2017 Ford Taurus

Large sedans are still a hit in China, a fact that Ford has really paid a great deal of attention to. The automaker unveiled the 2017 Ford Taurus during the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show signaling plans for early sales in China for this large sedan.

Ford is targeting a huge class of entrepreneurs and other business people who like to be chauffeured around in a spacious back seat of a conservatively designed sedan. Though the unveiled car was made specifically for the Chinese market, we expect most of the design and other features to carry over to the U.S. model which will be unveiled later in the year.

2017 Ford Taurus Exterior

The 2017 model will retain a host of current Taurus design cues including it bulky dimensions. Overall, the new Volvo will adopt a lighter platform that goes by the name CD4 as opposed to the heavier underpinnings in the current model’s D4 platform. The front features a unique Ford Taurus SHO grille flanked by HID headlights. The front bumper will be integrated with a strip of daytime running lights, a norm we have seen in other Ford models.

At the rear fascia, the Taurus will feature LED taillights and a chrome bar running between them. The vehicle will also feature a sports deck-lid-mounted spoiler and a dual-tipped exhaust system with chrome finish.

2017 Ford Taurus Interior

Once inside the cabin, one will be attracted to the new large LCD screen. Both the seats and the dashboard are covered with well stitched leather. The seats are also color-coded while the front seats are remote and electric adjusted. Front seats might also support a lumbar massage function.

There is also a new rotary dial gear selector which has replaced the vertical gear selector on the current model. The new steering wheel features paddle shifters which will come in handy during sporty driving adventures. Other features include 4G LTE mobile connectivity, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control, Smartphone and tablet integration, a Sony audio system, a rear view camera, traffic alert and a wireless charging technology.

The Taurus will also feature an array of driving aides and a full package of airbags for enhanced safety of passengers.

Engine Specs and Performance

The 2017 Ford Taurus unveiled in China is powered by a 2.7 L EcoBoost V6 engine which has been adopted from the F-150 pickup. This power-train produces 325 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque.

The automaker might also decide to retain the 3.5 L naturally aspirated V6 engine that produces 240 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. Also, the auto maker might retain the standard unit in the predecessor model which was a 2.0 L V6 engine that produces 240 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. This unit powers the car from 0-60 mph in only 6 seconds and has a fuel economy of 20 mpg for city and 30 mpg on highway.

However, we find this engine to be a bit overburdened by the vehicle’s mass. All engines will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission system. There are rumors that the American version of the car will come with a 9-speed transmission system.

Price and release date

Production in China will commence before the end of the year with sales following in the first half of 2016. The U.S. model will be released before the end of the year with sales likely to commence in the second half of 2016.The starting MSRP price for the base model will be around $ 35,000, though the automaker has not released official details yet.

Competition:

Rivals for the 2017 Ford Taurus will be the Chevrolet Impala, Nissan Maxima and Hyundai Azera.