LOS ANGELES — The 2011 Ford Mustang will feature an all-new DOHC 3.7-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission — a powertrain team that's expected to deliver an EPA highway fuel economy rating of 30 mpg. A new six-speed manual will also be available, along with a new V6 performance package.
The all-aluminum DOHC V6 features twin independent variable camshaft timing and delivers 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Ford also has developed a new dual-exhaust system and retuned intake for the engine.
In addition to the 6R60 automatic, the 3.7-liter V6 can be mated to a new six-speed manual gearbox with short-throw shifter. The projected EPA city/highway ratings are 18/29 mpg.
Ford continues to tweak other aspects of the Mustang. For 2011, the car gets a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller airdam and a rear deck lid seal, all of which help to smooth airflow.
Ride and handling on the 2011 Mustang have been improved, thanks to revised spring and damper rates, stiffer stabilizer bushings and a new rear lower control arm. A new electric power-assist steering system has been fitted, along with larger four-wheel disc brakes and a limited-slip rear diff.
A new Mustang V6 Performance package, available next August, bundles the firmer suspension from the Mustang GT, 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires, a quicker 3.31 rear axle ratio, recalibrated stability control with Sport mode, and a strut tower brace to stiffen the chassis.
Inside Line says: Ford continues to make the Mustang relevant in an era of uncertain fuel prices, without losing sight of the neo-pony car's primary mission — performance. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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redstang1 says:
10:06 AM, 07/23/2010
I own a Mustang GT and I also think the Challengers are really cool looking cars. There is no way a Challenger can beat my mustang due to the fact my car weighs hundreds of pounds less than a Challenger. The reliability of the Challenger is way below that of the Mustang and I'm sorry, but I only buy american cars and Chrysler is no longer an American owned company. Importdragon should do his homework. First of all you didn't beat a 3.7 liter Mustang because there were none on the road at the time you wrote this article so sorry you don't know. The camaro is so freaken ugly inside and out but I'd take it second over the Challenger. I'd never buy a GM again after what they did to the white collar workers. The new mustang was already ran against the camaro and the challenger and the mustang beat them both. The 4.6 liter mustang will also beat the Challenger with no problem. The 2010 Camaro will beat the stang but they had years to develop the car and their only goal was to have more HP than the mustang. Maybe they should have concentrated on qualiy since the Camaro isn't geting the best rating. The Mustang is ahead of Honda and tied with Toyota in long term reliabilty.
fordpartsguy says:
01:04 PM, 12/18/2009
I didn't preview my remark and made some errors in spelling. That is what I get for posting on the job. The (3) vehicles were Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger. Production and isn't were also incorrectly spelled.
fordpartsguy says:
01:01 PM, 12/18/2009
I have to laugh at some of the comments I see and I rarely respond, but as far as the the one from importdragon78 says "his 4.3 and caddie outrun the Mustang" would be impossible since this 3.7 is an entirely a brand new engine and ins't even in productyion yet. Look at the horsepower rating, the older v6 didn't even have half that. I think you are thinking of Ford's failure 3.8. I think between the 3, (ustang, Camaro, and the Challenger) Ford has them all beat, and without the government's money.
hac_gagt says:
07:22 PM, 12/04/2009
This is gre leap forward for Mustang! A powerful V6 with differant packages gives good performance to people who cant afford the V8 or want cheaper insurance. I will say Challenger does do retro very well but as far as performance both Stang and Camaro blow the doors off it.
penstar says:
08:41 AM, 12/01/2009
So Ford did a good job on the retro look of the Mustang a few years ago, The people I now see driving them are mostly women & there are so many of them now that when I drive by one I just think "oh, a Mustang, how cute & typical". A 3.7 V6, so what? Chevy now has the New Camaro that is pretty ugly if you ask me, to much futuristic corvette lines & from the rear it is even worse, of course none of this matters because all I see is the front of these cars in the rear view mirror of my 2009 Challenger as I blow them away with ease. Sorry but Dodge has done the absolute best job of capturing the retro look with so much power, style & performance that I can't go anywhere without getting stares & complements. Eat your hearts out Mustang & Camaro owners, say what you want about Chrysler Corp. & the bankruptcy thing, give me a Challenger!
importdragon78 says:
07:05 AM, 12/01/2009
Nice, but far as I'm concerned the mustang isn't what it used to be. 3.7...my truck I had had a 4.3 V6..my partner's 93 caddy can outrun the mustang! I should know, he beat a girl trying to race him in hers!
atenza94546 says:
04:56 PM, 11/30/2009
Great!! Ford is closer to the rest of the world's car makers. It would be nice if Ford can reduce a little bit of the weight and size on Mustang. It will be a great competition to Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the upcoming Toyobaru RWD coupe.