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

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-ch
at-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.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company

Michelle Matthews, +1-313-585-4060, mmatth64@ford.com