Ford Says 2011 Mustang Will Pack 305-HP V-6 Achieving 19/30 City/Highway MPG

Ford Says 2011 Mustang Will Pack 305-HP V-6 Achieving 19/30 City/Highway MPG

By Scott Doggett November 30, 2009

Ford announced today that the 2011 Mustang will pack an all-new 305-horsepower V-6 engine achieving a best-in-class fuel economy of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway when paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Those efficiency figures are substantially better than the current model's, which are 16 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway when mated to an automatic transmission.

The Dearborn, Michigan, automaker attributes the improved fuel economy of the new 3.7-liter Duratec 24-valve V-6 engine to Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing, or Ti-VCT, which adjusts the valve train in microseconds.

With Ti-VCT operating its four valves per cylinder, the new powerplant sends significantly more horsepower and torque (280 pound feet) to the rear wheels than its predecessor, which achieved 210 hp and 240 pounds-feet of torque, despite its smaller displacement (the 2010 Mustang packs a 4-liter engine).

When fitted with a six-speed annual transmission, the 2011 Mustang will get 18/29 city/highway mpg, compared to 18/26 on the 2010 model with a manual transmission, Ford says.

The high output is due largely to Ti-VCT, which allows variable control of valve operation across the rev range. The variable cams operate on a Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket valve train using polished buckets to reduce friction.

The end result is a 3 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 10 percent improvement in power output versus traditional engines without these advanced features.

Ti-VCT is complemented by specially tuned composite upper and lower intake manifolds for efficient air delivery and lighter weight. Ignition power is delivered by a high-energy coil-on-plug design, while piston-cooling jets and a lightweight die-cast aluminum cylinder block improve the durability and efficiency of the engine's design.

Ford say performance was the mantra for every aspect of engine design. A cold-air induction system and dual exhaust give the 3.7 its "free-breathing style" with a 7,000 rpm redline and reported near-instantaneous response to throttle inputs.

Drivers can get the most out of the new engine's output using either an all-new six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission. Both come with the fuel economy benefits of six forward ratios regardless of whether buyers want to shift for themselves or not.

The standard 2.73 rear axle provides 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. Performance enthusiasts can select an available 3.31 rear axle ratio for better off-the-line launch characteristics.

Scott Doggett:  is an AutoObserver.com Associate Editor.