Ford Taurus 2012 - Sport-tuned Suspension; Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) with Drift Control

12
May 2011
esourcebook.dealerconnection.com
RE&T: 2012 Source Book
Taurus
Taurus
Performance/Handling
2012
Chassis cont’d
Sport-tuned Suspension
• StandardonSHO
• Largerfrontstabilizerbar—29mmvs.28mm
• Largerrearstabilizerbar—22mmvs.21mm
• Retunedshockabsorbersandstiffersprings
• Tunedtoprovidecrispsteeringandsportierride
and handling characteristics
Rack-and-pinion Steering
• Maintainslinearsteeringeffortasthedriverturnsthe
wheel for responsive steering that naturally follows a
straight line as the wheel is turned
• 41.0-ft.(curb-to-curb)turningdiameter—Taurus
• 39.7-ft.(curb-to-curb)turningdiameter—SHO
• Quicksteeringratioof17:1meansdriversdon’thave
to turn the wheel very far to go around a tight corner
• SHOwiththe3.5LEcoBoostV6enginefeatures
Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) with
Drift Control
Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) with
Drift Control
• StandardonSHO
• EPASisasophisticatedelectricspeed-sensitive
steering assist system
– Offers light, responsive steering feel around town
and while parking
– At higher speeds, EPAS delivers less steering assist
for more confident control
• EPASreplacesthehydraulicgearsystemthatpulled
power (and efficiency) from the engine via a belt
• Helpsimprovefueleconomyandeliminatehydraulic
noises common with hydraulic systems
Drift Control
• AnautomaticsystemthatusesEPAStohelp
continuously correct for road irregularities and
improve overall steering feel
• Systemiscontinually“learning”andadaptingto
steering conditions and compensates for changes
that can cause the vehicle to pull left or right
– Assists the steering effort to help the driver
maintain a straighter path
– Helps driver avoid unwanted lane changes (or drift)
• Reducessteeringeffortrequiredwhendrivingon
crowned roads or in heavy side winds
MAKE THE POINT: SHO Sport-tuned Suspension
Pleasing to the Enthusiast
Chassis engineers
designed the SHO to
deliver sportier ride and
handling performance,
with crisper steering
response. Compared to
Taurus, the SHO sport-
tuned suspension includes
increased spring rates,
larger front stabilizer bar,
specifically tuned struts and
shock absorbers and all-
season performance tires.
A test-drive will quickly
reveal the athletic nature of
the SHO, a trait enthusiast
customers will appreciate.
SHOPerformancePackage
For the ultimate performance enthusiast,
there’s the SHO Performance Package.
Thinkofthispackageasa“trackpack”
with the necessary chassis components
for customers to take their Taurus SHO to
an autocross event or high-performance
driving event at a racetrack. Specifically
tuned struts deliver 10 to 15 percent more
reboundcontrolthanthe“standard”SHO
sport-tuned suspension, Goodyear Eagle
F1 summer-compound performance tires
(1)
offer increased levels of traction, and
stiffer rear springs and larger rear stabilizer
bar help maintain better control of body
motions. These chassis enhancements
are designed to work in harmony — and
deliver improved vehicle balance in high-
performance driving conditions.
QualifyingtheRaceCar-likeRide
The enhanced sport-tuned suspension
components and Goodyear Eagle F1
summer-compound tires
(1)
deliver
maximized handling performance. These
enhancements also deliver an aggressive
ride. A true enthusiast will appreciate —
and understand — this trait. But some
customers may find the ride too stiff
for their liking. It’s important to qualify
customer expectations ahead of time
with a test-drive. Customers should also
understand the summer-compound tires
are not intended for winter use and will
wear faster with heavy use. Again, to
the true enthusiast, these are worth the
increased levels of performance the SHO
Performance Package provides.
(1) Ford does not recommend using summer tires when temperatures drop to approximately 40°F or below (depending on tire wear and
environmental conditions) or in snow/ice conditions. If the vehicle must be driven in these conditions, Ford recommends using all-season
or snow tires.