Ford Motor Company officials were on hand at the Chicago Assembly Plant today to witness the very first 2008 Taurus's roll off the assembly line. The Ford Taurus model was briefly discontinued in 2006 in favor of the slightly larger Ford 500 and the new Ford Fusion. 

For 2008, however, the well-known Taurus has been reborn.  "I don't know why we invest hundreds of millions of dollars in a name over 20 years and then walk away from it," said Ford CEO Alan Mulally.

The new Ford Taurus has been given a much needed makeover, taking styling elements from both the 500 and Fusion. In line with the rest of the new Ford fleet, the Taurus has a three-bar chrome grille on the front and a slightly more aggressive stance. Under the hood, the Taurus is equipped with a more powerful 260-hp V6 engine, as well as an all-wheel-drive system and ABS.

Ford is hoping the new Taurus can re-establish some of its old market share among mid-size sedans, and help pull Ford out of slumping sales.