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The 2011 Mustang is ready for your ride. Named after the wild and iconic breed of horse in the American west, this iconic automobile was first built by Ford Motor Company in 1964. and created the “pony car” class of American autos. Ford’s most successful launch since its Model A, it has spawned generations of sport’s-car-like coupes, with long hoods and short rear decks. The newest breed of Ford Mustang once again takes center stage, and it has been designed to attract even more sports car fans to the famed brand.
 Ford calls its 2011 Ford Mustang “fun, fast and affordable’. Never before has fuel economy mattered so much to some, and the newest V6 pony car brings an unrivaled combination of 305 horsepower and 31 mpg on the highway. For its new GT 5.0 V8 model, Ford emphasizes the vehicle’s unprecedented 412 horsepower and 26 mpg with the tagline: All Legend. No Compromise. Other important attributes include its 11 class-exclusive features, says Ford, such as a glass roof, blind spot mirrors, HD Radio, and Ford’s SYNC and MyKey system. Among its options are navigation, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, and a rearview camera.
Ford brought a group of automotive journalists to the Los Angeles region to try out the two new models. We drove them more than 200 miles through city traffic, and reined the Mustangs around the winding roadways of the San Bernadino foothills that snake above this metropolitan region and lead to the beautiful coastal highways along the Pacific. On the second day of driving, we were also able to participate in a Fuel Economy Challenge and drive the new models at a drag strip.
What did we find? A 12 percent stiffer chassis, larger brakes, revised suspension tuning, new electronic steering (rather than its previous hydraulic steering), and additional body bracing for the GT convertible all add up to a better ride, better handling and a better sounding sports car. Sound deadening and aerodynamic improvements, that include a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal make it quieter in the cockpit, as well. Plus, the two new transmissions allow lower cruising revs, without sacrificing off-the-line performance, a lesson we learned at the ¼-mile drag strip.
 The Mustang V-6 now comes with dual exhaust and is powered by a lightweight, all-aluminum 3.7-liter dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) engine that uses Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) to adjust the valvetrain in microseconds, depending on driver inputs. This engine that gets 280 lb.ft. of torque and is mated to two different transmissions: a six-speed automatic transmission that has been engineered with carefully calibrated gear ratios and shift programs to maximize economy, while still bringing high-horsepower driving fun; a new Getrag six-speed manual replaces the previous generation five-speed. The Mustang GT V8 engine has four valves per cylinder and dual overhead cams, gets 390 lb-ft of torque and the same transmissions.
The new Mustang can be ordered as a coupe or convertible and is available in four trim levels: V6, V6 Premium, GT and GT Premium. The base V6 gets 17-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, keyless entry, side spotter mirrors, cruise control, air-conditioning, full power accessories and a CD audio system with an auxiliary audio jack. The V6 Premium brings 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, Ford's Sync system, color-adjustable gauges, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded interior trim and a Shaker 500 stereo system. The GT comes with the all of the base V6's features plus 18-inch alloys, a rear spoiler and foglamps. The GT Premium gets 18-inch wheels along with the V6 Premium's features.
Special packages for the V6 include the Pony Package and Mustang Club of America Special Edition, a Comfort Package (power passenger seat, heated front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror) and the Electronics Package (voice-activated navigation system with travel link, automatic climate control). Other options include a remote start, a performance 3.31:1 rear-axle ratio, xenon headlamps, a glass roof, a tonneau cover (convertible models)and a back-up camera. A V6 Performance Package comes later in the year and upgrades the smaller-engined model to the stiffer suspension and bigger brakes of the GT model, plus adds 19-inch wheels, summer tires and a recalibrated stability control system.
 The Mustang GT can be selected with a Brembo Brake Package, which adds bigger brakes, 19-inch wheels, summer tires and recalibrated stability control. Two performance axles (3.55:1 and 3.73:1) are also available. The GT Premium can be had with all the V6 Premium's and GT's options, plus a collection of 18-inch and 19-inch wheels, a California Special Package ( exterior styling) and a more powerful Shaker 1000 sound system
The four-seater Mustang has 12.3 cu. ft. of stowage in the coupe and 9.7 in the convertible. Safety features include standard four-wheel ABS disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side spotter mirrors and stability control. Also standard is Ford's MyKey, a system that allows owners to set up driving restrictions for younger drivers.
On sale now, the 2011 Ford Mustang starts at $22, 995. A new specially-customized DUB Edition Ford Mustang V-6, a collaboration between Ford, automotive lifestyle magazine DUB, and Roush Industries, will be available this fall.
More information about the 2011 Mustang can be found at www.fordvehicles.com/Mustang where you will also find engineering commentaries and animations that show the technology behind the engine’s power and fuel economy. Ford Mustang’s Facebook page, which already has more than 450,000 fans, also provides an ideal forum for learning more about the improved capability and refinements of the new model, as well. Facebook also allows Mustang fans to stay informed about upcoming racing and enthusiast events.
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