Displacing 3.0 L; 182.2 cu in (2,986 cc), it was an iron block, aluminum head 24-valve DOHC engine with an innovative variable length intake manifold.

[11] Power output was still 220 bhp (164 kW; 223 PS), but now at 6000 rpm; this was due to a milder cam setup compared to the more aggressive intake camshaft in the 3.0 L (2,986 cc) version.

"[12][13][14][15][16] In 1993, Ford Canada hand-built 40 Mercury Sables, some of which were powered by SHO V6 engines, as part of their AIV (Aluminum Intensive Vehicle) program and released 20 to the public.

These more aggressive cams, along with a higher torque output have been known to allow the manual transmission-equipped Taurus SHO to run into the low 14s on the 1⁄4 mi (402 m).

[citation needed] In 1990, Chuck Beck of Special Editions and Rick Titus took seven Ford Festivas and mounted 3.0 L (2,986 cc) SHO V6s − still mated to their native transmissions − behind the front seats in mid-rear engine configuration.

Along with substantial cosmetic body changes, including custom fiberglass wheel arches to accommodate a wider stance and larger tires, the suspension was completely redesigned.