• The 2011 release of the Ford Mustang GT is just as impressive as those preceding it.ford mustang's steering wheel image by Lario Tus from Fotolia.com
  
  The Ford Mustang is a staple of the American sports car market. First released in 1964, the car became an immediate hit with the car-buying population and practically began the sports car craze. Ford's latest incarnation of the Mustang, the 2011 GT model, does not stray from the reputation of its precedent releases.
  
  

Engine and Powertrain

• The 2011 Ford Mustang GT arrives with a 5.0-liter 4V Ti-VCT V8 engine, built up on an aluminum block. Forged steel rods and aluminum pistons do the engine's grunt work. The valvetrain is a double overhead cam (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder, variable intake and variable camshaft timing. Bore is measured at 3.63 inches (9.22 cm) and stroke at 3.65 inches (9.27 cm). Horsepower is 412 at 6,500 rpm, and torque is 390 lb.-ft. at 4,250 rpm, and the compression ratio is estimated at 11.0:1. Maximum "redline" value is 7,000 rpm. The car has rear-wheel drive, and the transmission is available in manual and automatic 6-speed.
  
  

Suspension and Steering

• The Mustang's front suspension consists of a Reverse-L independent MacPherson strut with a 34.6mm (1.36 inches) tubular stabilizer bar, and the rear is a three-link solid limited-slip axle with coil springs, Panhard rod and a 24.0mm (.95 inch) solid stabilizer bar. The car comes stock with Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) and a steering ratio of 15.8:1. It completes a curb-to-curb turning circle of 36.7 feet (11.19 meters).
  
  

Brakes and Tires

• The car comes equipped with four-wheel power disc brakes with four-sensor and four-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS). The front brakes are 336mm (13.2 inches) x 36mm (1.42 inches) vented discs with twin-piston 43mm (1.69 inches) floating aluminum calipers. The rear brakes are 300mm (11.8 inches) by 19mm (.75 inch) vented discs with single-piston 43mm (1.69 inches) floating iron calipers. Standard tires are P235/50ZR18 A/S Pirelli PZero Nero, and standard wheels are 18 inches (45.72cm) x 8 inches (20.32cm) wide spoke-painted aluminum wheels (with spare). A variety of optional tires and wheels are also available.
  
  

Dimensions and Weight

• The wheelbase is measured at 107.1 inches (271.8cm), overall length at 188.1 inches (477.8cm), overall width at 73.9 inches (187.7cm) and height at 55.8 inches (141.7cm), for the couple and convertible models. Front track is measured at 62.3 (158.2cm) inches and the rear at 62.9 inches (159.8cm). The maximum seating capacity for couple and convertible is four passengers. Fuel economy and weight for manual transmission vehicles is 17/26 mpg (city/highway and 3,605 pounds; for automatic vehicles 18/25 mpg (city/highway) and 3,653 pounds.
  
  

Consumer Information

• The vehicle is available in coupe and convertible models. The suggested retail price of the 2011 GT starts at $29,645, with Premium editions starting at $32,845. Available colors include the following: Grabber Blue, Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat, Black, Ingot Silver, Performance White, Race Red, Kona Blue, Brilliant Silver (metallic), Sterling Grey, Sunset Gold (metallic), Red Candy (metallic).