DEARBORN, MI – From a customer perspective, interior quietness is often associated with overall vehicle quality. With that in mind, the Taurus team set out to deliver an interior quietness package that rivals many luxury cars. “The Taurus is now a leader in that regard," said Paul Larkins, Ford manager of Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH). "We continue to examine every possible way to reduce road and wind noise, as well as structure-borne noise inside the cabin, so that the human ear can easily and comfortably hear speech." The new Taurus sound package includes the use of a sound-deadening material, called Sonosorb, in the doors, headliner, and pillars that improve the vehicle's sound-deadening efficiency by 20 percent, according to Ford. Even the new climate control system is quieter than before. “Nearly every part of the heating and cooling system was changed,” said Ben Winter, 2008 Taurus lead engineer. “When the fan is on maximum, the new climate control system is 50 percent quieter than the outgoing model and delivers improved performance.” With the introduction of Ford's new 3.5L Duratec 35 V-6 to the Taurus, one of the most significant changes is how the engine is mounted to the vehicle. Previously mounted to the front subframe, the engine and transmission on the 2008 Taurus are bolted to the body with hydraulic mounts to reduce vibration. By moving the roughly 600-lb. power pack off the subframe, engineers were able to better tune the suspension and, ultimately, create an even better ride. To combat wind noise, side mirrors were made smaller and given a more aerodynamic shape for less turbulence. The team was also able to reduce vibration by reshaping the area under the rear window – called the rear package shelf – and stiffening the area where the shelf meets the floor. Similar sound packages have been applied to the 2008 models of the Ford Taurus X, Escape, and Focus, Mercury Sable and Mariner, and the 2007 Ford Expedition.

Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas, attended the launch of the new 2008 Ford Taurus at the Chicago Auto Show. The new Taurus will replace the full-size Ford Five Hundred sedan.