The blue oval has revamped their pony car lineup for 2011 Mustang->ke428 and the big news is what is going on under the hood. Not only does the new car get a slight bump in output, but the 21st century pony car does it in a more efficient manner. The new Mustang will be powered by an all new, high performance, aluminum Duratec V6 complete with modern technologies like DOHC and Ti-VCT that delivers over 300 HP as well as benefiting from a new performance package.

The all new aluminum 3.7 Liter six cylinder engine puts out a total of 305 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque combined with a fuel efficient six speed automatic transmission, the 2011 V6 powered Mustang will have an estimated fuel economy of 30 MPG, and even better is that shifting yourself will only cost you 1 more MPG.

Ford's new performance package sends the V6's output through a shorter geared 3:31 rear axle as well as suspension and braking components based on the units from the V8 powered Mustang GT model. However making the base Mustang handle as well as possible, the boys from Dearborn have added a set of 19 inch wheels wrapped with sticky Pirelli performance tires and a Sport mode setting aimed at performance driving enthusiasts from the electronic stability control system when the 2011 Mustang goes on sale late next summer starting at $20,114 for a base model V6 powered pony car.

Updated 01/18/10: Prices revealed. Hit the jump to get full details on it.

UPDATE 06/24/2010: The 2011 Mustang has set a new record by running 1,457 laps at Bristol Motor Speedway while averaging 48.5 mpg with an average speed of 43.9 mph. The main idea for the Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge was to prove that the 2011 Mustang’s V6 can run 1,000 laps and 533 miles on a single tank of fuel.

Press release after the jump.

2011 Ford Mustang V6

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Ford Mustang V6
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press release

 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 (DOHC) engine that delivers a projected 30 mpg on the highway with a six-speed automatic transmission and fun for drivers on nearly every road.

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.”

New 3.7-liter V-6 engine


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. The behind-the-wheel feel is unlike any Mustang ever produced.

“This new V-6 engine really speaks to what Mustang is all about,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of global powertrain engineering. “It produces power everywhere in the rev range and loves to be pushed hard. The Duratec 3.7-liter builds on our promise to use advanced technology to deliver both power and fuel economy.”

The high output is due largely to Ti-VCT which allows variable control of valve operation across the rev range. The variable cams operate on a Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket (DAMB) valvetrain using polished buckets and roller finger followers to reduce friction. The end result is as much as a 3 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 10 percent improvement in power output versus traditional engines without these advanced features.

Ti-VCT is complemented by special-tuned composite upper and lower intake manifolds for efficient air delivery and lighter weight. Ignition power is delivered by a high-energy coil-on-plug design, while piston-cooling jets and a lightweight die-cast aluminum cylinder block improve the durability and efficiency of the 3.7-liter V-6 design.

Performance was the mantra for every aspect of engine design. A cold air induction system and dual exhaust give the 3.7 its free-breathing style with a 7,000 rpm redline and near-instantaneous response to throttle inputs.

A die-cast aluminum deep-sump oil pan provides 10,000-mile oil change intervals, saving drivers money on maintenance and resulting in less waste in oil disposal.

Engineers also worked to ensure aggressive, high-performance sounds come from the new engine, from intake to exhaust. Not only does the retuned air intake system minimize losses, it also provides the driver with a satisfying intake rush on hard acceleration. The all-new dual exhaust system is mellow at idle but opens up with a howl at full-tilt, letting Mustang drivers know they’re behind the wheel of a world-class sports coupe.

“This car marks a new type of Mustang,” said David Pericak, Mustang chief nameplate engineer. “We’re using a high-performance quad-cam V-6 with all the bells and whistles in a car that’s become legendary for its handling and roadholding; it’s really going to get a lot of new sports coupe fans excited about Mustang, some for the first time ever.”

Powertrain improvements


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. Both come with the flexibility and fuel economy benefits of six forward ratios regardless of whether buyers want to shift for themselves or not.

Drivers who prefer a manual gearbox will enjoy the short throws and direct feel of the shifter along with the relaxed cruising permitted by the extra top gear ratio. Customers choosing the automatic will be pleasantly surprised to find the advanced six-speed 6R60 transmission does not sacrifice fuel economy – or performance – for convenience, delivering an expected 30 mpg highway with crisp, quick shifts that maximize torque and horsepower.

The automatic transmission also features a grade-assist or “hill mode” to improve drivability on hilly terrain. This technical innovation uses vehicle input – acceleration, pedal position, vehicle speed and brake status – to automatically determine the correct gear ratio while on an incline or decline. Hill mode eliminates sixth gear, extends lower gear operation on uphill climbs, and provides additional grade or engine braking for coast downs.

The standard 2.73 rear axle provides an ideal blend of cruising fuel economy and acceleration, aided by the wide ratio spread permitted through the use of six forward speeds in the gearboxes. Performance enthusiasts can select an available 3.31 rear axle ratio for better off-the-line launch characteristics.

Fuel economy improvements


Extra horsepower and refined engine operation will be the most noticeable features to new 2011 Mustang 3.7-liter V-6 buyers while projected class-leading fuel economy, also a standard feature, offers an additional bonus. The numbers speak for themselves:

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


Refinements throughout Mustang’s body, powertrain and chassis design contribute to the improved fuel economy numbers. Examples include:

  • The new Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system which eliminates the drag of an engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump
  • Six-speed transmissions that allow lower cruising revs without sacrificing off-the-line performance
  • Aerodynamic improvements such as a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal

 

Handling and driving dynamics


With so much additional horsepower standard, the 2011 Mustang received enhancements to its chassis to 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.

While Mustang’s aerodynamic improvements were designed mainly to improve fuel economy, engineers also adjusted the vehicle’s front/rear lift balance. The result is a car that tracks more securely and feels more “planted” to the road surface at higher speeds, helping to keep the tires in better contact with the pavement.

The addition of EPAS marks a new era in driving dynamics for Mustang owners. Steering effort at parking lot speeds is reduced, while high-speed and highway feel is improved for more precise steering and handling. Because the belt-driven power steering pump is eliminated, EPAS provides a quieter vehicle with fewer components drawing engine power.

EPAS also enables new technologies that adjust for minor driving annoyances. Pull-Drift Compensation adjusts the steering to correct for crosswinds and minor road crowning, while Active Nibble Control helps eliminate the “shimmy” felt at high speeds when a wheel is out of balance or a brake rotor is warped. Both conditions are alleviated by EPAS independent of driver input, helping ensure Mustang delivers a smooth, comfortable driving experience in all conditions.

Mustang buyers choosing the new V-6 will also get a standard limited-slip differential that provides better handling and more sure-footed grip in poor weather conditions by directing engine torque to the rear wheel with the most traction. When the time comes to slow things down, the 2011 Mustang is also equipped with larger four-wheel ABS disc brakes, with 11.5 inch front and 11.8 inch rear rotors.

Refinements complement advanced features


To reinforce the sporty nature of the 2011 Mustang, all V-6 models will come standard with new instrument cluster graphics, including a speedometer that reads up to 160 mph and a tachometer that reads to 8,000 rpm, reflecting the free-revving style of the new engine.

Additional lightweight soundproofing measures help filter unpleasant, high-frequency noises while tuned intake and dual exhaust add the sounds Mustang buyers relish.

Occupants also benefit from new door seals and a rear wheel arch liner that reduce road noise for a quieter, more enjoyable drive, all with minimal weight gain compared to the 2010 model.

Enthusiasts who want a premium performance-oriented Mustang V-6 can opt for the new Performance Package, which will be available August 2010. Designed for driving enthusiasts, the Mustang V-6 Performance Package comprises:

  • A 3.31 rear axle ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration
  • Firmer Mustang GT suspension
  • 19-inch wheels
  • Summer performance tires for improved grip
  • A strut tower brace for increased chassis rigidity
  • Unique electronic stability control calibration with sport mode for performance driving


For 2011, Mustang also ups the ante on technology and convenience features, including a standard driver’s message center in the instrument cluster and integrated blind-spot mirrors in the side-view mirror housings.

Ford’s MyKey™ system, designed to encourage safer teen driving and safety belt use, also is newly available on Mustang. MyKey allows owners to program the vehicle key using the driver’s message center to incorporate features such as limited top vehicle speed and audio volume, a traction control system that cannot be deactivated, a persistent Belt-Minder® safety belt reminder and various speed alert chimes.

Top safety marks expected


Mustang’s technological advances are also 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 is expected to achieve.

The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the coupe and convertible’s driving performance and has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the coupe’s body structure is approximately 31 percent stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible’s is more than twice as stiff – creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion in an impact.

Mustang also uses high-strength steel in its body structure and ultra-high-strength steel in the door intrusion beams for additional side-impact protection.

The front structure’s crush zones are computer-designed to absorb energy in a controlled manner and help dissipate it before it can reach the passenger compartment. Ford engineers have run thousands of design iterations of the Mustang’s front rails to arrive at an octagonal shape that helps spread crash forces evenly to aid in protecting occupants.

State-of-the-art technology adds to the convenience and safety of the 2011 Mustang, from the availability of the latest version of Ford SYNC®, with applications such as Traffic, Directions and Information, 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report, to standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control, which complements the all-speed traction control and standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Additional standard safety equipment includes the Personal Safety System™ which features dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners and Belt-Minder.

The 2011 Mustang will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The new 3.7-liter V-6 will be built at Ford’s recently retooled Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1.

Prices

Model

Series Code

Base vehicle price

Dealer price

Dealer invoice W/Holdback

Suggested retail

V6

P8A

V6 Coupe

$20,114

$21,078

$22,145

V6Premium

P8A

V6 Coupe - Premium

$22,890

$23,965

$25,845

V6

P8E

V6 Convertible

$24,564

$25,678

$27,145

V6Premium

P8E

V6 Convertible - Premium

$27,240

$28,465

$30,845

GT

P8C

GT Coupe

$26,196

$27,385

$29,645

GTPremium

P8C

GT Coupe - Premium

$28,980

$30,265

$32,845

GT

P8F

GT Convertible

$30,546

$31,885

$34,645

GTPremium

P8F

GT Convertible - Premium

$33,330

$34,765

$37,845


Trim Series

Pkg. code

Rapid spec equipment packages

Dealer price

Dealer invoice W/Holdback

Suggested retail

V6

100A

Equipment Package Price Rapid Spec 100A

N/C

N/C

N/C

101A

Equipment Package Price Rapid Spec 101A

$248

$257

$295

V6Premium

200A

Equipment Package Price Rapid Spec 200A

N/C

N/C

N/C

201A

Equipment Package Price Rapid Spec 201A

$248

$257

$295

202A

Equipment Package Price Rapid Spec 202A

$836

$866

$995

203A

Equipment Package Price Rapid Spec 203A

$836

$866

$995

GT

300A

Equipment Package Price Rapid Spec 300A

N/C

N/C

N/C

GTPremium

400A

Equipment Package Price Rapid Spec 400A

N/C

N/C

N/C

401A

Equipment Package Price Rapid Spec 401A

$332

$344

$395

402A

Equipment Package Price Rapid Spec 402A

$2,079

$2,153

$2,475


Option code

Powertrains

Dealer price

Dealer invoice W/Holdback

Suggested retail

TRANSMISSION

443

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

$836

$866

$995

AXLE

453

3.31 Ratio Axle - Available on V6 Coupe

$332

$344

$395

455

3.55 Ratio Axle - Available on GT Manual Transmission Only

$332

$344

$395

457

3.73 Ratio Axle - Available on GT Manual Transmission Only

$332

$344

$395


Model

Option Code

Tires

Dealer price

Dealer invoice W/Holdback

Suggested retail

GTPremium

64M

18 inch Polished Aluminum Wheels - GT Premium (Rapid Spec 400A,401A)

$416

$431

$495

GT

64X

19 Bright Machined Aluminum Wheels - GT Premium (Rapid Spec 400A,401A)

$836

$866

$995

GTPremium

64V

19 Premium Painted Luster Nickel Aluminum Wheels - GT Premium (Raped Spec 400A,401A)

$836

$866

$995


Option Code

other options

Dealer price

Dealer invoice W/Holdback

Suggested retail

Available on all model unless otherwise noted

59G

Glass Roof

$1,676

$1,736

$1,995

51H

HID Headlamps (requires 43S--V6/GT Prem. N/A w/61R)

$441

$457

$525

43S

Security Package

$332

$344

$395

53B

Comfort Group (V6 & GT Premium)

$500

$518

$595

59B

Convertible Soft Boot

$134

$139

$160

46D

Tape Stripe Delete (Rapid Spec 101A,201A,202A,203A)

N/C

N/C

N/C

13D

GT Spoiler Delete (Rapid Spec 300A,400A,401A)

N/C

N/C

N/C

58N

Electronics Package (Nav & DZATC)

$1,966

$2,036

$2,340

77C

Rear Video Camera with Electronics Pkg (Rapid Spec 201A,202A,203A,400A,401A)
Rear Video Camera without Electronics Pkg (Rapid Spec 201A,202A,203A,400A,401A)

$ 202
$323

$209
$335

$240
$385

PU6

Red Candy Specialty Paint

$332

$344

$395

55D

Brembo Brake Package - GT Premium (Rapid Spec 400A,401A)

$1,424

$1,475

$1,695

913

AM / FM Stereo CD w/ Clock - (Std)

Std

Std

Std

912

Shaker 500 w/ In-Dash CDx6, MP3, 8 Speakers (Std Prem)

Std

Std

Std

918

Shaker 1000 w/ In-Dash CDx6, MP3, 10 Speakers - GT Prem (Rapid Spec 400A,401A)

$1,088

$1,127

$1,295

47A

Over-The-Top Racing Stripe (Rapid Spec 200A,201A,202A,400A)

$399

$413

$475

603

PowerCode Remote Starter (Requires Automatic Transmission)

$290

$300

$345

941

V6 Coupe Accessory Pkg 1 (Rapid Spec 200A,201A,202A)

$605

$627

$720

942

V6 Convertible Accessory Pkg 2 (Rapid Spec 200A,201A,202A)

$403

$417

$480

943

Hood & Side Stripes (Rapid Spec 200A,201A,202A,400A (requires 46D)

$332

$344

$395

944

GT Coupe/Convertible Accessory Pkg 4

$630

$653

$750

945

GT Coupe Accessory Pkg 5

$1,235

$1,279

$1,470

946

GT Convertible Accessory Pkg 6

$1,033

$1,070

$1,230

18R

Driver Ornamentation Pkg (Fleet Only)

$164

$170

$195

41H

Engine Block Heater (Fleet only)

$29

$30

$35

63B

Smoker's Package (Fleet only)

N/C

N/C

N/C

61R

Daytime Running Lamps (Fleet only)

$38

$39

$45

12H

Floor Mat Delete (Fleet only)

N/C

N/C

N/C