2011 Ford Mustang V-6 will have 305 horsepower and an optional 'track ready' Performance Package

November 30, 1:50 PMAuto Review ExaminerJohn Matras

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Auto Review Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

A six-cylinder engine in a Mustang was once considered a "secretary's car,"* which was as much an epithet as a true car enthusiast could use, especially in a car with sporting intentions. The V-6 Mustang of late has improved the reputation of the reputation of the Mustang six, but still, real men drove V-8s. The 2011 Mustang powered by an all-new 3.7-liter all-aluminum double overhead cam V-6, announced by Ford today, promises to change that.

The new Mustang V-6 will produce a romping 305 horsepower with 280 lb-ft of torque, be available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with a new limited slip differential and power a Mustang with an optional factory-installed Performance Package that will include a number of handing, braking and other performance enhancing features.

The engine, says Ford, was built with performance as a priority. The new V-6 engine in the 2011 Mustang has variable valve timing on intake and exhaust across the rev range, with the camshafts operating on something called Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket (DAMB) valvetrain, which uses polished buckets and roller finger followers to reduce friction. Ford claims this technology improves fuel economy by three percent but increases performance by a whopping ten percent.

Scroll down for 2011 Ford Mustang detail photographs.

Aftermarket suppliers may be disappointed that the 2011 Mustang V-6 will come with a cold-air intake system and dual exhaust that will allow a 7000 rpm redline, and Ford says both intake and exhaust are tuned--literally--for a sound that car enthusiasts will appreciate.

A deep-sump oil pan sounds like something out of a performance parts catalog (and they can be found there), but Ford says the one that comes on the Mustang V-6 engine will allow 10,000 mile oil changes, saving owners money in maintenance and reducing waste oil.

The base suspension calibrations are changed for 2011 and the changes in the body for 2011 enhance aerodynamics, altering the front/rear balance for improved high speed stability.

Mustang for 2011 also gets electric power steering, which not only saves fuel with reduced parasitic loss from a hydraulic pump running constantly but also allows several features possible only with electric power steering. The 2011 Ford Mustang is equipped with Pull-Drift Compensation, which adjusts the steering to correct for crosswinds and minor road crowning. Active Nibble Control has nothing to do with keeping drivers on their diets but rather helps eliminate the “shimmy” felt at high speeds when a wheel is out of balance or a brake rotor is warped...although one would think this is bad thing, reducing a symptom rather than solving the problem.

The 2011 Ford Mustang V6 also gets a limited slip rear differential for better traction--welcome considering the extra power--and larger brakes (11.5-inch diameter front and 11.8-inch diameter rear) naturally enough make the Mustang stop more quickly.

Additional changes for the V-6 Mustang include a revised instrument panel with a 160-mph speedometer and an 8000 rpm tach because, well, the engine revs to 7000 rpm. Soundproofing has been increased, and Ford's MyKey, which can be programmed to reduce performance while it's used, can limit the mischief that teenage drivers and valets can do with the Mustang. It's now standard.

All this doesn't mean that secretaries can't drive the 2011 Ford Mustang V-6, however. What it means is that the V-6 Mustang can let them drive a Mustang like a Mustang was meant to be driven, even with a six cylinder engine under the hood.

The Ford Mustang V-6 goes on sale in Spring, 2010.

*Yes, we know it's politically incorrect, that was then, this is now.

Illustration: 2010 Ford Mustang V-6. Credit: Ford Motor Company.

Subscribe for email alerts for the latest articles from the National Auto Review Examiner, or follow John on twitter @AutoReview.