Ford’s EcoBoost has been a rare engine that has truly lived up to all the hype surrounding it. The V-8 performance, combined with V-6-like fuel economy of the twin-turbocharged engines is pretty amazing. The good thing is that this technology will not be limited to just a few high-end models, it will be spread across the entire lineup over the next few years, coming to 4-cylinder engines as well.
To really show the differences in V-8 vs. twin-turbocharged V-6, Ford has offered up this new comparison video of the Taurus SHO EcoBoost against the Audi A6 4.2 FSI V-8. While the result was predetermined -- 0.60 numbers don’t lie, it’s still pretty interesting seeing it happen live. It’s all about creating good press, and I think appearing unafraid to make direct comparisons with the competition is a bold thing to do. GM is doing this in new advertisements as well.
Getting down to actual numbers, the $37,995 base-price of the Taurus SHO checks in at $20,000 cheaper than the $60,950 (ouch!) Audi A6 4.2 FSI V-8. The Audi has an engine that is 0.7-liter larger in displacement than the SHO’s, and has 350 horsepower, 15 less than the SHO. The two are different types of vehicles, but the performance chops of the EcoBoost engine are hard to deny.
September 20th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Pretty cool little commercial there. While I love the idea of the EcoBoost line, I think it’s marketing bullshit that someone actually wanted to be sure Foust said the Taurus “is the only car in the class with the EcoBoost engine.” Well no shit. It’s the only Ford.
That commercial proves what we, in the Mitsubishi community, have been saying since about 1989. The only difference is, we do our V8 hunting with 4-cylinders and get 35mpg+.
Even so, Ford is methodically laying a rock solid foundation. These cars are going to be in all the tuner magazines. They will sell like hotcakes. Brilliant.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I noticed that too – kind of funny. Wonder if the casual viewer will notice that. EcoBoost is being trumped as a Ford-only thing, so of course it would be the only one to have it.
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:39 pm
The SHO and the A6 in the same class? I’m calling bullshit. How about comparing it to I don’t know, say an S4? That would be a better comparison.
Ford is marketing this as a gigantic breakthrough in the car manufacturing world. “No one has ever done this before”. Audi has been building forced induction cars much longer than Ford and it shows.
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:02 pm
…and it shows by the fact that to get an A6 that can beat a Taurus it has to have at least 10 cylinders under the hood and cost at least $80k?
I’m impressed.
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Super High Output Ford? How about comparing it to the Super High Output A6! Oh wait, they call that an RS6, and while that’s not in the United States currently, I doubt Ford would like to take a crack at that with the Taurus SHO. 580hp is more than 2x the power of a SHO.
Let’s compare with what we can: a Ford Taurus SHO, the highest output in that trim-level against an S6, the highest output in *that* trim-level. 435hp. Uh oh, that’s not exactly fair! So wait, let’s move on:
Next let’s compare the quality of the vehicles themselves. Oh wait, we can’t. The Ford practically uses recycled McDonalds toys to construct its knobs and switches. Audi doesn’t.
We won’t even touch on the luxury aspects because that would be too embarrassing for Ford.
Bottom line? This comparison is bunk. It is a reach for Ford and an insult to a quality car make, Audi.
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:23 pm
121,971.97.
It’s quite a number, I’d say. Curiously enough, that’s the number you get when you put the RS6′s base price into a currency converter these days. That would be $121,971.97 in by-god US currency.
Now doing some more math, let’s look at some other numbers.
$43,980. That would be the price of an SHO Taurus with all the nice options.
$64,155. That’s the price of an Elise SC with the sport pack, LSD, hard top, and the supercharged 2ZZ-GE. Which would walk all over your Audi RS6.
and that leaves me with a few grand for fuel, tires, upgrades, or whatever I want to do with it!
It all depends on what you consider important in an automobile. For me, it’s performance and driver involvement, as well as the “sleeper” factor.
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:57 pm
I feel you’re missing the point: it isn’t about who makes the *cheapest* luxury car or even the one with the most horsepower — when you’re into luxury cars its who makes the most luxurious, classy luxury car. The one that feels like it’s made of quality materials. Ford sure doesn’t. Lotus interior? barf. That sure sounds posh. Why even bring them into this comparison? They have nothing in common with a Taurus SHO or an A6 except that they all have wheels.
My whole point with all of this is that Ford needs to perhaps make a relevant comparison of its vehicles. Compare with other large American cars. No one considering an A6 is suddenly going to buy a Taurus SHO.
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:24 pm
I don’t know about that last point, Aaron. Personally, I find the A6 to be somewhat mundane and forgettable with regard to the rest of the Audi lineup. The A4 evolves into S4 and RS4 variants over here, which provide a wealth of luxury and performance, while the A6 and S6 seem to be almost large enough that, well, why not just buy the A8 and call it a day.
Given the scarcity of A6s (I’ve only seen maybe 2 or 3 in the greater Phoenix metro, one of which was a cash for clunkers trade stashed behind a dealership), I would argue that it’s not the best car for a SHO comparison, but mostly because it’s not so widely known.
There’s a disconnect with this commercial. I’m not saying a Ford is on par with Audi in terms of interior appointment. After all, Audi gets a lot of the same interior bits as Lamborghini! Just too bad most of that comes from the VW parts bin. (zing!)
What strikes me as odd about this commercial, thanks to your comments today, is that they chose to line the SHO up against a lesser known, big Audi. Why not compare it to the darling of the automotive sycophant universe, the Chevy Malibu? I’m still scratching my head over that one.
In the end, I think a more reasonable Ford:Audi comparo would have pitted the SHO against the S4. The RS4 is, by any definition, a step beyond top-of-the-line. Maybe, if Ford brings a Taurus SHO-R or something to market, it would be worth considering, but since it’s not made the step of compromising comfort for ultimate power, I’d say it’s more on par with the S4.
Now, the S4, without any optional extras, comes in at $46K and runs with 333 pairs of scissors. The SHO will set you back $38K and packs 263 glue sticks (which we all know are a pleasant, if not unhealthy, snack before nap time).
In that situation, the S4 walks all over the SHO, but are those 80 some odd horsepower and a modicum of improved interior appointment worth the additional eight large? And, just ’cause we’re talking about the A4 range, here, is the standard A4, which starts at $32K with 211hp ($6K and 51hp less than the SHO) a better value than the SHO? Would it be fair to compare a base A4 to a SHO?
There is no right answer here. We’re just gearheads talking shop.
September 24th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
As usual, Brian gets it. It’s not apples to oranges, it’s not valid, it’s just ad-speak. I still love the SHO, you (Aaron) still love the A6, and Brian still would take a Galant VR-4 over both.
September 24th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
LOL! I don’t know what all this EcoBoost nonsense is. My 17 year old Mitsubishi has a turbo four making over 200hp, leather interior, power everything and all wheel drive! Next thing you know, someone’s going to be prattling on and on about how brilliant they are for installing four wheel steering on a model. Oh teh roffles.
October 11th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Well, I would hope the extra $20k for the Audi resulted in a better trim line, because the extra $20k isn’t showing up in performance or fuel economy!
Apart from giving power and performance and fuel economy at a lower price, people drawn to the status of an Audi normally wouldn’t be driving a Ford. If anything, they’d pick the VW Passat.
The Ad is therefore intended to remind a potential Ford customer and not an Audi customer, for the price of the Taurus SHO Ecoboost your investment will keep pace with the Prada wearing snob one lane over. And, when push comes to shove, you can leave him behind if not for one simple fact, he’ll have to stop for fuel sooner. But he’ll be sooo much more refined standing next to the gas pump.
October 12th, 2009 at 6:24 am
I would pick a Chevy Malibu a thousand times over a Ford Taurus. SHO or not I can’t believe that it’s a good car. It took “super high output” to make the Taurus go faster than a fart? So what – it’s still a Ford.
October 12th, 2009 at 7:58 am
Calling bullshit on this is absolutely correct. They should try comparing this to Audi’s 2010 s4 supercharge 3.0l fsi with a manual speed time of 4.9 0-60 and a automatic time of 5.3 which destroys the new sho.
Ford bad comparison on your part, nice job on trying to hype up maybe the last efforts of this company. You will fool the somewhat car enthusiast that only likes fords and chevys but to real car enthusiasts this holds down your place in what we think is a joke.
October 13th, 2009 at 12:58 am
I like what ford is trying to do. They (being all the american car manufactures) just need to work on tuning the chassis. there is no excuse for $30 shocks on a new car that costs $35000. make me some bilstiens standard and stiffen up those springs, and make the rest of the chassis capable of handing this stuff and i’ll go back to american cars. I think the american drivetrains are actually superior in alot of ways. oh yeah, and i’d like to keep my rear wheel drive also.
October 13th, 2009 at 4:12 am
Yeah ill go along with Audi making a more superior car but, that’s not what Fords trying to get across. Their trying to say they can bust on the Audi going down the road and lets face it getting passed by the Ford SHO would be a bit embarassing to Audi after the $60 grand or so. Ive been to Germany and England. Most of them live in little houses with little TV’s and Tax’s out the wing wang. They probably cant afford their own cars….? Weve been to the moon and back long ago. If the United States wanted to kick everyone in the ass building super cars….They could…but, they want you to afford them…….Chevy could probably put 2000 hp in a vette and eat a bugatti for breakfast if they wanted to. Im not going to crack on our cars cause I want to maybe cause I might have to.
October 13th, 2009 at 4:32 am
Here’s one 5 F-22 Raptors could probably shoot down the entire German Air Force………but there cars are great I agree. The SR 71 retired years ago still holds speed records set decades ago, American again. Maybe we should compare nuclear submarines…..oh they dont have any…?
Giant Aircraft Cariers worth more than the whole German economy……? Space shuttles or electronic warfare satelites etc etc…….the list goes on and on. I guess they can throw some money into their cars. If we want them we can have them. I keep thinking of a Bugatti on a drag strip ie NHRA……..By the time the Bugatti hits 55 mph the Funny cars shoots out at a quarter mile going ove 300. Oh well
October 14th, 2009 at 7:10 am
i was just about to say that bill…you beat me to it. if ford wants to do the whole ‘we have a smaller engine and we’re faster thing’ well the new s4 is half a liter smaller and faster (3.0L vs 3.5L). boost is 11.6 psi in the audi, 12 psi in the sho. that 4.2L V8 is 10 years old so what ford is really saying is ‘our engine is a little better than an audi V8 ten years ago!!’
and they very well could have used the current s4 which is cheaper than the a6 with the same engine and half a second quicker to 60….so much for your ‘unafraid to make direct comparisons with the competition is a bold thing to do’ statement. because they didn’t. the a6 is more of a luxury grocery getter than any kind of sports sedan.
October 14th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Hey guys! Did anybody check Audi & Ford websites for perfomance data?
So I was surprised that 0-60MPH Audi A6 4.2FSI is 5.6sec,but Ford instead to post real truth shows only this “bullshit” video!Later on I found only on independent web-sites perfomance data for Taurus SHO – 6.0sec! So, where the truth? Hate Ford!
October 14th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
“Now, the S4, without any optional extras, comes in at $46K and runs with 333 pairs of scissors. The SHO will set you back $38K and packs 263 glue sticks (which we all know are a pleasant, if not unhealthy, snack before nap time).”
ummm the SHO has 365hp not 283
October 25th, 2009 at 12:53 am
This video is biaised and done by FORD. First of all, the 4.2 V8 A6 does 0-62mph in only 5.8 seconds and the 3.0 V6 Supercharged A6 does it in 6.0secs flat while they say the V8 Audi does it in 6.9secs, hahahaa. They should have compared the 3liters V6 supercharged A6 against the twin turbo V6 3.5liters Taurus, the V6T cost less than the 4.2 and gets better gas mileage… anyway this video is plain crap made by americans(FORD) and does not show the truth. The fact is that the Audi is faster, better made and more luxurious than the FORD and does have a better AWD system… You just cant compare the two.
October 25th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
yes max, except when you do compare the two, you’ll find that under the same circumstances the SHO Taurus is faster than the A6 4.2. The numbers you’re quoting are manufacturer’s suggest performance figures; it appears that this test was done at the same time under the same environmental conditions. This becomes important when you factor in things like elevation, humidity, temperature – for instance, if Ford shot this at high altitude, of course the A6 was going to lose since it isn’t turbocharged and is oxygen-deprived, while the Taurus is busy compressing air to make more power.
So the A6 4.2 does it in 5.8? Cool. Jalopnik timed a new SHO at 5.2 seconds to sixty, if we’re going to qoute random irrelevant numbers.
And it seems that all the Audi fanboys are missing the point: the Taurus is faster (which I don’t really think is debatable) and it’s about half the price (which isn’t debatable.) Which has ALWAYS been the point of the SHO, since it’s inception in 1989. But since you’re an Audi fanboy, I guess I’m not surprised you don’t get that.
October 25th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
They should have compared the 3l supercharged V6 against the SHO, it’s more comparable since they both have forced injection V6. Anyway this video is plain shit and does not show reality. Say whatever you want, FORD will never be Audi and the luxury of these 2 cars arent comparable either.
October 25th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
and they’re not meant to be; Ford isn’t saying A6 buyers should get an SHO, they’re saying A6 buyers are gonna get smoked by SHO’s. The “luxury” qoutient is hardly relevant. You still don’t get the point of the ad – it’s not comparing which has a softer dashboard or better-smelling leather or a higher-resolution LCD screen. They’re comparing the A6 4.2 and the SHO in 0-60 acceleration. Ford made this ad to emphasize how fast the SHO is, not how nice it is.
(although the inside of the SHO is surprisingly nice.)
I agree, the 3.0T A6 would be a better comparison. But whatever.
October 25th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
The 50 years old woman that drives an A6 just dont give a shit about ” ah the Taurus is faster than my Audi ” The SHO is meant to be a fast car on a straight line, even if it’s crap during slalom, track or braking test. They are comparing the acceleration on a straight line of a 360HP car supposed to be ”fast” so why not compare the acceleration of an S4 or S6 ? Because it’s more expensive ? lol.. yes because it’s more luxurious too. If you want a fast car, you dont buy a Taurus.
October 25th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
The 60 year old woman in the A6 isn’t going to be even remotely interested in how the A6 compares to the SHO. The 60 year old man might not either. Now, the 50 year old guy, well, if he’s interested in performance, he’s probably going to be driving an M5 and therefore not interested in the A6 either.
Audis are brilliant cars. They really are. The trouble is, they’re finicky when it comes to maintenance. Good friend of mine always took his one-owner, dealer maintained 2005 A4 to the dealer for service. One day, he took it in for an oil change and they suggested a basic tune up where they would replace the spark plugs, air filter, and cabin pollen filter. It was only $300 for that 30 minute job with $40 worth of parts. Then they said he should replace the timing belt 10,000 miles before the interval because “it could go at any time.” This service was *only* $1800. He passed on these services and just got the oil change.
They called him that afternoon to let him know the oil change was done, but said one of the motor mounts was leaking, there was a slight vacuum leak at the intake manifold and some other random little issue they wanted to bring to his attention. It was *only* going to run him $2600 to have them “take care of it” and was he interested before they had the car detailed as part of his conveniently priced, $100 oil change. he passed. $4400 for “basic” maintenance of wear and tear items.
My friend bought an M3 within a month. It’s pretty sick.
Anyway, the thing about the new Fords is that they’re including an EcoBoost powerplant in the options for just about every new vehicle they’re offering. Forced induction on a factory direct-injected vehicle serves as a solid foundation for a strong, enthusiast-centric aftermarket. That’s a solid move and one not being matched by many other marques.
Granted, the Audis have been somewhat mod-friendly for some time, but they very quickly get to the point where a handful of BPUs result in massive engine failures, weeping, and gnashing of teeth. For some, money is no object and they can live with spending three times the money to hop up their essentially over priced Volkswagen. These people have no trouble spending $10,000 on a turbo/exhaust upgrade that might run the SHO owner less than $5K, blowing the mill straight to hell and then rebuilding the whole deal for another five figures, but Ford is posturing in such a way as to capture market share, which is worth mentioning.
The A6 is a mid-range Audi. It’s not the uber-badass RS4 and it’s not the stunning A8 either. It’s in between. Audi might not have to worry about the small number of people who will consider the Ford over their offerings, but Ford is going to be growing market share with this model. You can expect to see SHOs popping up in the tuner community very soon. The factory fuel system can handle just about any turbo upgrade thrown at it without flinching. I see no reason why a $100 manual boost controller wouldn’t have an otherwise stock SHO realizing an additional 50whp.
It’s pretty much pointless to continue to debate “which is better” as if it’s some sort of decision that could be reached with authority. Of course, if we want to talk shit about how Ford’s “EcoBoost” name is stupid, we could always compare that to the new Audi 3.0T, which isn’t “T” at all…
October 25th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Why buy a 49k Taurus SHO when you can get a 2010 S4 for 52k that will rape the Taurus SHO in the ass (price in canadian dollars)? Or why not buy a G37x that will also kill the Taurus SHO for less money? Do you realize that only americans will buy that ford ? No one wants that car other than in the US.
October 26th, 2009 at 12:17 am
2010 Ford Taurus SHO: Starting at $37,995.
2010 Audi S4: Starting at $45,900
$7000 more expensive to start.
2010 Audi S4:
keep basic “Premium Plus” 3.0TFSI and 6-spd manual, add carbon fiber dash trim, basic navigation, 19″ wheels, sport package rear diff, B&O sound system – $52,575 MSRP.
2010 Ford Taurus SHO:
comes with 6-spd trans, comes with fancy dash trim, comes with in-dash navigation, comes with “premium” Sony sound system, comes with AWD, add a power moonroof – $41,485
Still $4000 less than the entry level S4. Almost $11,000 less than the lightly upgraded S4.
SHO will cost less to register, since it’s priced less.
SHO will cost less to insure, since it’s less expensive to replace or repair.
SHO share a lot of design elements with the European Ford’s Kinetic Design. It looks fairly similar to the Mondeo, which was widely popular over there. I don’t think that only Americans will buy this Ford unless they only sell it in America. The larger Ford sedans have long been very popular in Europe. Europe had the badass MkII Escorts and the Sierra Cosworth, with it’s turbocharged mill is still very widely respected over there. Europeans have been enjoying the best Ford has to offer for decades. If they get this, they will buy it.
Then again, given the high price of fuel over there, maybe they’ll just get the Fiesta. Would you like to debate which is better: Fiesta or A3? That would be a tough one for me, as I think the A3 TDI is a real Prius killer (and I think a lot of us gearheads can get behind that idea).
November 27th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
just take the pontiac g8,compare to taurus,,,sho..
April 1st, 2010 at 1:10 am
I am sorry but this comparison makes no sense…
It should be, like most people have said,
2010 Taurus SHO vs 2010 Audi S4… just makes more sense to me.
Would be nice to see a drag race and quarter mile, and slalom with those two… actually, I think they should do it!
April 1st, 2010 at 1:13 am
… I understand that they are trying to do the comparison saying the Ford Ecoboost V6 can beat a V8…
but come on!
Nobody would compare these two cars in reality so why on earth do it here?