2011 Ford Mustang V-6
by Jim Prueter -05/2010

New Mustang V-6 ups the power, mileage and appeal

Last year for 2010 the 45-year-old Mustang received a complete in and out redo, its first since the 2005 model. That was just in time to go head to head with the much-anticipated return of Chevy’s Camaro after an 80-year hiatus.

Pent up demand for the Camaro has had it outselling Mustang since its introduction, something it has never achieved before.  However this month, for the first time since Camaro was introduced, it looks as though Mustang will recapture bragging rights as the best-selling pony car on the road. 

Not content to rest on its accomplishments, the 2011 Mustang gets significant changes under the hood, especially with a new 3.7-litre V-6 that pumps out a whopping 305 horsepower, up from last year’s anemic 4.0-liter 210-horsepower V-6. That 305 horsepower in the V-6 is just 10 fewer than in last year’s Mustang GT and performs nearly as well at just a half-second slower to 60 mph. Even more significant, the Mustang V-6 is quicker to reach both 60 mph and the quarter-mile than the Chevy Camaro V-6.

These numbers are important because V-6 equipped models are the sales volume leaders for both brands, Mustang and Camaro, outselling V-8 equipped models.

Another impressive accomplishment for the astonishingly good Mustang is, for the first time ever, a production car delivers more than 300 hp and more than 30 mpg with economy ratings of 19 city, 31 highway, 30 mpg combined with the six-speed manual transmission. Equipped with an automatic transmission the mileage is 19 city, 29 highway.

It’s worth noting that Ford also put a new 5.0-liter V-8 into the 2011 Mustang that produces 412 horsepower. There’s also a much-improved 5.4-liter V-8, with 550 horsepower in an all-new aluminum-block engine.  Advanced engine manufacturing techniques and refined tuning are major contributing factors.  With a projected 23-mpg highway and 15-mpg city, the 2011 GT500 Shelby Mustang is expected to become the first modern Shelby that will not be subjected to the gas guzzler tax.

The new V-6 engine can be mated to either an all-new six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission.  Other changes for the 2011 Mustang are new instrument cluster graphics, including a 160 mph speedometer and a tachometer that reads to 8,000 rpm.

Additionally, all 2011 V-6 models will receive a revised suspension tuning, standard limited-slip differential and larger brakes up front and in the rear.  

Ford’s Performance Package option, designed for driving enthusiasts, is comprised of a 3.31 rear axle ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration, firmer GT suspension, 19-inch wheels, summer performance tires for improved grip, a more rigid chassis, and a unique electronic stability control calibration when sport-driving mode is elected. The package sells for $1,950, a bargain considering the summer performance tires retail for $360 each.

For 2011, we tested a Grabber Blue Mustang convertible decked out in Premium trim that includes leather seats and steering wheel, a terrific Shaker 500 audio system, the six-speed automatic transmission, HID headlamps, and Ford’s superb Sync audio system, easily the best voice-operated, hands-free system period.  It can operate Bluetooth phone, tell you the weather, help with traffic directions and information, 911 AssistÒ, tune the stereo hands free and find any song in your iPOD by individual artist name. 

The first thing we noticed about driving the 2011 V-6 equipped Mustang versus last year’s 2010 V-6 Mustang is the huge difference between 210 horsepower and 305 horsepower.

We found handling to be well balanced and predictable; summer performance tires offered plenty of grip. The new body stiffness added to our convertible’s driving performance and in case of an accident, it helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion in an impact. 

Safety equipment includes dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, side airbags, LATCH child safety system, and integrated spotter mirrors.  The 2011 Mustang has not been crash tested by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration; however, the very similar 2010 Mustang received the highest possible crash test ratings from both rating firms. 

While basically unchanged for 2011, the Mustang still sports the best looking and highest quality interior in the pony car class that includes Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Seats are comfortable, interior generally void of cheap hard plastic materials and visibility better than the competition.  

Mustang has always been a neat car; easy on the eyes and fun to drive, especially when powered by a big romping V-8 engine with burbling and rumbling exhaust notes. And now the new V-6 offers 305 horsepower that can pass just about anything on the highway. Mustang is better than ever.