2011 Mustang Upgrades: Ask Rob About Cars

Q: What will be the upgrades for the 2011 Mustang? - John H., Los Gatos, CA

A: John, the 2011 Mustang has significant engine horsepower improvements that vault it into top contention for both the V-6 and V-8 models.

The 2010 model already saw an upgraded interior commented on here and the '10 GT has a suspension universally liked by those who have driven due to improved handling despite the archaic solid rear axle. Initial tests also show the braking to be excellent, not something the Mustang has been known for in the past.

The V-6 model drops the ancient 4.0 liter motor for a modern 3.7 with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing and producing 305hp with 87 octane. Recent magazine tests have this car has a high-13 second quarter mile machine with a 29mph highway rating. This is a better car all around than the 2010 GT. Read more about it here with stats and specs.

The big news is the 5.0 liter V-8 called the "Coyote" motor found in the GT model. Now making 412hp, it's now the best bang for the buck in the sub-Corvette and GT500 world. A superbly built motor with internals ready for supercharging or turbocharging, the Mustang is back on top. A 26mpg rating means no mileage penalty despite being capable of 12 second timeslips at the track.

Ford states this is the V-6 first 300hp production car to achieve 30mpg. Finally added is either a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed automatic to both models along with optional equipment packages depending upon intended or desired use. Rear axle ratios, wheel size, and a Brembo brake option are examples. Multiple revisions also include areas such as the suspension, electric power steering instead of a power and mileage rubbing belt.

The Camaro makes more power but is heavier and the Challenger is much heavier and larger. While all three are very capable cars, in my opinion the Mustang is the better track car off the showroom floor, whether it's the dragstrip or the road circuit. Based on what is being reported, the car is now world class among the competition.

Read more about the Mustang GT with stats and specs in a March 2010 Car & Driver article.

________

Have a question about cars you would like answered? Want to know about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc. Reach me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!

Comments

Sixth generation Camaro V6 review

Chevrolet updated the chassis of the Camaro for 2016 with the new Alpha platform and by all accounts the approximately 250 to 300lb weight reduction was a huge improvement. Despite having a brilliant chassis and three powerful engine choices, the interior and outward visibility hardly improved at all. I wanted to like this car, I really did. It has some really good aspects but overall it’s only good for going in a straight line, not reverse or backing up out of any parking space, on public roads or modified into a track-only car. You decide if the interior justifies a $29,000 MSRP. The 2017 model is essentially the same. The 335hp V-6 is a great engine, responsive, sounds good and with the quick shifting 8 speed automatic, the car is capable of mid-high 13 second quarter mile ETs. It feels every bit as quick as the numbers suggest. It has no appreciable dead spots and has an excellent pull. The 8 speed auto is finicky on the highway though, downshifting at the slightest provocatio...

Nissan GT-R Review and Test Drive: Part 1 of 2

Click here for Part 2 of 2: Driving the Beast There were quite a few surprises driving the awesome and controversial Nissan GT-R. Having the opportunity to drive one on a twisty mountain road favored by motorcyclists was a thrill. It’s very “mechanical”, quite large and my impression more of a competitor to the Audi R8 than the Porsche 911 Twin Turbo. Background: This 2010 model has about 2000 miles on it. The MSRP was over $80,000. It features a 6-speed dual clutch paddle-shift rear transaxle. The 3.8 liter twin-turbo V-6 produces 485 hp at 6400rpm and 434 ft. lbs of torque at 3200 rpm. Known for consistent deep 3-second 0-60mph blasts and high 11-second quarter mile times, the biggest controversy was the factory reported Nurburgring time of 7:29, beating far lighter, 600 hp plus cars like the Porsche Carrera GT and Pagani Zonda F. The owner has had some notable cars in the past and is no stranger to track days. Cars like a track prepped Acura NSX, two E46 BMW M3s, and an ’04 Porsche ...

The San Francisco Auto Show is rolling at the Moscone Center

The 59 th annual San Francisco Auto show returned this past Saturday, November 19 th through November 27 th at the Moscone Center in downtown San Francisco. Always a bargain to view over 800 vehicles at $10 for adults and children under 12 free. This year expanded further the emphasis on electric, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. Test drives are offered with thirty vehicles by six different manufacturers including Mercedes and Fiat. Multiple special guests are scheduled throughout the week such as local sports mascots, the Raiderettes, radio and television personality Gary Radnich and more. The Auto Salon which featured modified cars, trendsetters in an eclectic collection. It is in the south hall on the upper level. The signage needs to be increased, but it’s worth a visit. Yes, there were the broken-axle appearing stanced cars and plenty of lowered sedans, but there are some gems as well. Photography is a bit of a challenge due to the cars being too close together, but it’s a...

Review Your Cars

Search This Blog