2011 Ford Mustang.

2011 Ford Mustang

Ford updated the Mustang for the 2010 model year, but largely ignored the car’s engine bay. However, that will likely change for the 2011 model year, with details of the Mustang’s new powertrains hitting the Web on Wednesday

2011 Ford Mustang

As previously reported on these pages, the base Mustang will be powered by Ford’s 3.7L V6 for the 2011 model year. Although that engine produces 273 horsepower in Lincoln applications, power will be ramped up to 315 horsepower for the Mustang, according to The Mustang Source. That represents a significant increase of 105 horsepower over the current V6-powered Mustang and an 11 horsepower advantage of the Chevrolet Camaro V6.

2011 Ford Mustang

A 400 horsepower 5.0L V8 motor will also be joining the Mustang lineup for 2011. Dubbed ‘Coyote’, the new mill will be used in the Mustang GT model and will be available with a six-speed manual transmission – something the Camaro has offered since 1993.

2011 Ford Mustang

Combined with Ford’s latest track pack, the 2011 Mustang GT reportedly lapped Michigan’s GingerMan Raceway dead-even with the current BMW M3 — despite a 200 pound weight disadvantage.

2011 Ford Mustang

Because Ford’s 365 horsepower EcoBoost motor would leave little to differentiate the V6 Mustang from the 400 horsepower V8 model, there are no current plans to use the turbocharged engine in the Mustang in the immediate future. However, the Mustang GT will likely see a power boost in the coming years, possibly opening the door for a turbocharged Mustang.

2011 Ford Mustang

Other changes to the Mustang line for 2011 include an aluminum block for the Shelby GT500 model. A Boss model is on tap for 2012.

2011 Ford Mustang

While the new 2011 Ford Mustang V6 is a good car, the 5.0 is great. In a single model year, Ford has manged to address all of the 2010 Mustang GT's shortcomings. Besides the brand spanking new motor (which really is the big story), the Blue Oval boys made a number of other changes. It's going to take a well trained eye to spot any visual differences between the 2010 and 2011 models, but there are differences. First off, the aluminum pony in the grill has been lightened a shade. In addition, the front and rear fascias are slightly tweaked. There's a new lower spoiler and air dam up front and the rear wheels now have tire spats. All of the exterior changes plus an underbody aeroshield add up to a four-percent more aerodynamic car, and help this 412-hp brute achieve a very respectable 26 mpg on the highway. Also, let's not forget the big, shiny 5.0 badges. A1A Beach Front Avenue has been put on notice!
 

2011 Ford Mustang

Speaking of getting on it, the 7,000 rpm redline begs you to do just that. An all-new six-speed (finally!) manual further encourages you to bash the motor all you like. There's also a new six-speed automatic that's okay (though it does lack paddle shifters), but we spent exactly 17.5 seconds driving the auto version (that's two blasts down an eighth-mile drag strip), so you'll need to do your own research if you're not interested in rowing your own. If you are, the new six-speed manual is pretty good, though we'd prefer a short-throw kit. We also had occasional trouble coming down into second and/or fourth. We suspect this is mostly due to the shift lever's long throw, which again would be fixed by a short throw kit. That said, the new transmission doesn't seem to mind abuse.

2011 Ford Mustang

2011 Ford Mustang