2011 Ford Mustang V-6 Goes High-Tech: New 305-HP Engine, Delivers 30 MPG Highway

The 2011 Ford Mustang puts 305 high-performance horses in the hands of V-6 coupe buyers with a new, all-aluminum dual-overhead-cam engine that delivers a projected 30 mpg on the highway with six-speed automatic transmission.

For 2011, Mustang's new 3.7-liter Duratec® 24-valve V-6 uses advanced engineering to deliver its power and economy: Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valvetrain in microseconds. Aluminum construction means light weight. It's an engine designed to crank out torque down low, rev to 7,000 rpm and deliver the mechanical music sports coupe lovers crave everywhere in between.

"Mustang is completely transformed with this new engine," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "Everything people love about the car is still there, and now under the hood is a V-6 engine that uses premium technology to deliver the power, the feel, the fuel efficiency, even the sound of the best sports coupes in the world."

With Ti-VCT operating its four valves per cylinder, the new Mustang V-6 powerplant sends significantly more horsepower and torque (305 hp and 280 ft.-lb.) to the rear wheels than its predecessor - despite its smaller displacement. Drivers can get the most out of the new V-6 engine's output using either an all-new six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Projected class-leading fuel economy also is a standard feature:

• For 2011, Mustang makes sports coupe news with a new, high-performance, all-aluminum Duratec 3.7-liter DOHC Ti-VCT V-6 that delivers 305 horsepower and an expected best-in-class 30 mpg highway with six-speed automatic transmission - no other vehicle in the industry can beat that combination

• Six-speed transmissions - manual and automatic - combine with newly standard limited-slip differential and revised suspension for road-carving driving dynamics and handling

• New technology and convenience features include standard integrated spotter mirrors, message center, MyKey(TM) programmable vehicle key and Universal Garage Door Opener

• 19 mpg city/30 highway with six-speed automatic transmission, up from 16 mpg city/24 highway on the 2010 model with automatic - a 25 percent improvement

• 18 mpg city/29 highway with six-speed manual transmission, up from 18 mpg city/26 highway on the 2010 model with manual

Chassis enhancements maintain the outstanding balance and driving behavior Mustang owners expect. Damper tuning and spring rates were revised to provide a smooth highway ride, while a new rear lower control arm and stiffened stabilizer bar bushings improve stiffness and handling for better cornering response.

A standard limited-slip differential provides better handling and more sure-footed grip in poor weather conditions by directing engine torque to the rear wheel with the most traction. The 2011 Mustang is also equipped with larger four-wheel ABS disc brakes, with 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear rotors.

Mustang technology advances also are incorporated in the structure of the vehicle to improve safety. The 2010 Mustang coupe earned the U.S. government's top five-star crash-test rating, a designation the 2011 model also is expected to achieve.

 Source: www.ford.com