It’s no secret that dumping the known Taurus name for Five Hundred was a bad move on Ford’s part when naming their new family sedan. Though not exactly a BMW 3-Series, the Taurus is nonetheless a household name that is associated with Ford. Think about it, when you hear of the word “Taurus” do you think of a mythical bull creature, or Ford’s bread and butter family sedan? Exactly…

For the 2010 model year Ford is bringing back the Taurus nameplate in a car that actually might do something good for that model’s reputation. From what we can gather the next Ford Taurus will be a stunner, looks wise anyways. It will ride on the new version of the D3 platform that already received praise in the Lincoln MKZ.  On top of that it will (finally!!!) ditch the old archaic 3.0-liter Duratec in favor of the company’s new 3.5-liter direct injrction V6.

From the look of these spy shots, we can see a much more modern shape for the next Taurus emerge. Classy, understated, and even, dare I say it, a bit Audi-like in execution. The new Lincoln’s are gorgeous, so at least we know Ford has someone with good design taste working for them and it’s evidence is apparent in the new Taurus. I cant wait to see it fully unwrapped and undisguised. I have a feeling this will be a car that will really bring back Ford’s reputation for building good American cars.

Both Above: Will this be the shape of Ford’s future success???  

Source: Auto Week

Photos: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Co.