Shanghai, 19 April 2015: Introducing a new premium sedan for discerning Chinese business customers, Ford today unveiled the new Ford Taurus at a special event in Shanghai. Designed especially to meet the needs of the Chinese market, the vehicle brings the historic Taurus nameplate to China for the first time.
“The Ford Taurus we’re introducing today shows the amazing strength and flexibility of our One Ford plan,” said John Lawler, chairman and CEO, Ford China. “It combines the best of our global product development and large-car expertise with a clear understanding of what Chinese customers in this segment want.”
Ford made full use of its global design and development resources to create the Taurus. Early in the design process, designers and engineers from around the world immersed themselves in China to gain a deeper understanding of the market and key cultural factors influencing design and vehicle preferences. In-depth research of target customers – accomplished, respected professionals – helped to fine-tune design and engineering targets to create an exceptional new vehicle.
“The Ford Taurus was created for highly sophisticated consumers in China who need an equally sophisticated vehicle for both business and personal use,” said Marin Burela, president, Changan Ford Automobile Co. “With a powerful, confident and inviting design, a spacious and elegant interior, impeccable craftsmanship, compelling performance and advanced technology, the Ford Taurus makes no compromises as an innovative flagship sedan.”
In creating the new Taurus, Ford designers crafted an exterior conveying balance, harmony and a sense of confidence.
At the front of the vehicle, a shield-like, clipped trapezoidal five-bar grille is positioned prominently and flanked by slender, modern headlamps with signature daytime running lights and LED projector lamp technology. Chrome rings house supplemental LED driving lights.
In silhouette, a powerful hood profile and planted architecture give the Taurus a sense of solidity and harmony. Designers elevated the exterior with fine details on the sides, including upswept highlight trim on the doors. Polished 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels help to give a bold and premium stance.
At the rear of the vehicle, multi-piece LED tail lights incorporate a distinctive signature appearance. A bright chrome bar connecting the tail lights highlights the vehicle’s width for a sense of understated athleticism. Integrated chrome exhaust tips complete the rear and offer another discreet hint at performance.
“We wanted to create a vehicle that displays a maturity of design with balanced and harmonious proportions, tailored to the business customer in China,” said Todd Willing, Asia Pacific Design Director and exterior designer for the Ford Taurus. “Our aim was to create a vehicle that is elegant, inviting and quietly confident.”
The sense of balance and harmony continues inside with a clean, modern cabin that makes use of smart design and strong horizontal elements for an airy, spacious feel. Above the passengers, a full panoramic sunroof allows more natural light to enter the cabin and adds to a sense of elegance and openness.
Powered by Ford’s new high-output, twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, the Taurus has the effortless power to match its elegant appearance. Drawing from the best of the Ford EcoBoost engine family, this new world-class engine delivers power in a stronger, smarter package. Lightweight materials and advanced controls help the engine to set a new standard for power density and efficiency.
“Beautiful design, craftsmanship, refinement, comfort and power help the Taurus to rise above the typical large sedan, but they are only part of the story,” said Burela. “We look forward to sharing more about our new premium business sedan over the months ahead.”
