click above image for the complete high-res gallery of the 2008 Ford Taurus X

Ford has announced that the new 2008 Taurus X crossover will carrry a $27,364 base price, including destination charges, when it arrives on dealer lots this summer. The new price a bit more than the $26,670 base price of the current 2007 Freestyle SEL FWD, also including destination charges. While the Taurus X may cost more, it at least comes with a few upgrades to make the additional dineros worth it. For one, you get a shiny chrome badge that says "Taurus" on the back to replace the fugly "Freestyle" badge on current models. If that's not worth the extra cost of admission, Ford has also added its new 263-hp 3.5L V6 to the Taurus X, replacing the underpowered 3.0L V6 in the Freestyle its replacing. Plus, the Taurus X has dropped the Freestyle's CVT transmission, instead gaining a six-speed automatic to handle the new engine's extra ponies. Finally, the new Taurus X just looks more interesting than the current Freestyle with the corporate three-bar grille, new taillights and an updated interior. Honestly, we feel the Taurus X is a better bargain than the current Freestyle, and expect its sales number to either hold steady or grow depending on whether or not Ford decides to actually back up the vehicle with some marketing this time.

[Source: Automotive News]

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