Live from Detroit!: 2010 Taurus is no bull

Ditching the Audi-esque design of the current full-size sedan, Ford has totally redone its Taurus for 2010 with a look that bridges the Blue Oval’s European and U.S. design languages.

The new full-size sedan borrows the platform from the current Lincoln MKS. At first, the familiar 263 hp 3.5L V6 in front- or all-wheel-drive guise will be available. But Ford confirmed today that it would be launching its first EcoBoost engine later this year in the 2010 Ford Flex.

Ford says the twin-turbo, direct-injection mill with 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque will deliver the performance of a small V8 but the economy of a V6. The Lincoln MKS and new MKT full-size, three-row crossover set to debut here tomorrow, will also get this engine.

There have been rumours of a return of a sporty SHO Taurus. Expect the EcoBoost, maybe even with more juice, pop up in that model.

In the U.S., at least, the new 2010 Taurus will start at the same price as today’s models.

Ford also announced it has jumped on the niche electric vehicle bandwagon.

As part of Ford’s strategy to bring EVs, plug-in hybrids and hybrid electric vehicles to market by 2012, a strategic alliance with Canadian auto supplier Magna to make the fully electric drivetrains was confirmed.