2011 Ford Mustang V6 – Auto Fastrack

2011 Ford Mustang V6The Answer to the Need for Speed!

By Charles Donaldson

They, whoever “they” are, say competition is healthy and makes competitors strive to be better. Well, there has always been a competition race between the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro, with the Mustang usually coming out the sales leader. In 2010, the podium had a new leader in the form of the re-introduced and re-invented Chevrolet Camaro, which was returning after an eight year absence. The race resumes!

Ford cocked the pistol in preparation for the rivalry battle by upgrading the 2010 Mustang with styling, quality, brakes, and suspension improvements. However, the 2010 retro-looking Camaro came to the track packed with a 304-hp V6 engine that smoked the Mustang’s 210-hp V-6. Not to be out done, Ford’s engine gear-heads pulled the trigger launching the 2011 Ford Mustang with a new 3.7-liter V6 with variable inlet and exhaust valve timing that cranks out 305-hp (beating the Camaro’s 304-hp), and 280 lb-ft of torque. Ok, you are thinking how impressive is one more horse, well, here is the deal breaker; not only do you get the extra horse but it also comes with a very impressive 19 MPG city and 31 MPG highway verses its competitor at 17/29.

The 2011 Mustang comes in two body styles, Coupe and Convertible and three trims with variations. Here is the lineup: base Coupe ($22,995), Premium Coupe ($26,695), GT Coupe ($29,645), GT Premium Coupe ($33,695), Shelby GT500 Coupe ($49,495), base Convertible ($27,995), Premium Convertible ($31,695), GT Convertible ($35,495), GT Premium Convertible ($38,695), Shelby GT500 Convertible ($54,495). All prices include an $850 destination charge.

The power behind the 2011 Mustang comes from three new engine options: the 3.7-liter V6 with 305-hp mentioned above and standard on the base and premium coupe and convertible models, a 5.0-liter V8 with 412-hp standard on all GT trims and the big daddy 5.4-liter Supercharged V8 packing 550-hp is the Shelby GT500’s engine of choice. All trims except the Shelby GT500 come mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed automatic transmission for $995. The Shelby GT500 is equipped only with a 6-speed Tremec manual transmission.

The Mustang was given new life in 2005 when it was redesigned with a retro flare recalling the 1968 Mustang fastback. The 2010 redesign pays homage to the 1969 Mustang with a new front end that includes a wider grille and a more aggressive look. Other changes are in the rear tail lights with their three chamber lights that blink in a sequential order similar to Ford models of the past. Sheet metal changes have improved the aerodynamics and along with an overall weight reduction of 255 pounds and the new engines and transmissions, the 2011 Mustang also delivers better fuel miles per gallon.

The 2011 Mustang expands on the noise, vibration and ride improvements of the 2010 model redesign including additional sound deadening material on the instrument cluster and rear wheel well liners to help eliminate the sounds you don’t want to hear. The convertibles trims come standard with a power top and a glass rear window.

Like with the exterior, the 2010 Ford Mustang took the interior to a new level of quality never scene in a Mustang and the 2011 Mustang has even added additional improvements. Past years were riddled with hard, cheap interior plastic surfaces. Starting with 2010, the interior is so radically enhanced with soft touch points, beautifully molded door panels, ambient lighting, extremely comfortable seats, and aluminum trim vs. plastic pieces. Personally, I wished they would have found a way to give the rear passengers just a couple more inches of legroom. It is livable for short drives.

The muscle cars of the past were built for speed not comfort. The 2011 Mustang adds features that you wouldn’t expect in a high-performance car like Ford’s Sync voice-activated entertainment and communications system, rearview camera, Sirius satellite radio and a navigation system with Sirius Travel Link. High-tech meets performance!

Room for improvement:

· Rear passenger seat room is limited

Cool Features:

· Sync voice-activated entertainment and communications system

· Rearview camera

· Illuminated Mustang door plates

New safety features include Ford’s MyKey system, power side mirrors with integrated blind spot mirrors, fold-down rear headrests and a rearview camera. Some of these items are available for an optional fee.

In Summary – The 2011 Ford Mustang is now the complete package of exterior styling, interior enhancements, technology, and performance. In other words, the 2011 Mustang has regained its muscle car status and is back in the fight. My dad owned a 1965 Mustang and it’s hard to believe that the “Stang” has been in production now for 46 years. There is a reason for its longevity; it continues to grow and mature and attracts a wide age range of buyers. The 2011 Mustang is now dressed to kill and has the guns to make it happen.

For more information and a complete list of features and specification go to www.autofastracks.com.

Specifications

2011 Ford Mustang

Base price: $26,950 as driven: $32,580 (including destination and optional
equipment)

Engine: 3.7-Liter 6-cylinder

Horsepower: 305 @ 6500

Torque: 280 pound-feet @ 4250 rpm

Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

Drive: Rear Wheel-Drive

Seating: 4-passenger

Turning circle: 33.4 feet

Cargo space: 13.4 cubic feet