At no other time in Mustang’s history—for that matter, in automotive history—have we been able to talk about 305 horsepower and 31 miles per gallon. The Mustang truly is a no-compromises sports car.

—Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development

Mustang is powered by a lightweight, all-aluminum 3.7-liter dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) V-6 engine that uses advanced engineering to deliver its combination of power and economy. Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valvetrain in microseconds depending on driver inputs, further contributing to the engine’s overall efficiency.

The fact that Mustang achieves its top fuel economy rating with the convenience of an automatic transmission also marks a shift in conventional wisdom, according to Ford. Ford engineered a modern six-speed automatic transmission with carefully calibrated gear ratios and shift programs to maximize economy, while still delivering high-horsepower driving fun.

In addition to engine improvements, upgrades to Mustang’s body, powertrain and chassis design contribute to the higher fuel economy numbers for 2011. Examples include:

• New Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system eliminates the drag of an engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump.
• Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions allow lower cruising revs without sacrificing off-the-line performance.
• Aerodynamic changes include improvements like a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal.

The new 2011 Mustang already has more than 11,000 orders; half of all the nationwide orders are for the 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The new 2011 Mustang goes on sale this spring and will be built at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.