2011 Ford Mustang GT a Class Leader with 26 MPG & 412 Horsepower

DEARBORN, Mich., March 16, 2010 – The 2011 Ford Mustang GT, powered by a new 412-hp 5.0-liter V-8 engine, adds yet another notch to its belt: an EPA rating of 26 mpg highway when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, giving it the best fuel economy in its class.

“The 2011 Mustang continues to exceed expectations in every category, and these fuel economy numbers are another chapter in an incredible story,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president, Global Product Development. “To offer this kind of horsepower and class-leading fuel economy in a comfortable, beautiful, tech-savvy and affordable package – it’s really unprecedented.”

With the six-speed manual transmission, Mustang GT coupe is rated at 17 mpg city and 26 highway, while models with the available six-speed automatic achieve 18 mpg city and 25 highway.

2011 Mustang V6 Officially Certified at 31MPG - First Car With 300+ HP and 30+ MPG

Official 2011 Shelby GT500 Details and Photos

Ford Press Release:

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 8, 2010 – Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) engineers are taking high performance to a new level with the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, resulting in a car that has an all-new aluminum-block engine, even better driving dynamics and handling, improved fuel economy and more horsepower than ever.

“The SVT team continues to push the performance standards of the Shelby to even higher levels and better refinement,” said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. “All the changes we made reflect a desire for even better handling and outstanding driving dynamics – from weight savings to improved balance.”

Weight savings, new technology headline all-new aluminum engine
The 2011 Shelby GT500 is powered by an all-new aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which produces 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, a 10 horsepower increase versus the 2010 model. The engine also is 102 pounds lighter than its predecessor, delivering a better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision.

2011 Shelby GT500 Order Guide and Prices Surface

The 2011 Mustang GT and V6 order guide came out about a week ago and now the 2011 Shelby GT500 order guide has surfaced along with pricing.  The 2011 Shelby GT500 coupe will have an MSRP of $49,495 and the convertible will have an MSRP of $54,495 with prices including destination & delivery.

The GT500 order guide reveals what we pretty much already knew, the 5.4-liter V-8 will now have an aluminum engine block.

Other equipment changes for the GT500 include standard HID headlamps, MyKey, Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), 19-inch forged aluminum wheel for convertible, integrated spotter mirror for side-view mirrors and Shaker 500 & Shaker 1000 audio system ($1,295) now come with single CD.

New options for the 2011 GT500 include the Glass Roof ($1,995) for the coupe and the addition of HD Radio for the Electronics Package ($2,340).

For those performance minded enthusiasts who want even more out of their 540 plus horsepower GT500 a special SVT Performance package is now available.  The package includes 3.73 limited slip, unique 19-inch front and 20-inch rear painted forged aluminum wheels with Pirelli tires, Unique front and rear springs, rear shocks, gear shift knob, Shelby stripes, side stripes and spoiler with unique Gurney Flap.  The package will set you back a cool $3,495.

For more check out the 2011 Shelby GT500 Order Guide in .pdf form.

Look What's New at Daytona

For the first time in 40 years, a Ford Motor Company car will be pacing the field for the NASCAR season-opening Daytona 500 when the 2011 Mustang GT, powered by the all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine, officially starts the race on Feb. 14 at Daytona International Speedway.

This latest version of Ford’s legendary muscle car will be a Race Red glass roof coupe with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine capable of producing 412 horsepower, while delivering a class-leading 25 mpg on the highway.

The one-of-a-kind model will feature a special Daytona 500 paint scheme, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique painted wheels, and special interior treatment, including specially branded lit sill plates.

The 2011 Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car model is one of only 50 special editions that will be built and sold to the public.