The 2011 Ford Taurus lineup uses two engines depending on trim: a 3.5-liter Duratec V6 for most models and a higher-powered 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 for the Taurus SHO.
In more detail, the Duratec 3.5L is a naturally aspirated V6 producing about 263 horsepower and around 249–251 lb-ft of torque. The EcoBoost 3.5L is a twin-turbocharged V6 delivering about 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, used exclusively on the SHO performance model.
Engine options for the 2011 Taurus
Here is a concise breakdown of the two engine options Ford offered for the 2011 Taurus lineup and which trims used them.
- 3.5-liter Duratec V6 (Duratec 35) – Naturally aspirated V6 with about 263 horsepower and 249–251 lb-ft of torque; used on most non-SHO trims (SE, SEL, Limited).
- 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 – Twin-turbocharged V6 with about 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque; used exclusively on the Taurus SHO performance model.
In practice, Ford offered the Duratec 3.5L as the standard engine for the majority of Taurus models, while the EcoBoost option was reserved for the SHO, delivering substantially higher performance.
Notes on performance and transmission
Both engines were mated to Ford's 6-speed automatic transmission, with the EcoBoost variant pairing power with the Taurus SHO's sport-tuned suspension and chassis for quicker acceleration and stronger pull at higher speeds.
Summary
The 2011 Ford Taurus offered two engine choices: the common 3.5-liter Duratec V6 for most trims and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 for the Taurus SHO, which provided significantly more horsepower and torque for enthusiasts.