The Ford Mustang is t he only muscle car to have been in continual production since inception and it shows with the all-new 2011 Ford Mustang . Setting the muscle car benchmark is no easy task and Ford shares the spotlight with both the Chevy Camaro and the Dodge Challenger. What differentiates these carsis truly in the eyes of the beholder as the horsepower and performance numbers stack up closely. However, the 2011 Mustang seems less like a pony and more like a th orough bred. With a class-leading 305 horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and theall-new 412 horsepower 5.0-liter V8, the battle for horsepower supremacy continues between these automakers. Chevy won’t announce its complete specifications for the 2011 Camaro until later in the year, but they are hinting at upping their horsepower. The 2011 Ford Mustang truly succeeds in taking every step possible to add to its muscle-car heritage, including an aggressive body style that looks even more similar to the 60’s pony car enthusiasts have come to know and love. Both models are equipped with superior driving dynamics and are perfectly mated to asix-speed manual transmission and rear wheel drive that leaves the rest of theh erd in the dust. With multiple models and optional features such as aglass-top coupe or a convertible, the 2011 Mustang is even more versatile and customized for each owner’s style following suit with the Mustang heritage of “the car to be designed by you”. Since its introduction to the public in 1964, the Ford Mustang has been an American staple that both consumers and auto critics alike have fallen in love with. The 2011 Ford Mustang keeps that spark alive today with the creativity to satisfy both groups with its ongoing evolution. You know what to expect when getting behind the wheel of theV8, but it was the V6 that was the true show stopper. The 305 horsepower with tuned exhaust and a 6-speed manual gearbox reminded us more of the previous Mustang V8. With the horsepower increase, which is the same horsepower of the original Ford Mustang SVT, was quick off the line and hugged every turn. Even with the increase in horsepower, the V6 gets class-leading 19 mpg on city streets and 31 mpg on the highway. The most impressive feature of the new powerplant was the low-end torque, which cranks out at roughly 7,000 rpm.   All you have to say with the V8 Mustang is 5.0. Mustang and auto enthusiasts alike respect the renown 5.0-liter Mustang as being one of the best Ford power plants of all-time. With 414 horsepower and 390 ft.lbs. of torque, this Mustang is the most powerful GT to date. As with the V6, performance was the goal, but better fuel economy had to be achieved. The GT gets up to 25 on the highway and 18 in the city. The low rumble of the Ford Mustang GT is what it’s known for and the 2011 delivers in every way. To put it mildly, it’s simply an awesome sound. To achieve this exhaust note, Ford specially designed tubular exhaust headers to maximize exhaust pulse separation and improve flow. With the performance enhancements under the hood, Ford engineers also enhanced the suspension of both the V6 and V8 with chassis adjustments to maintain the outstanding balance and driving behavior Mustang owners expect. Ford highlighted the 2011 Mustang models with package options and safety features to make the classic more driver-friendly than ever. Dual stage front airbags and front seat side airbags, stability control, traction control and ABS brakes protect passengers from outside elements, whilekeyless entry, audio input jacks, Ford SYNC, and optional Shaker 1000 audio system plus a handy reverse cam for those tighter parking spots provide both creature comforts and convenience. The optional electronics package includes a voice activated Sirius navigation system with Travel Link and automatic temperature control, while the comfort package includes heated front seats, six way power passenger seats, and an auto dimming rearview mirror. Mustang nailed it with the interior features and packages that are available for the 2011 model; the interior is the finest the Mustang has ever looked. The V8 model packs a heavy punch with its various options and embodies all the power and handling necessary to compete in the competitive segment. Meanwhile, the V6 is a thrill to drive while comfortably equipped. The 2011 Ford Mustang’s affordability seals the deal with an MSRP for the V8 Mustang GT starting at $29,645and the V6 at $22,145.

 
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2011 Ford Mustang – April Car of the Month