(April 20, 2011) NEW YORK — A restyled Ford Taurus will be launched for the 2013 model year with styling tweaks inside and out. Details of the remake, announced Tuesday evening, come just two model years into the current Taurus.



The new Taurus will have re-worked engines that offer more horsepower and better gas mileage. It will be the first Ford model to get two EcoBoost engines in its lineup.

The headliner is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that will deliver an estimated 237 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque while realizing an estimated 31 mpg on the highway.

The performance SHO version of the Taurus, will continue with a 3.5-liter Ecoboost making 365 horsepower.  The twin-turbo V-6 makes 365 horsepower and, with a new performance package, should deliver slightly better acceleration than the outgoing SHO without a fuel economy sacrifice. The SHO will be distinguished by some unique styling features, including a mesh “superman” grille that foregoes Ford’s three crossbar signature.

The standard Taurus 3.5-liter V-6 is projected to deliver better fuel efficiency while delivering increased performance from an anticipated 290 horsepower. This is accomplished with the addition of twin independent variable camshaft timing, a reduction in part-throttle emissions, and increased responsiveness. No fuel economy estimate was given for the V-6.

All three engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions that offer optimized gear selection for off-the-line power delivery in lower gears, while benefiting fuel economy with higher gears that keep the engine turning efficiently at lower revolutions while cruising.

“We have significantly upgraded Ford’s flagship sedan through obsessive attention to detail,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “The new Taurus builds on the transformation we achieved in the 2010 model. Delivering so many upgrades so soon further underscores Ford’s leadership and commitment to delivering high-quality, fuel-efficient cars for our customers.”

Building on the completely reinvigorated 2010 model, the new Taurus features a more muscular hood. Larger wheels and tires fill out the wheel-well openings, giving Taurus an athletic stance. Rear quarter panels have been raised, enabling larger, full LED taillamps. Without increasing overall dimensions or vehicle weight, the new Taurus looks more streamlined, substantial and sporty.