More impressive, Ford claims this new engine (paired with the six-speed automatic transmission) will get 30 miles to the gallon on the highway, an impressive number that would put it at the head of its class in fuel economy. Ford’s also offering the car with a six-speed manual transmission, a first for the company. An all new Electric Power Assist Steering systems helps save fuel and improve speed by eliminating the hindrance of an engine operated hydraulic power steering system.
With all the power under the hood, Ford has improved the vehicle’s engineering to ensure it stays on the road. Those improvements include Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) which adjusts the engine four valves per cylinder in nanoseconds. It controls the valves across the entire rev range, using a Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket valvetrain, using polished buckets and roller finger followers to lower friction. The result is a 3 per cent increase in fuel economy and an astounding 10 per cent increase in power output.
The chassis has been enhanced, with damper tuning and spring rates were reworked to provide a smoother ride on the highway. A new rear lower control arm and stiffened bar bushings increase stiffness and handling for better response when cornering.
The car comes with a standard limited-slip differential for better grip in poor weather conditions. It also comes with larger ABS disc brakes on the four wheels: 11.5-inch rotors on the front and 11.8-inch rotors on the rear.
A performance package will be released in August of 2010 for the V6. It will include a 3.31 rear axle ratio for quicker acceleration, a firmer Mustang GT suspension, a strut tower brace for more chassis rigidity, 19-inch wheels, summer performance tires and a unique stability control calibration that includes a sport mode for performance driving.
Another plus for environmentally-friendly drivers is the deep-sump aluminum oil pan, which Ford says will provide 10,000-mile oil changes, saving money on maintenance costs and reducing waste from oil disposal.
In terms of styling, the 2011 Ford Mustang isn’t much different from the 2010 model. The front fascia has been redesigned a bit to improve aerodynamics; designers have added rear wheel tire spats, a taller rear air dam, modified underbody shields, and a new rear decklid seal. On the inside, the V6 will have new instrument cluster graphics, with a speedometer that reads to 160 and a tachometer that reaches 8000 rpm.
All in all, this new Mustang should hold its own against Chevy’s new Camaro, if not beat it off the starting line.
