Ford has priced the '11 Mustang GT starting at $30,495. Some fully loaded variants will tip the scale as high as $48K, but when you consider some of the spectacular options that are going to be available (glass roof, convertible, satellite navigation, Brembo brakes, upgraded wheels and tires, premium leather interior, MyKey, Sync), it's easy to see how the price could go stratospheric. In talking with Ford engineers and PR reps, the subject of an LX 5.0 kept popping up. It seems that Ford has been giving serious consideration to a de-contented 5.0L V-8 version in six-cylinder trim, just like in the old days. That might make an appearance in a year or two, and we pressed them to keep the price under $28K. They sounded optimistic, so we'll keep our ear to the ground and report back.
The '11 Mustang GT can wear any hat it wants. You name it-fuel-efficient daily commuter, cross-country hauler, drag racer, open-track brawler, autocrosser-this hot rod can do it all. It's not just a quantum jump forward for the Ford faithful, or even the hot rodding population in general, but to the whole automotive world. It sends a message that we can have our performance, our efficiency, our safety, our budget, and our comfort all in the same car without guilt. If that's not a quantum jump, we don't know what is.
Now here's what we've been...
Now here's what we've been waiting for-a bulletproof six-speed manual trans. The trans and the billet shift knob is standard, as is the stability control system.
Another Ford first is the...
Another Ford first is the all-glass roof. Again, it's an expensive option, and we could live without it, but the Mustang team knows its customers, and they say there's a need. Check out the center stack with non-nav version of Sync.
The '11 Mustang GT in wicked-looking...
The '11 Mustang GT in wicked-looking black paint and optional 19-inch wheels. Note the kick-up in the body line at the quarter-panel.
Ford set up an eighth-mile...
Ford set up an eighth-mile dragstrip at the Camarillo Airport and brought out some 2010 SS Camaros for us to do some comparative testing. On average, the Mustang GT was two-tenths and 3 mph faster. We'll also note that Ford did not bring any manual trans SS Camaros out, which have the higher-rated 426hp LS3.
Ford is putting their Sync...
Ford is putting their Sync system in most of its cars, including the Mustang. It's optional, it's expensive, and it does pretty much everything but wash your car for you. (We're kind of hazy on it, but it does Bluetooth, turn-by-turn navigation, 911 assist, music search, vehicle health report, news, sports, weather, business search, real-time traffic, and audible text messages. We finally coaxed it to play some MP3 files after gathering a team of Ford engineers at our test car.) We're not big on gadgets, but at least the version with the nav system gives you that option where the Camaro doesn't.
Look ma, no gas cap! Just...
Look ma, no gas cap! Just jam the gas nozzle in and start pumping.