The Ford Mustang is back and don’t be surprised if it hits many auto journalists’ fancies.
Sure, the Mustang has been around for a while but recent past models had single-cam, 4-liter, 210-horsepower engines that MotorTrend and other journalists found rough, noisy and underpowered.
Well, put that stigma behind you because the new Mustangs have 3.7-liter, DOHC Ti-VCT V-6 engines that deliver 305 horsepower and 31-mpg highway fuel efficiency. The bottom line: It’s all power and muscle, restoring the Mustang back in its rightful place as a sports dynamo highlighted by a strong under-the-hood purr from this finely tuned athlete.
» Engine: V-6, 3.7-liter, 305-horsepower (also available as 5-liter V-8, 402-horsepower)
» Fuel consumption: 19 mpg city, 31 mpg highway (for V-6 models)
» Transmission: Six-speed manual or automatic
» MSRP: From $22,145
The Mustang also looks the part of an aggressive, sporty champion. New headlamps, lower fascias, fenders and a bold grille give the car a muscular appearance.
There’s a level of subtle sophistication that is also a return to the past powerhouse Mustangs. The new Mustang includes a power dome hood that gives it a dancer’s tone. Add to that washer-fluid nozzles tucked into the cowl, a rear antenna that cuts down on interior noise and complements the car’s more fluid, sporty look, and taut, sculpted wheel flairs.
The look continues in the rear with a sculpted lid deck and other features and ultra-modern sequential bulbs in the taillamps that remind one of the distinctive bulbs in Mustangs from the 1960s.
The inside is also ultra-sporty with a speedometer and tachometer in the one-piece instrument panel. Chrome-ringed gauges, dual-van air register vents and other touches add to the contemporary, athletic look.
Of course Ford has high-quality audio and navigation systems that have been highly touted in this and other reviews.
Add to that new technologies including Drift-Pull Compensation, that adjusts steering when faced with crosswinds and other forces. Active Nibble Control keeps the car’s ride smooth during highway speeds.
What is really outstanding, though, is the ride of this car. Although it hauls like a sports champion, it provides a smooth, highway ride that is firm but not overly stiff.
Ford credits the aerodynamic improvements not just for the increased fuel economy and steady ride but the firmer grip the car has on the road.
The 2011 Ford Mustang is a welcome return to the grand sports car’s top form.
