DEARBORN, Mich. ??” The Ford Motor Co. confirmed on Tuesday that its 2008 Taurus X , which replaces the Ford Freestyle , will start at $27,365, including a $750 destination charge. The base Taurus X SEL costs $695 more than the outgoing base 2007 Freestyle SEL. The Taurus X will be in showrooms in late summer.

The Taurus X gets a new 3.5-liter V6 that makes 263 horsepower, 60 more than the Freestyle's 203-hp 3.0-liter V6. The automaker has added an Eddie Bauer Series trim level to the Taurus X. The front-wheel-drive version of that midrange trim level will start at $29,720, including shipping. The all-wheel-drive Eddie Bauer edition will start at $31,570. A top-of-the-line Taurus X Limited with all-wheel drive starts at $32,550, including shipping.

Ford said new options on the Taurus X include $240 heated seats, a $475 power liftgate, $695 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, a $195 wood package for the Limited and $995 for a new-generation DVD entertainment system.

A six-speed automatic transmission replaces the Freestyle's continuously variable transmission that is going out of production. The Taurus X also gets a revamped face with Ford's signature three-bar grille that is on such vehicles as the Ford Edge , and a cabin makeover.

At the insistence of Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally, the automaker has resurrected the Taurus nameplate in order to capitalize on what it sees as its positive image.

What this means to you: The price hike on the Taurus X is palatable, given that you get more horses and an updated transmission.

Source: [url=http://blogs.motortrend.com/6208405/car-news/2008-ford-taurus-x-pricing-starts-at-at-27365-report-says/]MotorTrend Magazine[/url]