Ford has officially revealed the new version of the
Chinese-market Taurus, which underwent its scheduled mid-life facelift. Unlike
North America’s model that was axed earlier this year and was based on the
outdated D3 platform, China’s Taurus is built on a stretched version of the
Fusion’s CD4 architecture.
The facelifted Ford Taurus was first seen a couple
of months ago, revealing the subtle design changes that aim to make the
company’s big sedan look more modern and attractive. The new bodywork also made
it a tad longer and wider over its predecessor, but the wheelbase remains the
same as before.
Starting at the front, the new Taurus gets a
redesigned hexagonal front grille, which now features chrome-plated elements,
new headlights with elongated LED turn signals that also act as DRLs and
operate with that impressive ‘flowing’ effect. The biggest change in the rear is
the set of new LED taillights that are now connected via a chrome trim and give
the new Ford Taurus a unique lighting signature. Customers will also get to
choose between new wheel designs that match the updated looks.
For the first time in China, the new Ford Taurus
will be available in the top-of-the-line Vignale trim; exterior differences
include a model-specific front grille, extra chromework, a black-painted roof,
and two-tone exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels.
Ford hasn’t shown the interior of the new Taurus yet
so we don’t know yet what kind of changes were made inside. The same goes for
the engine range, with the facelifted model to be most likely offered with a
pair of 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol units with up to 245 hp. The new Ford Taurus will be
manufactured by the Changan-Ford joint venture, with sales set to begin later
this year.
