2011 Ford Mustang gets New 305HP V6 and Optional Performance Package

Well, it was about time; Ford has finally decided to equip its base Mustang with a modern V6 engine to compete against GM's 'been there, done that' 2010 Camaro V6. In particular, Ford will replace the 2010MY's obsolete 4.0-liter V6 with its comical output of 210HP and 240 lb-ft of torque with an all-aluminum Duratec 3.7-liter DOHC Ti-VCT V6 that delivers 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb.

That's only 10HP and 45 lb-ft of torque less than the current Mustang GT's 4.6L V8.

In another technological breakthrough for Ford (...), the new V6 will be coupled to six-speed transmissions, either manual or automatic. We remind you that the 2010 Mustang V6 and V8 models are offered with 5-speed gearboxes.

"The Mustang is completely transformed with this new engine," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "Everything people love about the car is still there and now under the hood is a V-6 engine that uses premium technology to deliver the power, the feel, the fuel efficiency, even the sound of the best sports coupes in the world."

Combined with other improvements such as the new Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system and aerodynamic upgrades including a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal, the new Mustang V6 also offers improved fuel efficiency over the outgoing model.

Ford says that the version with the manual gearbox returns 18 mpg city and 29 highway, up from 18 mpg city and 26 highway on the 2010 model.

With the 6-speed automatic, the 2011 Mustang V6 gets 19 mpg city and 30 highway, up from 16 mpg city and 24 highway on the 2010 model, which represents a 25 percent improvement.

Ford has yet to release any performance figures for the 2011 Mustang V6.

Other mechanical improvements for the new model year include a revised suspension with new damper tuning and spring rates as well as a new rear lower control arm and stiffened stabilizer bar while there's also larger four-wheel ABS disc brakes, with 11.5 inch front and 11.8 inch rear rotors.

In addition, all 2011 V6 models will come standard with new instrument cluster featuring a speedometer that reads up to 160 mph and a tachometer that reads to 8,000 rpm, plus additional lightweight soundproofing measures in the interior.

There will also be a new Performance Package that will be available from August 2010. It includes features such as a 3.31 rear axle ratio, a sportier suspension setup, 19-inch wheels with performance tires, a strut tower brace for increased chassis rigidity and a specific electronic stability control calibration with sport mode.

The 2011 Mustang V6 will make its first public appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week.