2011 Ford Mustang GT - Quantum Jump

For starters, there's the styling, which debuted with the 2010 model. A more aggressive, chiseled nose, a more sculpted bodyside reminiscent of the '69 Fastback, and a revised rear fascia with sequential turn signals is a logical styling evolution that references the Mustang's earlier history. The exterior manages to be sexy in a universally appealing way, and that's reflected in the interior as well. Excellent visibility, plenty of headroom, and loads of creature comforts-like Ford's Sync system-make you forget you're in a "muscle car." This will broaden the Mustang's appeal relative to its Chevy competition we think. The materials are also better than you'd expect from a factory hot rod, though not quite at the "luxury" level Ford is inferring.

Detractors will note the Mustang's solid rear axle compared to its Camaro and Challenger competitors. Turns out, that's the one solitary area they can crow about. That advantage is there on paper, but drive the car hard around corners and that advantage evaporates. We dare anyone to tell the difference; the Mustang GT handles so sweetly that if feels like an independent rear suspension. The '11 GT's less expensive 8.8-inch solid axle gives up nothing to an IRS around the twisties, while bringing to the table strength that more traditional drag racing Mustang enthusiasts demand. That's what we call a win-win-win situation.

Add up the fine Coyote 5.0L V-8, two flexible six-speed transmissions, bigger brakes, a more refined suspension, and a driver-centric cockpit, and unleash it on the curvy mountain roads that Ford had so graciously mapped out for us, and you get affordable, guilt-free, hot rodding fun. Cutting through the switchbacks, we were impressed with the precise handling and the responsiveness of the throttle, steering, and brakes. They all work together seamlessly and predictably. Ford has made its engineering compromises here so deftly, that you'd swear there were no compromises whatsoever.

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.