Celebrity DJ and Customizing Legend Funkmaster Flex Tricks Out 2010 Taurus SHO for SEMA

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ --

• Celebrity DJ and Customizing Legend Funkmaster Flex tricks out 2010 Taurus SHO for 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas
  

• Customized Taurus SHO features Black and Metal Grey Paint Job-tones that actively work to reflect the sophistication of the all-new vehicle
  

• The Taurus SHO returns as the sporty version of Ford's new flagship introducing a new generation of premium performance and fuel economy with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost(TM) V-6. This engine delivers V-8 levels of power -- with an estimated 365 horsepower -- without compromising its V-6 fuel economy
  

• Funkmaster Flex set to host a live chat on customizing and his 2010 Taurus SHO from the SEMA show floor on Wednesday, November 4 at 4:00 p.m. EST. For more details log on to http://www.thefordstory.com/our-plan-progress/funkmaster-flex-hosts-a-chat-live-from-the-sema-show/
  

When Celebrity DJ and Car Customizer Funkmaster Flex speaks, people listen. Whether he's dishing on the latest in Hip-Hop on New York's Hot 97 or inside the walls of his Bronx, New York Garage talking shop on the latest in car culture, again, people listen.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091103/NY04323 )

At this year's SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas, people will again listen and probably take note as Funkmaster Flex debuts his customized version of the all-new 2010 Taurus SHO.

"Here's a vehicle that has so much history and stands on its own in terms of design and attitude," said Funkmaster Flex. "It's definitely different from anything that I've ever done before. It's much more subdued and doesn't scream at you in terms of its paint job and overall effect. I really took a vehicle that already had everything in terms of its styling and design and gave it a real stealth-like feel."

Earl Lucas, designer of the all-new 2010 Taurus SHO knew exactly what Funkmaster Flex wanted to convey when he met with him in the Bronx during the initial design consultation.

"Flex wanted to put his spin on the vehicle while keeping the Taurus's history and sophistication in mind. What we always strived for when designing the Taurus was something timeless, something for the mature buyer. Flex was able to take that inspiration and customize it in a way that was both timeless and mature," said Lucas.

The exterior of the vehicle features a two-tone black and metal grey paint job complete with custom 22-inch wheels and Pirelli tires. The vehicle was also lowered with a HR spring kit and a Billet Grille and custom door handles were added.

In addition, the vehicle features a one-off front spoiler and rear window wing. All of the rims and the trim in the vehicle were finished in brushed black chrome. The interior was left the same with the exception of adding a black suede headliner and the signature FMF logos on the headrests.

"Flex really created a design that veered away from what we traditionally expect from him," said Lucas. "He is amazing in what he does and what he ultimately did to this vehicle. Anytime we get a chance to work with Flex it's a big thrill because of the perspective he brings. When you get a chance to work with someone who has perspective on what's new, what's hot and what's now, it's great."

The allure of "the sleeper" sedan
Introduced in 1989, Taurus SHO was conceived as a discreet performance-oriented sports sedan, ideally suited to the automotive enthusiast needing the room and capability of a four-door full-size car. Known and loved for its high performance and unassuming exterior, Ford Taurus SHO was launched in limited production through 1999, with more than 100,000 were sold.

Traditional American high-performance cars shouted their intentions with racing stripes, hood scoops and raised white letter tire sidewalls. Taurus SHO was understated, stealth.

The original Taurus SHO generated a loyal following of owners and enthusiasts, with an active club more than 1,000 members strong, an online forum with more than 10,000 registered users and a Web site (bringbackthesho.com) specifically devoted to convincing Ford to resurrect the SHO. The 2010 Taurus product development team spent significant time listening to SHO enthusiasts.

2010 Taurus SHO off to a strong start
Launched this past summer, the all-new Taurus including the Taurus SHO is off to a strong start and even bucked the industry trend in September with sales 60 percent higher than a year ago.

The Taurus debuted to rave reviews from the automotive press, and early customer demand validates the critical acclaim. Customers are especially interested in the Taurus SHO, achieving higher-than-expected take rates of 20 percent of the overall Taurus mix.

The foundation of the new 2010 Taurus SHO is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine. This advanced powerplant generates an estimated 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,500 rpm, resulting in significantly improved power, torque and fuel economy compared with larger, normally aspirated engines. This also is Ford's most powerful EcoBoost engine.

A key element of the authentic SHO formula is the subtlety of its unique exterior design cues.
Features include sporty premium painted wheels, wrapped in standard low-profile 19-inch Goodyear Eagle or optional 20-inch Michelin high-performance tires, a decklid-mounted spoiler and twin chrome exhaust tips.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.