305 HORSEPOWER 2011 MUSTANG V6 AUTOMATIC SIPS 31 M.P.G. (HIGHWAY)!

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By 2016, the looming specter of the 35.5 m.p.g. Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standard will force cars to average more than 40 m.p.g. (to offset the thirsty light truck component). Thus, we are likely in the twilight of the current high-performance era.

But making the transition to EPA/NHTSA/CARB wimpmobiles a little easer is the current generation of 300+ horsepower RWD pony cars. And Ford's brilliant, new 2011 Mustang is now the leader of the pack on fuel economy. Mustang's new 3.7 liter, 305 horsepower DOHC V6, when equipped with a six-speed automatic, churns out an amazing 31 m.p.g. in the EPA highway test cycle. The sporty six-speed manual gets only one m.p.g. less (a worthwhile trade off).

It's still a long way from what will likely be required to meet the 2016 CAFE requirements. But the 2011 Mustang does not use any intrusive economy technology, such as start-stop or full hybrid electric drive.

Still whipping the portly Camaro at the pump is sweet. And it will go a long way to offsetting the impact of the V8 Mustangs we want on the CAFE average. WELL DONE, FORD!

Here's FoMoCo's official announcement:

DEARBORN, Mich., March 4, 2010 – The 2011 Ford Mustang today breaks new ground, cracking the record books as not only the most fuel-efficient Mustang ever, but also the first production car in history to produce more than 300 horsepower and more than 30 mpg highway.

The Mustang's official EPA ratings – completed this week – certify that models equipped with the 305-hp 3.7-liter V-6 and available six-speed automatic transmission achieve 31 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city. The standard six-speed manual transmission is rated at 30 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city.

Mustang is powered by a lightweight, all-aluminum 3.7-liter dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) V-6 engine that uses advanced engineering to deliver its combination of power and economy. Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valvetrain in microseconds depending on driver inputs, further contributing to the engine's overall efficiency.

The fact that Mustang achieves its top fuel economy rating with the convenience of an automatic transmission also marks a shift in conventional wisdom. Ford engineered a modern six-speed automatic transmission with carefully calibrated gear ratios and shift programs to maximize economy, while still delivering high-horsepower driving fun.

"Advanced powertrains like our Ti-VCT V-6 and six-speed automatic really speak to the future of Mustang," says Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Global Powertrain Engineering. "We've proven that, using technology, Ford can deliver both power and fuel economy."

In addition to engine improvements, upgrades to Mustang's body, powertrain and chassis design contribute to the higher fuel economy numbers for 2011. Examples include:
New Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system eliminates the drag of an engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump
Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions allow lower cruising revs without sacrificing off-the-line performance
Aerodynamic changes include improvements like 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 2011 Mustang already has more than 11,000 orders. Half of all the nationwide orders are for the car's fuel-efficient 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The 2011 Mustangs are also being equipped with record levels of technology, giving customers the option of choosing navigation, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and rearview cameras.

The new 2011 Mustang goes on sale this spring and will be built at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.