Ford’s muscle car achieved this performance despite its powerful 412-hp 5.0-liter V-8 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Moreover, models equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission achieve 18 mpg city and 25 highway.
“The 2011 Mustang continues to exceed expectations in every category, and these fuel economy numbers are another chapter in an incredible story,” Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president, Global Product Development, said in a release. “To offer this kind of horsepower and class-leading fuel economy in a comfortable, beautiful, tech-savvy and affordable package – it’s really unprecedented.”
In addition to powertrain improvements, upgrades to Mustang GT’s body and chassis design contribute to its 2011 performance.
Examples include new EPAS system that eliminates the drag of an engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump, new six-speed transmissions, standard 3.31 (manual) and 3.15 (automatic) rear axle ratios and aerodynamic improvements, such as a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal.
“Mustang powertrain development has reached a point where customers don’t have to choose between fuel efficiency and performance,” added Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Global Powertrain Engineering. “Thanks to technologies like Ti-VCT and our six-speed gearboxes, a Mustang driver has the best of both worlds.”
As said, the 2011 Mustang V6 is the most fuel-efficient Mustang ever, but also the first production car in history to produce 300+ horsepower and 30+ mpg highway.
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