All-new Ford Taurus set to bow in 2009

Gerry Malloy

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Ford CEO Alan Mulally says a new Taurus is in the works and it will be unveiled in 2009, probably as a 2010 model.

Ford let the Taurus nameplate – a best-seller at one time – die in 2006, after building out the previous model primarily for sale as a rental car. But after joining Ford from Boeing, Mulally revived it for the 2008 model year, by renaming what had previously been called the Five Hundred.

"The new Taurus is the one we should have made originally," Mulally told attendees at an industry conference in Detroit.

He wouldn't give further details, but other sources suggest that it will entail a complete redesign of the current model, although it will be based on the same (Volvo S80-derived) platform.

As well as new exterior sheet metal and a new interior, it is expected to offer reduced fuel consumption and improved performance. Ford's recently announced EcoBoost engine technology, combining turbocharging with direct injection, is a likely option.

SUBARU ANTES UP RALLY REWARDS

Subsequent to Mitsubishi's December announcement that it will provide financial support to help its customers compete in rallies, Subaru Canada has announced parallel enhancements to its long-time contingency program.

Both brands have substantially built their reputations in rallying, and the two are fierce competitors on the rally front, not only in Canada, but around the world. The long-awaited arrival of the Mitsubishi Evolution in the Canadian market is certain to heighten that rivalry.

Although details differ slightly, both will provide financial and parts-and-merchandise support to entrants in the Canadian Association of Rallysport national championship and in the case of Mitsubishi, the Targa Newfoundland.

For its part, Subaru will offer cash rewards to the top six Subaru finishers in every event of the Canadian Rally Championship national series. Payouts range from $1,000 for first place to $500 for sixth.

An additional $100 will be paid to every Subaru that finishes in the top six overall in each of those events. Even those Subaru competitors who don't finish among the top six of the brand will receive $250 for taking part.

Mitsubishi will pay $600 entry money plus a travel subsidy, and will award Mitsubishi teams $1,000, $500 and $250 for finishing first, second or third in class or overall. An end-of-year award program includes a cash prize of $5,000.

Further details will be available at www.carsrally.ca or www.subaru.ca.

RUMBLINGS

BMW has announced pricing for its 2008 1 Series Coupé and Cabriolet models, which will arrive in dealer showrooms on March 22. Starting MSRP for the BMW 128i Coupé will be $33,900, while that for the Cabriolet will be $39,900.

Nissan has lowered the price of the redesigned 2009 Murano, while adding to the value of its standard content. Starting price for the base level S AWD is $37,648 – $1,450 less than its front-wheel-drive counterpart last year. The mid-range SL AWD starts at $39,348, down $1,750 with $2,000 worth of added features, and the top-level LE AWD, starts at $47,498, down $1,100 with over $3,500 in added feature content.

Ford has now started production of the Lincoln Town Car in St. Thomas, Ont., where the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis are built. The Wixom, Mich. plant where the Town Car was previously built was closed last year. Town Car sales will be restricted to fleets.

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