The 2011 Ford Taurus SEL is powered by a 3.5-liter Duratec V6 engine (Duratec 35). It pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and was the sole engine option for the SEL that year.
This article explains the engine and its role within the Taurus lineup for 2011, including how it compares to the higher-performance Taurus SHO variant.
Engine specifications and drivetrain
Here's a clear snapshot of the engine and drivetrain details for the 2011 Taurus SEL:
- Engine: 3.5-liter Duratec 35 V6 (263 hp, 249 lb-ft of torque)
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic with SelectShift
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
- Configuration: Naturally aspirated, dual overhead cam (DOHC) with multi-point fuel injection
In summary, these specs indicate that the 2011 Taurus SEL had a single engine option—the 3.5L Duratec V6—paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Taurus SHO, by contrast, used a turbocharged EcoBoost setup for higher performance.
Taurus SHO context
For contrast, the Taurus SHO—a sport-oriented variant—employed a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 delivering around 365 horsepower, illustrating how Ford offered a performance-focused option alongside the SEL’s quieter, more comfort-oriented powertrain.
Summary
In brief, the 2011 Ford Taurus SEL relies on a single engine option: the 3.5-liter Duratec V6 paired with a six-speed automatic. This setup emphasizes smooth, reliable performance for daily driving, while the SHO variant provides substantially more horsepower with a turbocharged EcoBoost engine.