By Mark Kleis
Wednesday, Dec 2nd, 2009 @ 1:14 pm

Ford has officially taken the wraps off of its new 305 horsepower Mustang V6 at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Mustang’s new powertrain, which also includes a pair of six-speed transmissions, is joined by a handful of aero-enhancing styling upgrades.

Ford Mustang ’s volume leading powertrain in sales has long been a V6 offering, and will now feature a 3.7-liter DOHC Ti-VCT V-6 that is capable of 305 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of. torque, and best-in-class 30 mpg highway. Mustang’s new V6 sheds .3-liters in displacement, but gains 95 horsepower and 40 lb-ft of torque from the outgoing SOHC 4.0-liter V6.

The new V6 will also communicate to drivers and bystanders alike through a true dual exhaust – an upgrade over the current V6′s single exhaust setup.

Ford has also announced that moving forward all variants of the popular muscle car will come with six gears – in automatic or manual, V6 or V8. The new six speed transmissions improve fuel economy by 25 percent for the 6R60 automatic – up from 16 city, 24 highway to 19 city, and 30 highway. The manual jumps from 26 highway to 29 highway, and retains the 18 city mpg rating.

To help drivers manage the healthy increase in power, Ford has also upgraded the V6 Mustang’s chassis to contain the same suspension as the Mustang in V8 GT trim with the new Performance Package. Changes included revised damper tuning and spring rates for smoother highway ride, in addition to a new rear lower control arm and stiffened stabilizer bar bushings for improved cornering response.

“The new Performance Package delivers on fast, fun and affordable, combining the all-new 2011 V6 with Mustang GT prowess,†said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief nameplate engineer.

To help bring the Pony car to a stop, Ford increased the diameter of the disc brakes front and rear, with 11.5 inch front and 11.8 inch rear rotors.

In addition to powertrain changes, the new Mustang also features an Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system which helps to increase further economy by reducing drag generated from the hydraulic power steering pump.

Ford also made some important changes to the overall aerodynamics of the vehicle which include a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal.

Ford’s MyKey system, which is designed as a safety feature for parents wishing to limit speed and radio controls for younger drivers, has also made its way into the Mustang lineup for 2011.

42 Comments
  

LeftLane

Login

  • LeftLane

    Copyright © 2005 - 2012 Left lane News.
    All rights reserved.