2011 Taurus SHO

Well, I did it yesterday. I traded in my 2007 Infiniti G35s (which I have babied for the past 3 years) for a 2011 SHO. This is one BIG car. The length and width is larger than my Mercury Mountaineer! Since the car has the Sport Package the ride isn't much different than the G35s, but it is much quieter. I think that quietness contributes to the feel of going slower than it is. The SHO doesn't feel as fast as the G35s (magazine performance numbers show they are very close 0-60mph) but I think it's because the SHO is so much quieter and, dare I say, more refined.

I didn't think I'd ever get rid of the Infiniti, but after driving the new SHO (I've always been a SHO fan) I realized I wouldn't be satisfied until I got one. They've really made the new Taurus a nice car, and the quality seems easily on par with the Infiniti from my so far limited exposure.

-Rod

guess you will have to update your engine photo.

nice purchase! Was wondering how those 2 models compare myself. Have driven all the infinity product line but not the new sho. Doesn't the sho have 60 more hp than the g35?

The multi-link suspension on the g35 is great...even in the parking lot.

Did you have any issues with the g35 ?

Hmmm, I thought I did change my avatar. I guess I'll have to try again....

The new SHO is rated 365 HP and 350 ft-lb torque. The G35s is 306 HP, 268 ft-lb torque. The SHO has twin turbos, the G35 is normally aspirated. The G is a lot more punchy off the line and "feels" quicker, but I think that's mostly due to the instant punch of the G versus the slight turbo lag of the SHO, plus the SHO is a lot quieter and has a more refined feel. The G felt like it was going as fast as it was, the SHO feels like it's going slower than it is. The fun factor of the G35 was higher than the SHO, and yes, the suspension handled great. However, with my 2 kids, both still in car seats, the SHO makes more sense.

The newer G37 is around 330 HP and I haven't driven one of those. If I recall correctly, the torque rating of the G37 wasn't much higher than the G35.

The biggest issue I had with my black G35 was the paint softness. If I used anything except the lightest touch and microfiber clothes, it scratched. None of the (several) Ford products I've had have had such sensitive paint. I suspect that's part of what lead Infiniti to market their scratch resistant paint, although I no longer see them advertising it so maybe it wasn't much improved. The only other issue I had with the Infiniti is the nearest dealer to me was 2 hours away, and local Nissan dealers are not allowed to perform the warranty/recall work. The few issues I had with the car were quickly fixed by the dealer once I got the car to them.

-Rod

Keep us informed on how it is doing. I'm in a quandry as to whether I stay family oriented and get the Taurus, or go me, me, me and get a Mustang. Still have an 11 year old at home and two very large dogs, so I'll probably not be able to be selfish.

Bring it down to show our Police department. I can drive it if you want. :evillol::evillol:Want to see the Interceptor when it is tested this fall. Should be close to the SHO. I guess we are paying you too much. Pay cut is in your future.

Yeah, I heard the SHO powertrain will be an option for the Interceptors. I'm glad Ford is finally sharing the SHO drivetrain with other products. That will help keep SHO costs down and hopefully help the SHO survive, plus will keep parts availability up and experienced technicians more readily available.

The company I work for has been working with the CHP to make an integrated cabin solution for their police cruisers and has received support from Ford. The demonstrator was a SHO-based Interceptor. A friend/co-worker told me about it but we weren't allowed to say anything at the time due to Ford restrictions. Now that they've publicly announced their plans for the Interceptor it's old news.

-Rod