抖阴ap

Red again, for the third week, and that’s okay.

The 2013 Ford Taurus SEL all-wheel-drive sedan brought a ruby red metallic shine onto my driveway.

A week previous it was riviera red on the ’13 Lexus GS350 F Sport and immediately preceding that was the deep cherry red ’12 Chrysler 300 Limited AWD four-door.

Red has been a special color for automobiles since the Franklin Light Roadster showed up with that finish in 1903 in Syracuse, N.Y.
The ’13 Taurus has arrived a few months early for the new model year with numerous upgrades, most noticeably a wider front grille and narrower wraparound headlights up front and LED taillights and reshaped spoiler at the rear.

Not so visible, yet promising improved drivability and economy, are engine choices for the full-size ’13.

Twin independent variable camshaft timing has boosted fuel economy and horsepower in the standard 3.5-liter V-6, which was teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission in the model I drove. Horsepower has been increased to 288 from last year’s 263, and fuel economy is up by 2 miles per gallon. EPA estimate for the AWD version is 18/26 (19/29 for rear-drive models); the SEL AWD I drove averaged 23.3 mpg.

Also available will be a high-compression EcoBoost 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder delivering 240 horsepower and highway fuel economy of around 31 mpg. The EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6, which impressed me in an F-150 SuperCrew in December, will be used in the high-performance ’13 Taurus SHO model. It boasts 365 horsepower.

Of the upgrades and the early production schedule, Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas, said, “This evolved Taurus builds on the transformation we achieved in the 2010 model, and delivering so many upgrades so soon further underscores Ford’s leadership and commitment to bringing high-quality, fuel-efficient cars for our customers.”

The Taurus for many years, beginning in 1985, was a strong midsize seller. Three years ago, it was redesigned as a larger sedan with a very high shoulder line to replace the full-size Ford 500. For 2013, the Taurus is 4 inches longer than the Toyota Avalon and 6 longer than the Chrysler 300. With that extra length, the Taurus has created a cavernous, 20-cubic-foot trunk, much more accommodating for travel than either the Avalon’s or 300’s.

The ride comfort of the Taurus is as good as it gets with a 4,200-pounder. The review model lacked navigation, which we could have used last Saturday as we headed (running late, of course) for the home in northern Jefferson County of Marywyn Germaine, then on down to Newcomers West Metro Chapel on South Sheridan Boulevard in Lakewood for the memorial service of longtime friend Tony Huerta. Mary-Jean Huerta, his wife, was a co-worker at the Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post.

A Sony sound system with MP3 connectivity and 8-inch MyTouch display screen (more simplified) are highlights of the interior, which is trimmed with woven aluminum. Bolstered and perforated leather seats are comfortable. Small convex mirrors integrated into the upper outer corner of the sideview mirrors are helpful in overcoming blind-spot traffic alongside.

A rearview camera with reverse sensing system and SYNC voice-activated communications are among options which boosted sticker price of the new Taurus to $35,635. Others included 19-inch painted aluminum wheels, push-button start, adjustable pedals, ambient lighting and heated front seats.

“Automatic high beams” in which headlights are switched to high intensity when no other vehicles are detected, then dimmed for oncoming traffic, are among standard equipment, along with leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise/audio/climate controls, dual-zone climate control, satellite radio and wiper-activated headlamps.

Smooth performance, with adequate power and climbing capability, is delivered by the revised 3.5-liter V-6 and 6-speed automatic transmission. Quick-ratio electric power-assisted steering is responsive, and the torque-sensing all-wheel-drive setup is a plus for the Colorado winters.
In addition to the SEL model, the Taurus is available in a more basic SE and a luxurious Limited version.

Notes from e-mail

Q: Bud, having had both rear park assist (beep) in my ’05 Explorer and camera in my ’09 Pilot, I prefer the beep assist. The first night I had the Explorer, I explored the assist function. It beeped faster, like a Geiger counter, then went solid tone at 18 inches from an obstruction. What I found was I could concentrate on the position of the nose of the Explorer while backing into a spot and hit the mark 90 percent the first time. The camera forces my old eyes to refocus from the nose of the Pilot to the tiny screen in the mirror. I’ll take the beeper every time. – E.L.

A: I’ve long valued your judgment, Ed, though I believe having both systems is ideal. The camera has served me perfectly several times when backing in crowded parking lots following ball games or other gatherings.

2013 Ford Taurus SEL

$35,635

(price as tested)

MPG City 18 Highway 26

Vehicle type: All-wheel-drive full-size sedan

Wheelbase: 112 inches

Length/Width/Height: 202.9/76.2/60.7 inches

Weight: 4,196 pounds

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Fuel mileage: 23.3 mpg

Fuel tank: 19 gallons

Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles basic; 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors: Chrysler 300, Toyota Avalon, Buick LaCrosse

Built at: Chicago

THE STICKER

$30,650 base

$2,300 MyFord touch 8-inch screen, push-button start, rearview camera, power adjustable pedals, 19-inch painted aluminum wheels

$1,495 leather seating

$395 ruby red metallic paint

$795 destination

PLUSES

Nicely finished cabin

Trunk capacity

Comfortable ride

MINUSES

MyTouch puzzles

Heavy weight (4,200 pounds)