The "sleeper" sports sedan is a special breed of automobile.

The undercover agent of the auto world, it looks, works and lives what appears to be an ordinary life . . . until called into action!

The new Ford Taurus is an award-winning full-sized family sedan. The Ford Taurus SHO, the focus of this review, looks the same and can do all the things a conventional Taurus can do, yet it's a high-performance double agent.

Possibly the most innovative sedan Ford has ever brought to the market, Taurus offers an impressive selection of new high-tech features, some of which are not even available on much pricier vehicles. An outstanding passenger-protection system is also combined with style, performance and a high degree of comfort.

The original Taurus SHO (Super High Output) was introduced back in 1989 and power came from a high-revving (220-horsepower, twin-overhead camshaft) Yamaha built V-6 engine. It only came with a manual transmission, was a hoot to drive and it's still treasured by Ford purists.

A second generation followed in '92 with an optional automatic transmission and a specially (de-tuned) version of the V-6. The downward trend continued when a forgettable V-8 powered third (and last) generation SHO was introduced about 10 years ago. The least said about this car the better.

The new Taurus SHO is a comeback car for Ford that captures the spirit of the '89 car. Power is provided by a new Ford-built EcoBoost V-6 engine that also answers the fuel-efficiency and environmental concerns of today's car buyer.

The 3.5-litre direct-injection, twin-turbocharged V-6 is the largest and most powerful of Ford's new family of EcoBoost engines. It can generate 365 h.p. at 5,500 r.p.m. and 350 foot-pounds of torque is available from 1,500 to 5,250 r.p.m.

In addition to impressive power and a broad torque band, this EcoBoost engine also provides excellent fuel economy when compared to normally aspirated engines of a similar power. City fuel economy is rated at 12.3 litres/100 kilometres and on the highway it can get 8.0 l/100 km.

The base 3.5-litre Duratec V-6 offers a maximum of 263 h.p. and 249 foot-pounds of torque, which is more than adequate for this size of vehicle. In the entry level front-drive Taurus, fuel economy is a little better at 11.6 l/100 km in the city and 7.2 l/100 km on the highway. Add all-wheel drive and fuel consumption is the same.

The SHO comes with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and just about every option, except for navigation and active cruise control packages. It also has a special sport-tuned suspension with unique shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars, strut mount bushings and a 20-inch wheel and tire package.

A quicker and more direct electric (instead of hydraulic) power assisted steering system plus an upgraded four-wheel disc brake system are both standard. There's a Sport Mode setting for the standard AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control and a shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio helps provide even crisper acceleration.

The lengthy list of standard SHO equipment includes the SYNC voice-activated communications system (which now includes turn-by-turn route guidance), intelligent (door frame keypad) access and push-button start, dual-electronic climate control, MyKey (parental security), automatic high beams/rain sensing windshield wipers, auto-dimming interior and driver's side mirrors, a Sony audio system, BLIS blind spot information system with Cross Traffic Alert and a rear view camera.

Taurus comes in SE, SEL and Limited editions in addition to SHO. The base price is $28,949 and SHO starts at $48,199. My test SHO came with the Navi and Active Cruise packages and a $53,749 price tag.

The looks

Somewhat conservative yet an elegant and attractive design, the new Taurus should be a good fit with its target market, the mature buyer and business person. Apart from some discreet badges, the big wheels and rear spoiler are the most visible signs that it's the SHO.

The inside

Distinguishing features inside include leather-trimmed seats with Miko (made from recycled materials) suede inserts, a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10-way power seats, aluminum gas and brake pedals (adjustable), real aluminum trim, and there's SHO branding on the floor mats and dash panel.

The leather seats look good, accommodate a full-size frame and they have both heating and cooling features. The rear seats also come with heaters, leg room in both the front and back is good and the trunk is huge. It's a car that would be great to take on a long drive.

Safety

The 2010 Taurus has an advanced crash safety structure that recently earned it a U.S. government five-star rating in front and side crash tests. It has also earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick ranking.

Advanced collision avoidance technologies include a radar-enabled advanced collision warning system and an optional active cruise control system. A unique Cross Traffic Alert system warns a driver of rear crisscross traffic that is useful when backing out of a parking stall or a restricted-vision driveway.

Included with the Adaptive Cruise Control option package is a new radar-based forward collision warning system that helps a driver avoid accidents. It detects moving vehicles ahead and provides a visual "heads-up" warning signal and an audible warning when there's a collision risk with slower-moving traffic.

Taurus also features faster acting side air bags that use pressure pulse sensors inside the front doors and deploy up to 30 percent faster than traditional air bags.

The drive

Other than the steering wheel mounted shifter paddles, no big surprises inside the comfortable cabin. Adjustable pedals (gas and brake) help make it easier and safer (distance from air bag) for shorter legged drivers to find a comfortable position.

Modern automatics like the six-speed SelectShift in the SHO are on par with a manual transmission in terms of fuel economy and driver enjoyment. Either steering wheel paddle allows both up down shifts without taking a hand off the wheel -- a clever design. Paddle use, however, does not override auto and first requires a floor lever shift to a manual position.

Power and acceleration are smooth, easy and very impressive. The low-speed engine power, particularly on a steep hill, makes it feel like there's a much larger engine under the hood. The turbo boost action is hardly noticeable.

For a big and fairly heavy vehicle, the SHO's handling is exceptional. It tracks beautifully and is very stable on the highway. The suspension is firmer than the base Taurus, yet it doesn't detract from ride comfort at highway speeds.

The score

A covert sports sedan, the full-sized Ford Taurus SHO is a big high-performer.

The specs

2010 Ford Taurus SHO

Trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited and SHO

Sticker price: $28,949 to $48,199

Power (SHO): 3.5-litre V-6, 365 h.p.

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Fuel consumption (SHO): 12.3/8.0 l/100 km (city/highway)

Basic warranty: three years / 60,000 km

Powertrain warranty: five years / 100,000 km

Rust warranty: five years / unlimited km

The Competition

Acura TL: $39,990 to $47,990

Audi A6: $52,900 to $75,900

BMW 5 Series: $56,100 to $80,300

Cadillac CTS: $40,650 to $51,405

Dodge Charger: $29,645 to $47,145

Hyundai Genesis: $37,995 to $48,995

Infiniti M35: $54,900 to $55,200

Lexus GS350: $52,450 to $54,450

Mercedes-Benz C-Class: $35,800 to $63,500

Volvo S80: $44,995 to $69,995