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The six-speed automatic transmission in the 2011 Mustang GT will deliver fuel
economy of 25 mpg highway and 18 city. This is up from 23 mpg highway and 17
city for the 2010 model. Six-speed manual transmission Mustang GT models for
2011 are projected to deliver 26 mpg highway and 17 city, matching the 2010
model but delivering significantly more horsepower and performance feel.
2011 Mustang GT fuel economy is enabled by Ti-VCT, the six-speed transmissions
in automatic or manual variation, EPAS, additional tire spats and a rear decklid
seal to enhance aerodynamics.
All-new aluminum four-valve-per-cylinder
heads feature a compact roller-finger follower valvetrain layout leaving more
room for high-flow ports for free-breathing performance. Head structure was
designed to support higher cylinder head pressures and cross-flow cooling for
sustained high-rpm use. Head bolt size was increased from 11 to 12 millimeters
to contain the higher combustion pressures.
The aluminum block was
developed for optimized windage and oil drainback under lateral conditions and
high-rpm use, such as a track-day outing for an enthusiast owner or driver.
Increased main bearing bulkhead widths and nodular iron cross-bolted main
bearing caps with upsized bolts were also employed to accommodate the
significant performance increase.
An additional element is the increased
capacity and baffling of the deep-sump stamped steel oil pan to enable sustained
high-rpm use and offer the convenience of 10,000-mile oil change intervals.
Piston-cooling jets also were incorporated for performance-minded customers and
for faster oil warm-up on cold start.
Specially designed tubular exhaust
headers were developed to maximize exhaust pulse separation and improve flow. A
team analyst actually fabricated the tubular headers in his home workshop,
bringing the CAE design to life.
Engineers also made sure all their hard
work wasn't disguised under the hood. Curved intake runners are framed by an
acoustic cover sporting the new 5.0 logo, while "Powered by Ford" cam covers
crown the tops of the cylinder banks. The effect is perfectly suited for a
purpose-built performance machine like the new 5.0-liter V-8.
Transmission and Powertrain Improvements
Mustang GT 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 transmission does not sacrifice fuel economy or performance -
delivering crisp, quick shifts.
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 3.31 (manual) and 3.15 (automatic) rear axle
ratios provide 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. A standard limited-slip axle helps distribute the new engine's power
between both rear wheels for maximum traction in all conditions.
A New
Era in Mustang Driving Dynamics
Electric Power Assist Steering has
made a dramatic contribution to Mustang GT driving dynamics, delivering quicker
on-center steering response, increased effort at highway speeds and reduced
effort required in low-speed parking maneuvers. 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. Drift-Pull 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.
Standard AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability
Control, which complements the all-speed traction control and standard Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS), helps keep the car under control in all driving
conditions.
The 2011 Mustang GT features enhanced rear lower control arms
to add stiffness, improve powertrain NVH (noise, vibration and harshness)
control and sharpen handling. A stiffened rear stabilizer bar for better
on-center steering is also included. Stabilizer bar diameters, spring rates and
dampers all have been tuned for improved dynamics.
A Brembo brake package
upgrade will be available for serious enthusiasts. This package includes 14-inch
vented front discs from the Shelby GT500®, unique 19-inch alloy wheels and
summer performance tires.
Exhilarating Exterior Styling
From the 5.0 fender badges to the new engine cover, Mustang GT honors and
continues the proud heritage of its predecessors. The exterior sheet metal
continues the successful 2010 redesign, with new headlamps, lower fascias,
fenders and grille capped by a powerdome hood that adds to the muscular
appearance while functionally allowing for enhanced air cooling of the engine.
Mustang's washer-fluid nozzles are tucked into the cowl, while the antenna
resides at the rear, both changes creating a cleaner appearance while also
reducing wind noise.
Front fenders feature taut, sculptured wheel flares,
like a tight skin stretched over the wheels. A classic spear character line on
the doors leads to a modern indication of "hip" rear fenders.
The rear
end design features aggressively angled rear corners, a sculptured decklid and
prominent rear badge. A rearview camera incorporated into the spoiler is
available on some models.
Mustang taillamps feature three LED bulbs
firing sequentially from the inside for turn indication. The sequential bulbs
were a distinct Mustang feature in the '60s, while the vertical reverse lamps
evoke a modern version of the Ford classic three-lens taillamp.
Three
vibrant new colors will be added for 2011 including Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat, Race
Red and Ingot Silver.
Interior Styling and New Technology Features
Like the exterior, the interior design features world-class design and
execution. The one-piece instrument panel design is crafted in seamless
soft-touch TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) skin fully encompassing available genuine
aluminum-finish panels.
Mustang's chrome-ringed gauges and dual-vane air
register vents are precisely crafted and positioned. For 2011, the speedometer
increases to 160 mph and the tachometer redline advances from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm
to reflect the capabilities of the new powertrain.
The instrument panel
and console flow as one shape, another strong connection to Mustang heritage.
The seats and armrests have softer materials with high-quality stitching.
Mustang also offers drivers several new convenience technologies, including
a standard driver's message center in the instrument cluster and integrated
blind-spot mirrors in the side-view mirror housings. The available Ford SYNC
voice-activated communications and entertainment system now includes
applications such as Traffic, Directions & Information, 911 AssistT and Vehicle
Health Report.
An available Electronics Package incorporates the Ford
Voice-Activated Navigation system, loaded with features and functions designed
to provide customers with a superior level of connectivity and information while
on the road. Coupled with SIRIUS Travel Link, a Ford Motor Company exclusive,
the navigation system also acts as the hub for up-to-the-minute news about
weather, traffic, gas prices, movie listings, sports scores and more. HD RadioT
provides additional entertainment options with no subscription costs, and Dual
Zone Automatic Temperature Control keeps driver and passenger at the optimum
temperature without requiring periodic adjustments.
Ford's MyKey system,
designed to encourage safer teen driving and seat belt use, 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® seat belt reminder and various speed alert chimes.
The 2011
Mustang will be built at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock,
Mich. The 5.0-liter V-8 engine is built at Ford's Essex Engine Plant in Windsor,
Ontario. The 2011 Mustang GT goes on sale this spring.
Ford Mustang GT: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications