bag.

Ford’s safety leadership record continues to grow

The inflatable seat belt debuting on the next-generation Ford Explorer continues Ford’s record of safety innovation. Ford today has more 5-star U.S. government ratings and “Top Safety Picks” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety than any other automaker.

Ford was the first automaker to introduce seat belts in 1955 and led the way in making driver and front-passenger air bags standard in most vehicles by 1993.

Click here to view this detailed timeline of Ford milestones in air bag and seat belt technology.

This year, Ford introduced radar-enabled Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning with Brake Support and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA). These technologies – introduced on the new 2010 Ford Taurus and Fusion – help drivers avoid potential dangerous crash situations using radar to detect the relative position of other vehicles and warn the driver with a combination of visual and audio alerts.

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These videos are of people sharing their thoughts and opinions about new Ford cars, crossovers and SUVs. The comments are as real as the people who made them. They are not scripted. In fact, these people didn’t know that they were being filmed for Ford commercials. That’s the only way to get genuine opinions, and that’s how these were produced.

Here’s a short setup for each of the new video spots:

• “Rachel ER” is about the advantages of SIRIUS Travel Link™
• “Robert Likes” tells us all about the versatility of his Transit Connect
• “Michael MPG” talks about the fuel efficiency of Ford Escape
• “Christopher Leaves” shows the love of a Fusion Hybrid and its fuel economy savings
• “Karina Fusion” portrays Fusion as a car for her generation
• “Fabricio Transit Connect” praises Ford for thinking of the worker in designing the Transit Connect
• “Christian Escape” tells us about how his son reacted to the cool SYNC® system
• “Alfonso Flex” talks about the Reverse Sensing System and the confidence it brings to backing up

You can view the Spanish versions here:
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This is a continuation of last year’s very successful work under the Drive One advertising campaign. Ford will keep highlighting accomplishments in four key areas that shape the reputation of the company – Quality, Green, Safe and Smart. Ford will continue its ongoing commitment to the community, the environment and innovation.

Do you have a story about Ford that you want to share? You can submit your story and upload a video or photo to make your Ford Story part of the Ford Story. Click here to see other stories and to learn more about submitting yours.

Ford continues to stand apart from competitors. From nontraditional marketing successes such as using social media to generate more than 50,000 hand raisers for the upcoming Ford Fiesta to leveraging global car platforms to bringing new cars such as the Ford C-MAX to North America, Ford is different and making progress.

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But don’t pack your bags just yet. The show is not open to the public – only to media and individuals in the specialty equipment industry. Since you can’t get into the show, we thought we’d bring you the Ford highlights from SEMA show 2009.

2010 Cobra Jet Mustang

Although there were more than a dozen Ford vehicles customized by various companies on display in the Ford booth, the unveiling of the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang stole the spotlight momentarily on November 3.

Brian Wolfe, director of North America Motorsports for Ford, showed the Cobra Jet to SEMA attendees and told the crowd how the car was developed along with the details of the equipment. As a self-proclaimed, lifelong car guy, Wolfe is proud of the renewed emphasis on grassroots and sportsman outreach that the Cobra Jet is part of.

The 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang marks the continued evolution of the CJ as a factory-produced turnkey race car. In honor of the SEMA introduction, Ford Racing built and unveiled a one-of-a-kind “SEMA Special” silver Cobra Jet complete with a charcoal Cobra Jet graphics package.

Like the 2008 model, this car is a factory-built race car that is intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. The goal for the 2010 Cobra Jet was to enhance the race features to further make its own place in NHRA history. The 2010 CJ will come with all of the features of the 2008 car with enhancements that include options for a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell.

All 50 of the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustangs have already been ordered by Ford dealers for delivery to customers. For those customers who missed out on the limited run of 2010 Cobra Jets, Ford Racing has set a goal to provide future versions of the Cobra Jet.

2010 Ford Taurus SHO by Mobsteel

The Ford Taurus SHO and Mobsteel are both committed to being anything but ordinary. So it’s no surprise that the Taurus SHO by Mobsteel is one extraordinary vehicle. The black-on-black Mobsteel paint job, custom fascias and a host of trim touches and details give this 2010 Taurus SHO menacing look both coming and going. And that’s just the beginning, as this SHO has the goods both inside and out.

It features massive 22-inch Mobsteel forged two-piece wheels and super-low-profile Pirelli PZero Nero tires. An air ride suspension offers adjustable ride height for an ultra-low parked stance and reasonable ground clearance for driving. The Magnaflow Performance cat-back exhaust and JL Audio equipment make this Taurus SHO sound as tough as it looks. 

2009 Ford Focus by FSWerks

In its constant search for more power, the FSWerks crew has taken a 2009 Ford Focus Coupe and pushed it to the edge. Utilizing many years of racing, fabricating and powertrain experience, this transformed Ford Focus is now pushing more than 500 horsepower, making it one serious track Focus. You can check out some of FSWerks other cars and by watching their video on Your Stories by clicking here.

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The TV star’s long-running relationship with his 1992 Ford Taurus SHO was challenged when the all-new 2010 Taurus SHO made an appearance on the late-night comedy show on October 29, 2009. A national audience saw firsthand whether O’Brien’s steadfast love for his Jewel Green SHO could be tempted with the latest SHO head-turner from Ford.

Click here to watch the skit and see for yourself if it was love at first sight.

O’Brien’s second-generation Taurus SHO has been the focus of the late night comedian’s skits many times including during O’Brien’s premier as host of “The Tonight Show” earlier this year.

During the skit O’Brien, who is confident there could never be a better performance sedan than his 1992 Taurus SHO, is tempted by the 2010 model’s 365-horespower V-6 and its high tech features. Amy Marentic, Ford’s Group marketing manager for Taurus, teaches O’Brien a thing or two when it comes to the Taurus SHO.

The allure of “the sleeper” sedan

Introduced in 1989, Taurus SHO was conceived as a discreet performance-oriented sports sedan, ideally suited to the automotive enthusiast needing the room and capability of a four-door full-size car.  Known and loved for its high performance and unassuming exterior, Ford Taurus SHO was launched in limited production through 1999, with more than 100,000 were sold.

Two key factors made the original Taurus SHO sedan a favorite of the automotive cognoscenti, right out of the gate.  The critical element, a Yamaha-developed 3.0-liter V-6 engine delivering 220 horsepower, delivered thrust through a five-speed manual transmission.  The SHO twist was design subtlety.

Traditional American high-performance cars shouted their intentions with racing stripes, hood scoops and raised white letter tire sidewalls.  Taurus SHO was understated, stealth.

The original Taurus SHO generated a loyal following of owners and enthusiasts, with an active club more than 1,000 members strong, an online forum with more than 10,000 registered users and a Web site (bringbackthesho.com) specifically devoted to convincing Ford to resurrect the SHO.  The 2010 Taurus product development team spent significant time listening to SHO enthusiasts.

2010 Taurus SHO off to a strong start

Launched this past summer, the all-new Taurus including the Taurus SHO is off to a strong start and even bucked the industry trend in September with sales 60 percent higher than a year ago.

The Taurus debuted to rave reviews from the automotive press, and early customer demand validates the critical acclaim.  Customers are especially interested in the Taurus SHO, achieving higher-than-expected take rates of 20 percent of the overall Taurus mix.

The foundation of the new 2010 Taurus SHO is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine.  This advanced powerplant generates an estimated 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,500 rpm, resulting in significantly improved power, torque and fuel economy compared with larger, normally aspirated engines.  This also is Ford’s most powerful EcoBoost engine.

A key element of the authentic SHO formula is the subtlety of its unique exterior design cues.

Features include sporty premium painted wheels, wrapped in standard low-profile 19-inch Goodyear Eagle or optional 20-inch Michelin high-performance tires, a decklid-mounted spoiler and twin chrome exhaust tips.

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He’s also an avid car enthusiast, customizing new vehicles and building vintage cars with special attention to style and performance. Most recently, Flex customized the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus SHO, which he will debut at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. He has also developed his own car-customizing television programming.

He’ll be hosting a live chat from the show. This trade show attracts 100,000 automotive enthusiasts who are part of the industry. And you have to be in the industry to attend, as it is closed to the public.

Tune in on this Web page Wednesday, November 4, at 4:00 p.m. EDT to see what the Funkmaster has to say about the SEMA show and his latest Ford rides, and see where the conversation goes.

Because the show is not open to the public, we’ll give you a peek into the show with an article from the event, in addition to this chat. Check back during the week of November 2.

Not only does Flex represent his own line of hi-octane automotive accessories, but he also developed and promotes an annual eight-city Funkmaster Flex Custom Car & Bike Show Tour, bringing the most exclusive and expensive candy-colored rides to fans in cities from Canada to Miami.

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