The 2011 Ford Mustang is Back with Some Serious Punch!

The Mustang serves as Ford's front engine, rear drive sports coupe. It has been in production, without interruption, for 45 years and continues to march on! The Mustang actually created the "pony car" segment, which later included the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Charger, and Plymouth Barracuda to name a few. These "pony cars", also known as the "muscle cars", sparked the interest of the public, which led to a huge following. People wanted to be seen in these high powered, tire smoking, hooligan-creating vehicles! And, this is exactly what the manufacturers wanted. The Mustang was an instant success and Ford dealers couldn't keep them on their lots.

New for 2011 is the return of the 5.0 liter V8 found in the GT Mustang, which is positioned above the V6. It packs 412 hp and 390 lb-ft. This is a major boost in power, considering the 2010 GT used a 4.6 liter V8 that produced 315 hp and 325 lb-ft. In order to achieve this additional power, Ford uses four valves per cylinder verses three, an increased  compression ratio of 11.0:1, and variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust. If that's not enough, this engine spins to 7000 rpm. I hope you didn't buy a 2010 GT.

Also new, is the V6 powering the 2011 standard Mustang. It mustards 305 hp and 280 lb-ft using a 3.7 liter V6, and actually weighs 40 pounds less than the 4.0 liter V6 it's replacing.

The interior upgrades for the Mustang include a new message center, programmable key, and illuminated visors with storage. The exterior hasn't changed much from the 2010, except for a few minor upgrades to improve aerodynamics.



Additional upgrades include a six speed manual transmission, and a six speed automatic transmission. There is also a new electric power steering system, anti-roll bars, rims and tires, upgraded stock brakes, and an optional 14'' Brembo brake package.

And, to sweeten the deal, Ford claims that the 2011 Mustang achieves better fuel economy than the 2010 Mustang, in both V6 and V8 form.

Wow, Ford has really turned it up a notch. I always thought the Mustang was more fun to drive than the Camaro and Charger, because it's lighter and more responsive. Now, since Ford has closed the power gap between its' two main competitors, dealers will have a problem keeping the new Mustang on their lots once again this Spring.

Darryl

Photos courtesy of Car and Driver magazine