For the 2011 model year, Ford will replace the current 210hp four-litre V6 in the Mustang sports coupe and convertible line with a new, 305hp, all-aluminium ‘Duratec’ 3.7-litre DOHC V6 with so-called Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) that, it said, will return “an expected best-in-class 30mpg highway” fuel economy combined with six-speed automatic transmission. A new six-speed manual gearbox will also be offered.
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A year after the 2010 Mustang received a comprehensive mid-life exterior and interior restyle, the 2011 versions will have a newly standard limited-slip differential and revised suspension for better handling and ride.
Ford is also adding new technology and convenience features such as standard integrated spotter mirrors, message centre, ‘MyKey’ programmable vehicle key and a universal garage door opener.
“Mustang is completely transformed with this new engine,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s global product development chief. “Everything people love about the car is still there, and now under the hood is a V6 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.”
Torque is also up – 280 ft-lb versus 240 – despite the new engine’s smaller displacement.
Ford expects the new model to achieve class-leading fuel economy 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%
improvement. The new six-speed manual version gets 18mpg city/29 highway, up from 18mpg city/26 highway on the manual 2010 model.
Chassis changes include revised damper tuning and spring rates, a new rear lower control arm and stiffened stabiliser bar bushings to improve stiffness and handling for better cornering response.
The 2011 Mustang also has with larger four-wheel ABS disc brakes, with 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear rotors.
A new performance package, optional for V6 models from August 2010, will include a 3.31 rear axle ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration, firmer Mustang GT suspension, 19-inch wheels, summer performance tyres for improved grip, a strut tower brace for increased chassis rigidity and unique electronic stability control calibration with sport mode for performance driving.
