2013 Ford Mustang

Though it might be the entry-level version of Ford's iconic pony car, slotting below the Mustang GT, Boss 302 and GT500 models, the Mustang V6 boasts a strong 305 horsepower engine to go along with its capable chassis and retro look. The latest iteration has received fairly significant upgrades in the areas of styling and performance over the last few years.

Now sleeker than ever thanks to its shared styling cues with the range-topping Shelby GT500, the latest Mustang V6 Coupe sports fresh lines out front and in back that give the car a substantially fresh look for a mid-cycle refresh.

Other major improvements include making HID headlamps standard, new stylized sequential taillamps and the availability of the V6 Performance Package on automatic-equipped models.

While the V6 engine itself may not have been given any changes for the latest model year, the majority of V6 Mustang buyers will benefit from the same new SelectShift automatic as found in the updated Mustang GT. This new transmission gives drivers real control over gear selection and cannot be overridden by the car's computer. Gear changes are handled by a switch located on the gear selector leaver itself, which was also restyled to be more user-friendly.

For the V6 Mustang buyers who choose to stick with the stick, Hill Start Assist will make things a bit easier by engaging the brake for two second after the driver pulls their foot from the brake to move to the clutch while on hills - reducing the change of unwanted rollback.

Style counts
The new base Mustang is the benefactor of a full revamped wheel lineup, ranging from the standard 17-inch wheels all the way up to 19-inch optional wheels on the V6 Performance Package.

There are two different finishes on the 17-inch wheel - machined-aluminum and painted. Three optional V6 wheels include an 18-inch polished aluminum variant, an updated 18-inch painted aluminum wheel and a 19-inch painted wheel design, with a new theme for the V6 Performance Package.

Another semi-functional, semi-fun change is the addition of a pony projection light to the mirrors, which casts the outline of Mustang's pony emblem on the ground when the unlock button is activated. Other detail changes include the addition of Deep Impact Blue and Gotta Have It Green as new exterior colors.

New features
The Mustang V6 also gains the all-new new 4.2-inch LCD screen that is navigated through a five-way control button located on the steering wheel has been added. The new screen gives access to Track Apps, a new feature which delivers performance metrics such as g forces, acceleration times, braking times and automatic and countdown starts.

The optional audio systems for the latest Mustang Convertible have also been updated. The Shaker system features eight speakers and 370 watts of power, while the Shaker Pro system has nine speakers and delivers 550 watts of power.

Inside, styling is comprised of a blend of retro with modern touches, including available ambient lighting, along with upgraded materials compared to the previous model.

Power and efficiency
Two trim levels of Mustang are on offer: Base V6 and V6 Premium, and both are powered by the new 3.7-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, nearly matching the 2010 GT's V8 output of 315 horsepower. In addition to adding 95 horsepower and 40 lb-ft of torque over the previous V6, the latest V6 Mustang also boasts class-leading fuel economy of 31 mpg on the highway with a six-speed automatic. Switching to a six-speed manual will drop expected highway mileage to 29 mpg.

Premium models add leather seat and steering wheel trim, Sync, Sirius satellite radio and a Shaker 500 audio system, among other cosmetic upgrades.

Options for Premium models include a navigation system and a rearview camera built into the rear spoiler.

All new Mustangs include an upgraded version of Ford's electronic power steering (EPAS) which reduces drag on the engine by eliminating the traditional hydraulic setup. Ford says that the system has been tuned for scalable input at various speeds, meaning parking-lot maneuvers will be easier, while high-performance driving will be more precise. The system, according to Ford, is good for a 1 percent improvement in fuel economy.

Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability control is standard across the lineup, and it joins traction control, front and seat-mounted side airbags and anti-lock brakes on the Mustang's roster of passive and active safety features.

Key Rivals
The Mustang V6 Coupe has no shortage of rivals, from muscle cars like V6-equipped Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger models to sporty two-doors like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.