The appeal of a performance car that can accommodate four adult passengers in comfort, yet still deliver impressive acceleration, handling and braking, is hard to deny. For decades, the performance sedan segment has been the domain of BMW and Mercedes, with U.S. automakers offering little competition in recent years.

That changes with the introduction of Ford’s new Taurus SHO. Like the original SHO introduced in 1989, the new SHO is a discreet performance car that offers the practicality of four doors–but that’s where the similarities end. The new SHO offers a much higher level of performance than its predecessor, plus all-wheel-drive and a host of technologically advanced features ideally suited to today’s discerning automotive enthusiast.

The SHO was, and has always been about subtlety, with only a handful of tasteful styling cues hinting at the car’s performance potential. H&R Special Springs used its experience in the European markets to expound on the SHO’s message, creating a car that is both impactful and elegant, and as comfortable on the autobahn as it is on an urban commute.

To give the SHO a more commanding presence, H&R Sport Springs were installed. Featuring a progressive rate spring design, H&R Sport Springs lower a vehicle’s stance by 1.5 inches, providing a lower center of gravity and improved handling without compromising ride quality. Complimenting the lowered suspension are a set of 22 x 9-inch OZ Botticelli III three-piece wheels, custom painted in a unique white gold color that keys on the car’s White Platinum finish. The wheels are wrapped in 265/35x22 Continental Extreme Contact DWS tires, which feature a unique tread pattern that makes it possible to exploit the full performance potential of the SHO’s all wheel drive system. Baer DecelaRotor drilled and slotted brake rotors contribute to the car’s all-business appearance, and provide enhanced braking capacity as well as cooler operation.

The SHO’s 365-horsepower EcoBoost 3.5 liter V-6 needs little in the way of a performance improvement–but to augment its performance soundtrack, the stock exhaust was replaced with a Borla Performance stainless steel cat-back exhaust system, and air filtration is now provided by a K&N high performance air filter element.

Of course, no H&R project vehicle would be complete without H&R’s style enhancements, which include color matched lower body panels, Euro hood vents and Street Scene Speed Grilles with integrated Hella LED daytime running lamps. Subtle gray mist “SHO” graphics pay homage to the original SHO’s rear bumper badging. Inside, white leather accents have been paired with a custom white finish on the center console for a cohesive design theme, while MacNeil Automotive floor mats and a European “dead pedal” improve functionality.

The H&R Ford Taurus SHO is an icon of American ingenuity that shows what is possible with a few aftermarket products and a healthy dose of European flair.