2011 Ford Mustang GT: Ultimate Guide

2011 Ford Mustang GT

The New 5.0 Is a Cracking Engine

The next Mustang as you climb up the ladder is the basic Mustang GT. Standard equipment on the base model GT is included in the table below. Like the V6 Mustangs the basic body style is the coupe (P8A) but you can get the convertible upgrade (P8E). The basic transmission level it the 6 speed manual (44X) but can be upgraded to a 6 speed automatic (443) again for a considerable amount of money. The basic GT has only one Spec level and that is 300A. If you buy the GT Premium by default, you will get all the base GT features plus a cloth convertible top and a boot if you buy the convertible.

The GT Premium has three Spec levels. The basic GT premium 400A, then the 401A and the 402A levels. On the interior of the GT Premium (400A) the following features are standard; a  6-gauge cluster w/MyColor™, Ambient Lighting, Map pockets and Sill Plate, cup holders, front & rear footwells, an auto-dimming mirror, bright aluminum accent dash appliqués, pedal covers scuff plate, shifter knob • bright chrome door speaker surrounds, door trim panel Inserts, gloss paint center stack and console, leather steering wheel w/brushed spokes, satellite radio (6 mos. complimentary SIRIUS® subscription, N/A in AK & HI) , leather 6-way power adjustable driver seat, 2-way adjustable head restraint and power lumbar, Shaker 500 and SYNC®.

POWERTRAIN/FUNCTIONAL
• 5.0L 4V Ti-VCT V8 Engine
• 6-speed Manual Transmission
• Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Fill
• Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS)
• Engine Cover
• MyKey™
• Power Brakes – Vented 4-wheel disc
• Rear Window Defroster
• Remote Keyless Entry

EXTERIOR
• 18″ Wide Spoke Painted Aluminum Wheels
• Auto Headlamps • Dark Chrome Pony in Grille
• Dual Bright Rolled Exhaust Tips • Fog Lamps
• LED Sequential Tail Lamps • Mini Spare Tire(18″x4.5″ Aluminum Wheel)
• Mirrors – Body Color, Dual Power with Integrated Spotter Mirror
• Rear Quarter Mounted AM/FM Antenna • Rear Spoiler

INTERIOR
• Air Conditioning – Manual
• Audio – Premium AM/FM stereo w/Single CD & Clock
• Audio Input Jack
• Console – Full armrest with locking storage
• Covered Cupholder – 2
• Floor Mats – front, black
• Footrest – Driver
• Instrument Cluster – Chrome accent four gauge cluster and register vents
• Interior Trunk Release
• Lamps – Center High Mounted Dome (Coupe Only)
• Lighted Bezel (Convertible Only)
• Map Pockets • Power Point (2)
• Seats – Cloth Bucket, 2-way Manual Passenger, 4-way Manual Driver
• Steering Wheel – tilt w/speed control
• Windows/Locks – Power 1-touch Up/Down Driver and Passenger Windows

SAFETY & SECURITY
• AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Control® (ESC)
• Driver/Passenger Side Impact Airbags
• Dual Front Airbags
• LATCH (Lower Anchors & Tethers for CHildren) System
• Personal Safety System® for Driver and front Passenger
• SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft (PATS)
• SOS Post Crash Alert System

The GT Premium has three Spec levels. The basic GT premium 400A, then the 401A and the 402A levels. On the interior of the GT Premium (400A) the following features are standard; a  6-gauge cluster w/MyColor™, Ambient Lighting, Map pockets and Sill Plate, cup holders, front & rear footwells, an auto-dimming mirror, bright aluminum accent dash appliqués, pedal covers scuff plate, shifter knob • bright chrome door speaker surrounds, door trim panel Inserts, gloss paint center stack and console, leather steering wheel w/brushed spokes, satellite radio (6 mos. complimentary SIRIUS® subscription, N/A in AK & HI) , leather 6-way power adjustable driver seat, 2-way adjustable head restraint and power lumbar, Shaker 500 and SYNC®.

The 401A Spec level has the Premier Trim with Color Accent Feature which includes charcoal black interior environment with color accented seats, a unique door trim with bright pony badge dark aluminum instrument panel. This is not available with the Exterior Stripe Options.

The 402A Spec level is the California Special Package. Included in this package is; a unique chrome billet grille with body color surround and Tri-Bar Pony Badge (w/o Fog lamps), unique side stripes, unique lower fascia with fog lamps, unique 19″x8.5″ Machined Painted Wheels, unique decklid badge with name in faux gas cap, unique instrument panel appliqué finish, unique door panel “Carbon” Inserts, unique front and fear leather seats with “Carbon” inserts, premium carpeted front floor mats with embroidered logo, rear “Diffuser-Style Lower Fascia, pedestal spoiler, decklid tape appliqué, side scoop

GT Premium Options

Security Package
• Active Anti-Theft
• Wheel Locking Kit
43S Optional Optional Optional
Comfort Package
• 6-Way Power Passenger Seat
• Heated Front Seats
53B Optional Optional Optional
Electronics Package
• Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS® Travel Link™ (includes 6-month complimentary subscription
Not available in AK & HI)
• Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control – Now Includes HD Radio
58N Optional Optional Optional
Brembo® Brake Package (Manual Transmission only) 55D Optional Optional NA
3.55 Rear Axle (Coupe with Manual Transmission only) 455 Optional Optional Optional
3.73 Rear Axle (Coupe with Manual Transmission only) 457 Optional Optional Optional
18″ Polished Aluminum Wheels 64M Optional Optional NA
19″ Bright Machined Aluminum Wheels 64X Optional Optional NA
19″ Premium Painted Luster Nickel Aluminum Wheels 64V Optional Optional NA
Red Candy Metallic Tinted Clearcoat U6 Optional Optional Optional
Spoiler Delete 13D Optional Optional NA
Rear Video Camera with Electronics Pkg. (58X) – Requires Decklid Spoiler 77C Optional Optional NA
HID Headlamps
• Req. Security Package (43S),
• N/A with Daytime Running Lights (61R)
51H Optional Optional Optional
Glass Roof (N/A with Stone Interior – 1U & 4U) 59G Optional Optional Optional
Shaker 1000 (N/A with 58N) 918 Optional Optional Optional
PowerCode™ Remote Start System (Automatic Transmission only) 603 Optional Optional Optional
GT Coupe Accessory Package 1 – Quarter Window Louvers, Side Scoops and Decklid Face Panel (N/A with 943) 941 Optional Optional NA
GT Convertible Accessory Package 2 – Side Scoops and Decklid Face Panel (N/A with 943) 942 Optional Optional NA
GT Coupe/Convertible Accessory Package 4 – Hood Scoop and Pedestal Spoiler Req. Spoiler Delete
– 13D (N/A with Rearview Camera – 77C)
944 Optional Optional NA
GT Coupe Accessory Package 5
Hood Scoop,
Pedestal Spoiler,
Side Scoops and
Decklid Face Panel,
Quarter Window Louvers
Req. Spoiler Delete – 13D (N/A with (77C) Rearview Camera, (941) GT Coupe Accessory Package 1 or (943) Hood and Side Stripes)
945 Optional Optional NA
GT Convertible Accessory Package 6
Hood Scoop,
Pedestal Spoiler,
Side Scoops and
Decklid Face Panel
Req. Spoiler Delete – 13D (N/A with (77C) Rearview Camera, (942) GT Convertible Accessory Package 2 or (943) Hood and Side Stripes)
946 Optional Optional NA
Racing Stripe, “Over-the-Top – Single Black or White”
(N/A with Hood and Side Stripes (943), Glass Roof (59G) or Convertible)
47A Optional NA NA
Hood & Side Stripes (N/A with 47A, 941, 942, 945, 946) 943 Optional NA NA

Pictures

Press Release

The 2011 Ford Mustang GT arrives with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine, developed by a passionate team of engineers who rallied around the common goal of delivering more than 400 horsepower along with best-in-class fuel economy and driving fun.

Complementing those goals, a pair of new six-speed transmissions – one manual and one automatic – take advantage of the flexibility and fuel economy benefits of having six forward ratios, helping Mustang GT give powerful launches while also delivering relaxed cruising with exceptional fuel economy.

Chassis enhancements help improve the outstanding balance and driving behavior Mustang owners expect. Damper tuning and spring rates were revised to provide a smooth highway ride, while new rear lower control arms and firmer stabilizer bar bushings improve stiffness and handling for better cornering response over the highly praised 2010 model.

“The overall refinements to Mustang are really brought to life by its new engine,” said David Pericak, Mustang chief nameplate engineer. “The car benefits from better handling, better braking and more refinement, and now it’s powered by a high-tech 5.0-liter V-8 that Mustang enthusiasts and new customers alike are going to love.”

Muscular fenders and wide wheel openings give the Mustang GT a taut, athletic look. (12/28/09)
Muscular fenders and wide wheel openings give the Mustang GT a taut, athletic look. (12/28/09)
Rebirth Of The 5.0
The modern 5.0-liter four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) V-8 engine in the new Mustang GT will deliver 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. At the same time, fuel economy is projected to be better than the previous model and unsurpassed in the segment.

“This all-new 5.0-liter engine is the next chapter in the development of the world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “It’s a thoroughly modern engine for the times, delivering the performance and fun-to-drive factor that enthusiasts want, while improving fuel economy.”

The six-speed automatic transmission in the 2011 Mustang GT will deliver fuel economy of 25 mpg highway and 18 city. This is up from 23 mpg highway and 17 city for the 2010 model. Six-speed manual transmission Mustang GT models for 2011 are projected to deliver 26 mpg highway and 17 city, matching the 2010 model but delivering significantly more horsepower and performance feel.

2011 Mustang GT fuel economy is enabled by Ti-VCT, the six-speed transmissions in automatic or manual variation, EPAS, additional tire spats and a rear decklid seal to enhance aerodynamics.

Engine assembly with engine cover. (12/28/09)
Engine assembly with engine cover. (12/28/09)
All-new aluminum four-valve-per-cylinder heads feature a compact roller-finger follower valvetrain layout leaving more room for high-flow ports for free-breathing performance. Head structure was designed to support higher cylinder head pressures and cross-flow cooling for sustained high-rpm use. Head bolt size was increased from 11 to 12 millimeters to contain the higher combustion pressures.

The aluminum block was developed for optimized windage and oil drainback under lateral conditions and high-rpm use, such as a track-day outing for an enthusiast owner or driver. Increased main bearing bulkhead widths and nodular iron cross-bolted main bearing caps with upsized bolts were also employed to accommodate the significant performance increase.

An additional element is the increased capacity and baffling of the deep-sump stamped steel oil pan to enable sustained high-rpm use and offer the convenience of 10,000-mile oil change intervals. Piston-cooling jets also were incorporated for performance-minded customers and for faster oil warm-up on cold start.

Specially designed tubular exhaust headers were developed to maximize exhaust pulse separation and improve flow. A team analyst actually fabricated the tubular headers in his home workshop, bringing the CAE design to life.

Engineers also made sure all their hard work wasn’t disguised under the hood. Curved intake runners are framed by an acoustic cover sporting the new 5.0 logo, while “Powered by Ford” cam covers crown the tops of the cylinder banks. The effect is perfectly suited for a purpose-built performance machine like the new 5.0-liter V-8.

Ambient lighting welcomes drivers with backlit Mustang lettering in the sill plate. (12/28/09)
Ambient lighting welcomes drivers with backlit Mustang lettering in the sill plate. (12/28/09)
Transmission And Powertrain Improvements
Mustang GT drivers who prefer a manual gearbox will enjoy the short throws and direct feel of the shifter along with the relaxed cruising permitted by the extra top gear ratio.

Customers choosing the automatic will be pleasantly surprised to find the advanced six-speed transmission does not sacrifice fuel economy or performance – delivering crisp, quick shifts.

The automatic transmission also features a grade-assist or “hill mode” to improve drivability on hilly terrain. This technical innovation uses vehicle input – acceleration, pedal position, vehicle speed and brake status – to automatically determine the correct gear ratio while on an incline or decline. Hill mode eliminates sixth gear, extends lower gear operation on uphill climbs, and provides additional grade or engine braking for coast-downs.

The standard 3.31 (manual) and 3.15 (automatic) rear axle ratios provide an ideal blend of cruising fuel economy and acceleration, aided by the wide ratio spread permitted through the use of six forward speeds in the gearboxes. A standard limited-slip axle helps distribute the new engine’s power between both rear wheels for maximum traction in all conditions.

A new era in Mustang driving dynamics
Electric Power Assist Steering has made a dramatic contribution to Mustang GT driving dynamics, delivering quicker on-center steering response, increased effort at highway speeds and reduced effort required in low-speed parking maneuvers. Because the belt-driven power steering pump is eliminated, EPAS provides a quieter vehicle with fewer components drawing engine power.

EPAS also enables new technologies that adjust for minor driving annoyances. Drift-Pull Compensation adjusts the steering to correct for crosswinds and minor road crowning, while Active Nibble Control helps eliminate the “shimmy” felt at high speeds when a wheel is out of balance or a brake rotor is warped. Both conditions are alleviated by EPAS independent of driver input, helping ensure Mustang delivers a smooth, comfortable driving experience.

Standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control, which complements the all-speed traction control and standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), helps keep the car under control in all driving conditions.

The 2011 Mustang GT features enhanced rear lower control arms to add stiffness, improve powertrain NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) control and sharpen handling. A stiffened rear stabilizer bar for better on-center steering is also included. Stabilizer bar diameters, spring rates and dampers all have been tuned for improved dynamics.

A Brembo brake package upgrade will be available for serious enthusiasts. This package includes 14-inch vented front discs from the Shelby GT500®, unique 19-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.

For 2011, Mustang GT benefits from across-the-board NVH improvements. These include additional sound-deadening material on both sides of the instrument panel and a rear wheel arch liner to reduce noise on gravel or wet surfaces.

Mustang GT convertible models feature enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. A tower-to-tower front strut brace is now standard, and the V-brace has been stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam also has been added to increase rigidity.

Improvements in body stiffness contribute to the coupe and convertible’s driving performance and have a parallel benefit in accident protection. A stiff vehicle structure like that found on Mustang helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion in an impact.

Mustang also uses high-strength steel in its body structure and ultra-high-strength steel in the door intrusion beams for additional side-impact protection.

The front structure’s crush zones are computer-designed to absorb energy in a controlled manner and help dissipate it before it can reach the passenger compartment. Ford engineers have run thousands of design iterations of the Mustang’s front rails to arrive at an octagonal shape that helps spread crash forces evenly to aid in protecting occupants.

Additional standard safety equipment includes the Personal Safety System™, which features dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, seat belt pretensioners and Belt-Minder®.

Exhilarating Exterior Styling
From the 5.0 fender badges to the new engine cover, Mustang GT honors and continues the proud heritage of its predecessors. The exterior sheet metal continues the successful 2010 redesign, with new headlamps, lower fascias, fenders and grille capped by a powerdome hood that adds to the muscular appearance while functionally allowing for enhanced air cooling of the engine.

Mustang’s washer-fluid nozzles are tucked into the cowl, while the antenna resides at the rear, both changes creating a cleaner appearance while also reducing wind noise.

Front fenders feature taut, sculptured wheel flares, like a tight skin stretched over the wheels. A classic spear character line on the doors leads to a modern indication of “hip” rear fenders.

The rear end design features aggressively angled rear corners, a sculptured decklid and prominent rear badge. A rearview camera incorporated into the spoiler is available on some models.

Mustang taillamps feature three LED bulbs firing sequentially from the inside for turn indication. The sequential bulbs were a distinct Mustang feature in the ’60s, while the vertical reverse lamps evoke a modern version of the Ford classic three-lens taillamp.

Three vibrant new colors will be added for 2011 including Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat, Race Red and Ingot Silver.

Like the exterior, the interior design features world-class design and execution. The one-piece instrument panel design is crafted in seamless soft-touch TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) skin fully encompassing available genuine aluminum-finish panels.

First-row bucket seats provide long distance comfort with lateral cornering support. (12/28/09)
First-row bucket seats provide long distance comfort with lateral cornering support. (12/28/09)
Mustang’s chrome-ringed gauges and dual-vane air register vents are precisely crafted and positioned. For 2011, the speedometer increases to 160 mph and the tachometer redline advances from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm to reflect the capabilities of the new powertrain.

The instrument panel and console flow as one shape, another strong connection to Mustang heritage. The seats and armrests have softer materials with high-quality stitching.

Mustang also offers drivers several new convenience technologies, including a standard driver’s message center in the instrument cluster and integrated blind-spot mirrors in the side-view mirror housings. The available Ford SYNC® voice-activated communications and entertainment system now includes applications such as Traffic, Directions & Information, 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report.

An available Electronics Package incorporates the Ford Voice-Activated Navigation system, loaded with features and functions designed to provide customers with a superior level of connectivity and information while on the road. Coupled with SIRIUS Travel Link™, a Ford Motor Company exclusive, the navigation system also acts as the hub for up-to-the-minute news about weather, traffic, gas prices, movie listings, sports scores and more. HD Radio™ provides additional entertainment options with no subscription costs, and Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control keeps driver and passenger at the optimum temperature without requiring periodic adjustments.

Ford’s MyKey™ system, designed to encourage safer teen driving and seat belt use, is newly available on Mustang. MyKey allows owners to program the vehicle key using the driver’s message center to incorporate features such as limited top vehicle speed and audio volume, a traction control system that cannot be deactivated, a persistent Belt-Minder® seat belt reminder and various speed alert chimes.

The 2011 Mustang will be built at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The 5.0-liter V-8 engine is built at Ford’s Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ontario. The 2011 Mustang GT goes on sale this spring.

Specs & Performance

type Series Production Car
built at Flat Rock, Michigan, USA
price $ $ 30,495
engine 90º V8
position Front, Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
block material Aluminum
valvetrain DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed Injection
displacement 4951 cc / 302.13 in³
bore 92.2 mm / 3.63 in
stroke 92.7 mm / 3.65 in
compression 9.8:1
power 307.2 kw / 412 bhp @ 6500 rpm
specific output 83.22 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 253.54 bhp per tonne
torque 528.8 nm / 390 ft lbs @ 4250 rpm
redline 7000
body / frame Unitary Steel Monocoque w/Aluminum Hood
driven wheels RWD
wheel type Wide-Spoke Aluminum
front tires 235/50ZR-18 Pirelli P Zero Nero
rear tires 235/50ZR-18 Pirelli P Zero Nero
front brakes Ventilated Discs w/Twin-Piston Flating Calipers
f brake size 36 x 336 mm / 1.4 x 13.2 in
rear brakes Ventilated Discs w/Single-Piston Flating Calipers
r brake size 19 x 300 mm / 0.7 x 11.8 in
front wheels F 45.7 x 20.3 cm / 18 x 8 in
rear wheels R 45.7 x 20.3 cm / 18 x 8 in
f suspension MacPherson Struts w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension Live Axle w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight 1625 kg / 3580 lbs
weight distro 54.7 % / 45 %
wheelbase 2720.3 mm / 107.1 in
front track 1582.4 mm / 62.3 in
rear track 1597.7 mm / 62.9 in
length 4777.7 mm / 188.1 in
width 1877.1 mm / 73.9 in
height 1412.2 mm / 55.6 in
transmission 6-Speed Manual
gear ratios 3.66:1, 2.43:1, 1.69:1, 1.32:1, 1.00:1, 0.65:1
final drive 3.11:1
top speed ~234.91 kph / 146 mph
0 – 60 mph ~4.6 seconds
0 – 100 mph ~11.0 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile ~13.2 seconds
fuel econ epa 15.68 L/100 km or 15 mpg-us
city fuel econ epa 13.84 L/100 km or 17 mpg-us
hwy fuel econ epa 9.05 L/100 km or 26 mpg-us
fuel capacity 60 litres or 15.84 gal.