There seem to be so many surveys out there relating to auto manufacturers, it’s often hard to pick out which are the most meaningful. Strategic Vision Inc. however, takes a slightly different approach than most, measuring every aspect of ‘customer satisfaction,’ from the buying experience, to performance as well as reliability, factors which aim to give a more ‘complete’ picture of overall quality.

As a result, the automotive brands that reach the top of its survey differ from those on others; Volkswagen and Ford ranking as number one and two respectively.

VW’s position was lead by the results from Golf, Jetta and Tiguan owners and although Jetta drivers reported a higher number of industry problems than average (30 percent versus 22), very few were labeled as serious issues. Furthermore, VW owners attracted a higher level of ‘love’ for their vehicles than most rivals.

In Ford’s case the Mustang, F-Series pickups and Flex crossover were the biggest winners, these vehicles scoring strong points on design, technological innovations and strengthening brand equity, this despite complaints of in-car connectivity systems which has seen Ford drop on other surveys, notably those from Consumer Reports and JD Power and Associates.

Further down the list, Honda and Nissan tied jointly for third place, the latter essentially on the strength of just one vehicle, the Maxima sedan.

Interestingly, there were a few vehicles on the list that have redeemed themselves somewhat, posting significant gains in Total Quality satisfaction ratings; examples included the Chrysler Town & Country Minivan, which jumped to second place behind the Odyssey for best in the segment; the redesigned 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which currently ranks top of the mid-size SUV category, plus the Land Rover LR4 and Jaguar XJ, which from languishing in the doldrums, jumped to top of their respective categories, luxury SUV and sedan respectively. British cars leading quality satisfaction surveys, who’d have ever thought it?

[Source: Automobile Mag]

Perhaps its a sign that the economy is recovering, or maybe it’s just escapism, but the most searched new car at AutoTrader.com for the past year is none other than the Ford Mustang. That’s right, not the ever-popular Ford F-150 or Toyota Camry (one a work truck, the other an appliance), but the iconic American sports car. And while the F-150 did come second, the Camry ranks fifth for 2010, behind the Chevrolet Silverado in 4th place and the Mustang-rivaling Camaro (which is poised to out-sell the pony car in 2010) in 3rd.

Of the Top 20 most searched new cars as listed in the AutoTrader.com November Trend Engine report (which also tallies results for the year as a whole), Ford claims a total of four positions. GM brands also score four spots, while both Honda and Chrysler (including Dodge and Jeep) each have three vehicles on the list.

For the Top 20 most searched used vehicle for 2010, the list includes many of the same names, with some shuffling going on. The biggest change is the ranking of the BMW 3 Series, which is listed as 2nd.

A notable trend that’s obvious from the report is the resurgence in popularity of trucks and SUVs. For the month of November, the Ford F-150 takes up the top spot, with the Chevy Silverado 1500 in 4th and the Dodge Ram 1500 in 5th.

See the complete Top 20 Most Searched Vehicles lists after the jump:

Read AutoGuide’s 2011 Mustang Review by Clicking Here

Read AutoGuide’s 2011 Mustang GT Review by Clicking Here

    YEAR-END: TOP 20 MOST VIEWED NEW VEHICLES IN 2010

                                 2010
    MAKE        MODEL            Rank
    Ford        Mustang               1
    Ford        F-150                 2
    Chevrolet   Camaro                3
    Chevrolet   Silverado 1500        4
    Toyota      Camry                 5
    BMW         3-Series              6
    Dodge       Ram 1500              7
    Honda       Civic                 8
    Honda       Accord                9
    Ford        F-250                10
    Jeep        Wrangler             11
    Chevrolet   Corvette             12
    Toyota      Corolla              13
    Honda       CRV                  14
    Volkswagen  Jetta                15
    GMC         Sierra 1500          16
    Ford        Fusion               17
    Hyundai     Sonata               18
    Nissan      Altima               19
    ------      ------              ---
    Dodge       Challenger           20
    -----       ----------          ---
    YEAR-END: TOP 20 MOST VIEWED USED VEHICLES IN 2010
                                 2010
    MAKE        MODEL            Rank
    Ford        F-150                 1
    BMW         3-Series              2
    Chevrolet   Silverado 1500        3
    Ford        Mustang               4
    Ford        F-250                 5
    Honda       Accord                6
    Dodge       Ram 1500              7
    Jeep        Wrangler              8
    Honda       Civic                 9
    Chevrolet   Tahoe                10
    Infiniti            G35/37       11
    Chevrolet   Silverado 2500       12
    Dodge       Ram 2500             13
    Toyota      Tacoma               14
    Nissan      Altima               15
    BMW         5-Series             16
    Jeep        Grand Cherokee       17
    Toyota      Tundra               18
    Audi        A4                   19
    ----        ---                 ---
    Ford        Explorer             20
    ----        --------            ---

We’ll admit this is a little odd, but we can also understand where Roush is coming from. The Mustang-tuner’s 2011 Roush Sport Mustang package has been announced and it doesn’t pack the performance we expect. In fact, it doesn’t really pack any performance. Instead, for $4,600, Roush will outfit your 2011 Mustang with a sportier appearance.

The Sport Mustang is really just a full body kit with a whole new front bumper with splitter and billet grille, side skirts, rear bumper and three-piece rear wing. Even though we find it a bit costly at $4,600, we’d have to agree that the aero components definitely gives the Mustang a sportier look.

In true Roush form though, supplemental modifications can be added to the package to boost performance from suspension to exhaust to brakes and interior upgrades.

[Source: Inside Line]

It was inevitable, but the first special edition Ford Mustang is here, and not surprisingly, it’s a V6. The 2011 DUB edition Ford Mustang comes in a coupe, convertible or full-length glass roof bodystyle, with a Roush front end treatment, racing stripes, quarter window covers, windshield banner, and DUB logos embroidered onto the front headrests. 20-inch wheels, Pirelli tires and Roush lowering springs help give the car a low and wide look, while a 3.31 axle ratio should improve acceleration times, or compensate for the massive wheels.

Press Release After The Jump

DUB EDITION 2011 FORD MUSTANG BRINGS UNIQUE STYLE TO NEW GENERATION OF BUYERS

DEARBORN, Mich., May 3, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is teaming up with automotive lifestyle magazine DUB to roll out a specially customized version of the new 2011 Mustang, introducing the iconic sports car to a new generation of enthusiasts.

The DUB Edition Mustang is based on Ford’s outstanding new 3.7-liter V-6 Mustang and will be available this fall. A collaboration between Ford, DUB and Roush Industries, the DUB Edition Mustang will be offered as a coupe, convertible or with the best-of-both-worlds Glass Roof option. Both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available.

“The Ford Mustang is the most customized vehicle in the world, and this collaboration pushes the boundaries even further,” said Fritz Wilke, Mustang brand manager. “We’re proud of our relationship with DUB and Roush and how they worked together to bring a new look to Mustang, helping the 2011 DUB Edition Mustang V-6 appeal to a whole new audience.”

• 2011 DUB Edition Mustang introduces Ford Mustang to a whole new generation of buyers
• Based on the new 305-hp Mustang V-6, the DUB Edition will sport 20-inch TIS wheels and Pirelli tires and be available in coupe, convertible and Glass Roof body styles
• The 2011 Mustang V-6 coupe uses advanced technologies and improved aerodynamics to become the first production vehicle to make 300-plus hp and return 30-plus mpg highway


Available only with Ford’s new high-tech, 305-horsepower DOHC 3.7-liter V-6, the DUB Edition Mustang will offer:

• 20-inch TIS wheels with Pirelli performance tires
• Roush front fascia and splitter
• Roush quarter window louvers and windshield banner
• Roush lowering springs
• Coupe, convertible or Glass Roof body style
• Six-speed manual or automatic transmission
• 3.31 rear axle ratio for spirited acceleration
• DUB logo embroidered in front headrest and DUB stripe package
• Black interior
• Choice of four exterior colors: Black, Grabber Blue, Race Red or Ingot Silver


“Working with Ford and Roush is an honor and has been a dream come true for DUB,” said Myles Kovacs, president and co-founder of DUB magazine. “The Mustang is such an iconic muscle car and has always been a customizer’s favorite. The DUB Edition Mustang stays true to its roots, but I think we’ve successfully brought a ton of hustle to the muscle.”

About the 2011 Mustang V-6
For 2011, Mustang is available with a lightweight, all-new high-performance powerplant. Displacing 3.7 liters, the double-overhead-cam (DOHC) 24-valve V-6 uses Ford’s Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) to produce remarkable power output – 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque – while still achieving up to 31 mpg highway.

Drivers can get the most out of the new V-6 engine using either an all-new six-speed manual or automatic transmission. With either choice comes the flexibility and fuel economy benefit of six forward ratios.

The 2011 Mustang has also received enhancements to its chassis to maintain the outstanding balance and driving behavior Mustang owners expect. Combined with state-of-the-art safety and technology features, the 2011 Mustang sets a new standard in the sports coupe class.

Rumors that Ford would release an EcoBoost Mustang have persisted ever since the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 debuted in the SHO, but according to a recent report, no such turbo ‘Stang is planned – for now. MotorAuthority is reporting Ford has no plans to drop the sophisticated engine into the Mustang – especially as it has recently unveiled two other sophisticated powerplants for the 2011 model. The first is the 305-hp 3.7-liter V6 and the second is the new 412-hp 5.0-liter V8. The current EcoBoost plant sits mid-way between those two with as much as 365-hp in the Taurus SHO. Because it is turbocharged, however, it makes an almost equal amount of torque, and because it is still a V6, there’s a notable weight savings over a V8 engine.

That being said, the idea of a turbocharged V6 Mustang not only makes sense, but should sound familiar to the Mustang faithful. Back in the 1980s, Ford produced a turbocharged model called the SVO. It used a 4-cylinder rather than a V6, but the result was the same, with the lighter engine helping the car beat the old 5.0 in some tests.

And so while we’re not likely to hear anything from Ford about an EcoBoost Mustang for several years (perhaps around time for a mid-cycle update?), the automaker has confirmed that the EcoBoost V6 will arrive in the F-150 later this year as a 2011 model.

[Source: MotorAuthority]

Ford is looking to turn “the world’s fastest half-mile” into the world’s slowest and most fuel efficient half-mile as the automaker plans to drive 1,000 miles on the Bristol Motor Speedway oval track in the new 2011 Mustang. Aiming to promote the car’s best-in-class 19 mpg city and 31 mpg highway fuel economy figures, the 305-hp V6 Mustang will take to the track on June 23.

This marketing gimmick follows after a similar test for the Ford Fusion Hybrid when it debuted. The hybrid managed an incredible 1,445 miles on just one tank of gas – a feat which took 69 hours to complete.

“We all know how much fun it is to drive Mustang, but in today’s market it’s also about fuel economy,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. “By going 1,000 laps or more on one of NASCAR’s most popular tracks, we expect to show that when it comes to Mustang, you can be mean and green.”

To help promote the 1,000-Lap Challenge, Ford has launched a website where you can enter and guess the total number of laps the Mustang will run. Entries can be made from March 21st to June 23rd and the winner will take home a brand new 305-hp V6 Mustang.

See the link below to enter:

www.Mustang1000LapChallenge.com

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

FORD SET TO TAKE 1,000-LAP CHALLENGE AROUND BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY ON ONE TANK OF GAS IN 2011 V6 MUSTANG
DEARBORN, Mich., March 21, 2010 – Since first coming off the assembly line 45 years ago, Mustang has always been known for its sheer power and speed. Now you can add another element to that reputation – best-in-class fuel economy.

One year after the Ford Fusion Hybrid, America’s most fuel-efficient mid-sized sedan, successfully eclipsed 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas, Ford will put its new 2011 Mustang V-6 on a similar quest as it attempts to run 1,000 laps on a single tank of gas at Bristol Motor Speedway on June 23, and they’re inviting consumers to be involved.

A team of Ford engineers and celebrities will attempt to prove Mustang’s ranking as the most fuel-efficient pony car to date by circling the half-mile NASCAR bullring at least 1,000 times – more than 500 miles – and highlight the 3.7L V-6 model’s best-in-class 31 mpg.

Fans can be involved in the Mustang 1,000-Lap Challenge by entering a national sweepstakes in which they will guess the total number of complete laps that Mustang will complete during the Challenge. Ford has designed a specific website for fans, who can register their guess at www.Mustang1000LapChallenge.com between March 21 and June 23, 2010.

The grand prize winner will be randomly selected from all those who correctly guess the number of laps completed during the Challenge and will take home a 2011 Mustang V-6 coupe.

“We all know how much fun it is to drive Mustang, but in today’s market it’s also about fuel economy,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. “By going 1,000 laps or more on one of NASCAR’s most popular tracks, we expect to show that when it comes to Mustang, you can be mean and green.”

The Mustang 1,000-Lap Challenge will begin the morning of Wednesday, June 23 with a team of Ford test drivers continuously circling the track billed as “the world’s fastest half-mile” until the vehicle runs out of fuel with a goal of surpassing 1,000-lap mark.

“To go at least 1,000 laps at Bristol means we’ll be going twice as far as the NASCAR drivers do during their races, and we’ll be doing it without a pit stop,” said Fritz Wilke, Mustang Brand Manager.

The V-6 Mustang will be no stranger to Bristol by then, having been selected to serve as pace car for this weekend’s Food City 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.

This event is a follow-up to last year’s challenge in which Ford NASCAR driver Carl Edwards participated in driving the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid a total of 1,445 miles (an average of 81.5 mpg) on a single tank of gas around Washington, D.C.

The new 2011 Mustang lineup is a huge step forward for the Ford brand, with the V6 model gaining 95-hp and the GT seeing the return of the 5.0. But what will all these improvements cost you? Surprisingly, not all that much extra.

According to a leaked document posted on TheMustangSource, a base coupe will cost $22,995 (including the $850 destination charge), while the 412-hp GT will cross over the $30,000 mark, retailing for $30,495. In total, those price increases are $750 for the base V6 and $1,250 more than the ’09 year GT. And yet even with the increases and the huge engine upgrades for 2010, a Stang in either category is still cheaper than a comparable Camaro.

As for options, a six-speed automatic will cost $995 and a stylish California Special package is $2,475. See our gallery below for the full price list.

GALLERY: 2011 Mustang GT

GALLERY: 2011 Mustang

GALLERY: 2011 Mustang Price List

[Source: TheMustangSource]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

After Ford recently debuted the 2011 Mustang at the LA Auto Show with a vastly more powerful V6 motor, the V8 GT model is slated to bow in Detroit in just a few weeks time. Under the hood we expect to find the return of the iconic 5.0-liter V8, with at least 400-hp.

Rumors suggested Ford would unveil both the new V6 and V8 engines at the LA show, but it certainly makes more sense to deliver the high-powered GT in Ford’s home-town.

Currently the V8 model makes “just” 315-hp and 325 ft-lbs of torque. Those aren’t bad numbers but they are well below what the Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Chevy Camaro SS make. Plus, the new 3.7-liter V6 is rated at 305-hp and 280 ft-lbs of torque – making the V8 look almost obsolete. If the 5.0 does in fact return, we expected it to be offered with the choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. This should help it deliver a sub five second 0-60 mph time and, Ford hopes, win back many of the consumers who have been skipping on the Mustang for a Bumblebee Camaro.

We’ll be sure to bring you full details on the new 2011 Ford Mustang GT as soon as we can, with live coverage of the Detroit Auto Show starting January 11th.

***UPDATE*** Since posting this article, details about the 2011 Mustang GT have leaked, pointing out that it will in fact get a 5.0-Liter V8 with 412-hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque. For more info on the new car see here. ***UPDATE***

See our review of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT below:

2010 Ford Mustang GT Review

Ford has chosen the LA Auto Show to debut its significantly more powerful 2011 Mustang V6. In fact, the new 3.7-liter V6 engine, which replaces the larger and older 4.0-liter mill makes almost as much power as the 2010 Mustang GT. Power is now rated at 305-hp, up 95 ponies from 210! Torque is up too, by 40 ticks to 280 ft-lbs. Full power comes on at 6500 rpm with full torque at 4250 rpm. Plus, Ford says the new engine will deliver 19/30 mpg (city/highway) with a six-speed automatic or 18/29 mpg with a six-speed manual. Yup, finally a six-speed for the Mustang.

And as though all this we’re good enough, the all-aluminum block weighs less than the old 4.0-liter engine.

To achieve all these improvements, the motor uses Ford’s Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT). Essentially, this is the same engine that Ford first used in the Lincoln MKS.

Perhaps most importantly, however, is the fact that this new engine trumps that found in the new Camaro – by 1-hp. That certainly isn’t much, but by being able to make the claim is certain to help Ford win back some sales from Chevy. And in Ford’s smaller and lighter package, performance will no doubt put the Mustang ahead of the Camaro.

Ford is expected to announce the return of the 5.0-liter Mustang GT, with 400-plus horsepower,  at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Mustang

With the new Mustang V6 now boasting an impressive 305-hp thanks to an all-new 3.7-liter engine, Ford has decided to launch a new Performance Package for the car aimed at improving handling, braking and acceleration.

In the acceleration department, with the more powerful engine already giving the 2011 model a big boost, the Performance Package comes with a new 3.31 rear axle to help down low. As for the brakes, they are upgraded with GT-spec calipers and Performance Friction pads.

The more significant modifications, however, have been made in the handling department. The long list of mods include Mustang GT front struts, rear shocks and springs, as well as front and rear stabilizer bars. There’s also a new strut tower brace. A set of 19-inch wheels with Pirelli performance tires will help get the power down and Ford even went so far as to donate the rear lower control arms from the Shelby GT500.

Another highlight is a new electronic stability control program with a Sport mode, that will allow for more slip in the corners. And of course, the Performance Package comes with a unique set of badges.

AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Starts Here December 2nd

Official release after the jump:

2011 FORD MUSTANG V-6 PERFORMANCE PACKAGE BOOSTS HANDLING, BRAKING; CAR NOW ROAD-COURSE READY

• All-new 2011 Mustang V-6 joins the ranks of performance-tuned Mustang offerings worldwide; available Performance Package combines lightweight 305-horsepower all-aluminum V-6, a 3:31 performance rear axle and Mustang GT-based suspension and braking components
• Unique 19-inch wheels and Pirelli performance tires provide superb grip and aggressive appearance
• Electronic stability control calibration features Sport mode for high-performance driving and track-oriented events

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 30, 2009 – Around the globe, Ford’s performance-tuned cars are known to provide an uncompromised driving experience in a remarkably civilized package. Growing from that tradition, the new 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 will offer an optional factory-installed Performance Package that combines high-tech horsepower and a taut suspension in a package that will appeal to track-day fans and sports car aficionados alike.

Powered by the same 305-horsepower all-aluminum Ti-VCT V-6 as the new 2011 Mustang, the Performance Package takes advantage of the new engine’s lightweight and high-revving nature to deliver a nimble performance car equally at home on a road course or a road trip.

“The new Performance Package delivers on fast, fun and affordable, combining the all-new 2011 V-6 with Mustang GT prowess,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief nameplate engineer. “It’s a true sports car for the new generation and a smart choice for the environmentally-conscious enthusiast. It is a perfect marriage of power, performance and value.”

Borrowing from the Mustang GT, the Performance Package includes numerous suspension, braking and body stiffening upgrades to deliver unparalleled handling performance. That road-holding is helped by a near-equal front/rear weight distribution, providing exceptional transient response along with the car’s slimmed-down curb weight of less than 3,500 pounds.

2011 Mustang Performance Package upgrades include:

• A 3.31 rear axle ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration
• Mustang GT coupe front and rear stabilizer bars
• Mustang GT front struts and rear shocks/springs
• Shelby GT500 rear lower control arm
• Unique 19-inch wheels
• Pirelli performance tires for improved grip
• Mustang GT front and rear brake calipers with Performance Friction pads
• A strut tower brace for increased body rigidity
• Unique electronic stability control calibration with Sport mode for performance driving
• Unique badging

The 2011 Mustang V-6 Performance Package will be available beginning late next summer, built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The new 3.7-liter V-6 will be built at Ford’s retooled Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1.

Ford has officially announced that it will debut an all-new V6 engine for the 2011 Mustang at the LA Auto Show later this week. The new engine is smaller, displacing just 3.7-liters compared to the old 4.0-liter mill, but power is up significantly. In fact, power is way up with the new motor getting a bump from 210-hp to 305-hp! Torque is up too, by 40 ticks to 280 ft-lbs. Full power comes on at 6500 rpm with full torque at 4250 rpm. Plus, Ford says the new engine will deliver 19/30 mpg (city/highway) with a six-speed automatic or 18/29 mpg with a six-speed manual. Yup, finally a six-speed for the Mustang.

And as though all this we’re good enough, the all-aluminum block weighs less than the old 4.0-liter engine.

To achieve all these improvements, the motor uses Ford’s Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT). Essentially, this is the same engine that Ford first used in the Lincoln MKS.

Perhaps most importantly, however, is the fact that this new engine trumps that found in the new Camaro – by 1-hp. That certainly isn’t much, but by being able to make the claim is certain to help Ford win back some sales from Chevy. And in Ford’s smaller and lighter package, performance will no doubt put the Mustang ahead of the Camaro.

As exciting as this new V6 engine news is, we are still awaiting confirmation from Ford on an all-new 400-plus horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine for the Mustang GT. Be sure to follow AutoGuide’s live LA Auto Show coverage starting December 2nd.

AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Starts Here December 2nd

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Mustang

Official release and full specifications after the jump:

TWIN INDEPENDENT VARIABLE CAMSHAFT TIMING (TI-VCT) HELPS MAKE 2011 FORD MUSTANG V-6 A TRUE THOROUGHBRED

• Ti-VCT technology key to Mustang’s new 3.7-liter V-6 engine’s flexibility, delivering 305 horsepower and a projected 30 mpg highway with six-speed automatic transmission – no other vehicle in the industry can beat that combination
• Variable camshaft timing uses oil pressure to adjust valve opening and closing events, providing improved off-the-line acceleration over non-VCT equipped engines
• Variable valve overlap from Ti-VCT provides better fuel economy and emissions, along with optimized cold-start operation vs. conventional engines

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 30, 2009 – The heart of every Mustang is its engine, and beneath the hood of the new 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 beats a technological tour de force. Displacing 3.7 liters, the dual-overhead-camshaft (DOHC) 24-valve V-6 uses Ford’s Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) to produce 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque and is projected to deliver up to 30 mpg highway – a combination unbeaten by any other vehicle in the industry.

Customer benefits of Ti-VCT include extremely precise variable control of “valve overlap,” or the window of time in which both the intake and exhaust valves in the engine are open simultaneously.

“This overlap control via Ti-VCT helps us eliminate compromises in the induction and exhaust systems,” said Jim Mazuchowski, Ford manager of V-6 powertrain operations. “Drivers are going to notice improved low-speed torque and increased fuel economy and peak horsepower. Plus, there are benefits they won’t notice, too, such as reduced emissions overall, especially at part-throttle.”

The flexibility allowed by Ti-VCT means Mustang V-6 customers will experience:

• Better off-the-line launch feel, with plenty of the low-end “grunt” for which Mustang is famous. Ti-VCT can deliver up to a 5 percent improvement in low-end torque and a 7 percent improvement in peak power versus non-Ti-VCT-equipped engines.
• Improved fuel economy at all engine speeds resulting in projected 19 mpg city/30 highway with six-speed automatic transmission; 18 mpg city/29 highway with six-speed manual transmission. Ti-VCT alone can account for up to a 4.5 percent fuel economy improvement over non-VCT-equipped engines.
• Lower emissions, with better control of NOx and HC throughout the range of engine operating speeds, reducing atmospheric pollution.

How the technology works
As a DOHC design, the 3.7-liter V-6 uses two camshafts per cylinder bank – one to open the intake valves and one to open the exhaust valves. Traditionally, camshafts only have been able to open the valves at a fixed point defined during engine design and manufacturing. But with modern variable cam timing systems, the camshafts can be rotated slightly relative to their initial position, allowing the cam timing to be “advanced” or “retarded.”

Ti-VCT takes this technology and applies it to both the intake and exhaust camshafts of its DOHC design, using electronic solenoid valves to direct high-pressure oil to control vanes in each of the camshaft sprocket housings. By using one valve per camshaft, controlled by the Electronic Control Module (ECM), each intake and exhaust cam can be advanced or retarded independently of the other as engine operating conditions change, providing an exceptional degree of valve timing control.

The new 3.7-liter engine for the 2011 Mustang V-6 will be built at Ford’s recently retooled Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1.

2011 FORD MUSTANG V-6
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DRIVETRAIN
Layout Rear-wheel drive
TRANSMISSION
Standard 6-speed manual
Gear ratios
1st 4.236
2nd 2.538
3rd 1.665
4th 1.238
5th 1.00
6th 0.70
Final drive 2.73 or 3.31

BODY
Construction: Unitized welded steel body, aluminum hood
Final assembly location: Flat Rock, Michigan (USA)
POWERTRAIN AND CHASSIS
ENGINE                                      V-6
Type 3.7L V-6
Manufacturing location Cleveland, Ohio (USA)
Configuration Aluminum block and aluminum head
Intake manifold Composite shell-welded with internal runner pack
Exhaust manifold Cast iron
Redline 6,850 rpm, hard limit 7,000 rpm
Valvetrain DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, twin independent
variable camshaft timing
Pistons Cast aluminum
Connecting rods Forged steel
Ignition Distributor-less with coil-on-plug
Bore x stroke 3.76 x 3.41/95.5 x 86.7 mm
Displacement 227 cu. in./3,731 cc
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Engine control system PCM
Horsepower 305 @ 6,500 rpm
Horsepower per liter 82
Torque 280 ft.-lb. @ 4,250 rpm
Recommended fuel Unleaded 87 octane
Fuel capacity 16 gallons
Fuel delivery Sequential multi-port electronic
Oil capacity 5 quarts with filter
2011 FORD MUSTANG V-6
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Optional                                                                            6-speed automatic
1st 4.171
2nd 2.340
3rd 1.521
4th 1.143
5th 0.867
6th 0.691
Final drive 2.73 or 3.31
SUSPENSION
Front Reverse-L independent MacPherson strut, 28.6-mm tubular stabilizer bar
Rear 3-link solid axle with coil springs and Panhard rod and solid stabilizer bar
STEERING
Type Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Ratio 15.7:1
Turning circle curb-to-curb 33.4 ft.
BRAKES
Type Four-wheel power disc brakes with 4-sensor, 4-channel anti-lock braking
system (ABS)
Front 293 (11.5-in.) x 30-mm vented disc, twin-piston 43-mm floating aluminum
calipers
Rear 300 (11.8-in.) x 19-mm vented disc, single-piston 43-mm floating iron
calipers
TIRES AND WHEELS (TYPE, SIZE)
Standard Manual: P225/60R-17 A/S BFGoodrich Radial T/A
Auto: P215/65R-17 A/S Michelin Energy Saver
17 x 7.0-in. silver painted aluminum wheels
Optional 17 x 7.0-inch machined face, dark painted aluminum wheels
P235/50ZR-18 A/S Pirelli PZero Nero with:
18 x 8.0-in. narrow-spoke painted aluminum wheels
18 x 8.0-in. dark-stainless painted aluminum wheels
18 x 8.0-in. polished aluminum wheels

DIMENSIONS (inches unless otherwise noted)
Coupe  Convertible
EXTERIOR
Wheelbase 107.1 107.1
Overall length 188.1 188.1
Overall width 73.9 73.9
Overall height 55.6 56.1
Track, front/rear 62.3/62.9 62.3/62.9
INTERIOR
Seating capacity 4 4
Front headroom 38.5 38.8
Front legroom 42.4 42.4
Front shoulder room 55.3 55.3
Front hip room 53.4 53.4
2011 FORD MUSTANG V-6
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Rear headroom 34.7 36.5
Rear legroom 29.8 29.8
Rear shoulder room 51.6 45.0
Rear hip room 46.8 45.2
WEIGHTS AND CAPACITIES
SAE passenger volume 83.3 cu. ft. 81.0 cu. ft.
Cargo volume 13.4 cu. ft. 9.6 cu. ft.
Maximum towing capacity
(properly equipped)
1,000 lbs. 1,000 lbs.
FUEL ECONOMY (city/hwy) 6-speed automatic 6-speed manual
3.7-liter DOHC V-6 19/30 mpg estimated 18/29 mpg estimated
BASE CURB WEIGHT (POUNDS)
Manual transmission 3,750 estimated 4,000 estimated
Automatic transmission 3,750 estimated 4,000 estimated
Weight distribution (f/r) 54/46 estimated 54/46 estimated
Power-to-weight ratio TBD TBD
Manual transmission TBD TBD
Automatic transmission TBD TBD
Specifications subject to change.

Rather than the more traditional venue of Detroit, the Ford Motor Company will use the LA Auto Show to debut its new lineup of 2011 Mustang models. Just last year the car was significantly revised with a modernized exterior and a significantly improved interior that is now well beyond what the competition is offering. There’s only one problem, with just mild updates to the engine, both the V6 and V8 are lagging well behind in the horsepower war.

Ford is expected to rectify the situation with the 2011 models, with reports indicating that a new V6 could offer up as much as 300-hp, while a new V8 could deliver 400-hp – with a displacement of 5.0-liters, no less! Expect news of six-speed transmissions as well. The other rumor is that the GT500 will get an aluminum block, helping it shed pounds and improve the car’s overall balance.

Ford won’t confirm or deny these reports but Ford’s global product boss Derrick Kuzak did tell the folks at Autoblog that all questions would be answered at the LA Auto Show in December. Also, when asked about the aluminum-block GT500, Kuzak said, “That’s a good thought.”

The engine updates are much needed for the Mustang to put it back on top. The car has suffered significantly in sales in 2009, being beaten out by the Camaro for three straight months. While the Mustang is quite capable, even with the less powerful engine, horsepower numbers sell cars. And if the Mustang can offer everything it has now, plus more power and (presumably with a six-speed transmission), better fuel economy, then there’s no reason to buy anything else.

AutoGuide’s live coverage of the LA Auto Show starts December 2nd.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

[Source: Autoblog]