For 2011, Mustang makes sports coupe news with a new high-performance, all-aluminum Duratec 3.7-liter DOHC Ti-VCT V-6 that delivers NET 305hp and 31mpg highway - the first car ever to deliver this combination

The Mustang GT receives an all-new aluminum 5.0-liter V-8 engine, which uses advanced technology to deliver NET 412hp and class-leading fuel economy of 26 mpg highway

New technology and convenience features combine with chassis and braking improvements to create a refined sports coupe that outclasses the competition

DUBAI, UAE, 7 November 2010- The legendary Ford Mustang's 2011 version made its debut in the region yesterday, now twice the excitement, offering a choice of an awesome entry level 305HP 3.7LV6 and the super performing 412HP 5.0 liter V8 Mustang GT during a drive event in Dubai.

The new 2011 Ford Mustang puts 305 high-performance horses in the hands of V-6 coupe buyers with a new all-aluminum double-overhead-camshaft (DOHC) engine that delivers 31 mpg (13.18 km/liter) on the highway with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2011 lineup also sees the modern 5.0-liter four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) V-8 engine in the new Mustang GT, with fuel economy projected to be better than the previous model and unsurpassed in the segment.

The all-new six-speed automatic is joined by a six-speed manual transmission for the shift-it-yourself crowd, while handling and cornering is bolstered by the addition of Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) and a host of suspension improvements.

"Mustang is truly an all legend, no compromise car," said Theo Benson, Ford Middle East's Regional Marketing and Product manager. "Following the dramatic design changes we introduced on the Mustang last year, we're adding technology and fuel economy to Mustang's legendary reputation for handling and roadholding; taking the game to a totally different level. Mustang not only looks as aggressive as ever, but it's ready to leap and immediately deliver that horsepower and torque, while also looking after its owner's budget! We know it will attract a whole new group of Mustang buyers."

New all-aluminum 3.7-liter V-6
For 2011, Mustang's new 3.7-liter Duratec 24-valve V-6 uses advanced engineering to deliver its power and economy: Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valvetrain in microseconds. Aluminum construction means light weight. It's an engine designed to crank out torque down low, rev to 7,000 rpm and deliver the mechanical music sports coupe lovers crave everywhere in between.

The high output is due largely to Ti-VCT, which allows variable control of valve operation across the rev range. The variable cams operate on a Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket (DAMB) valvetrain using polished buckets to reduce friction. The end result is as much as a 3 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 10 percent improvement in power output versus traditional engines without these advanced features.

Arrival of the 5.0
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.

"This all-new 5.0-liter engine is the next chapter in the development of the world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio," added Benson. "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 overall refinements to Mustang are really brought to life by its new engine. The car benefits from better handling, better braking and more refinement, and now it's powered by the high-tech 5.0-liter V-8 that Mustang enthusiasts and new customers alike are going to love," he explained.

The six-speed automatic transmission in the 2011 Mustang GT delivers fuel economy of 25 mpg (10.6 km/litre) highway and 18 (7.6 km/litre) 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 (11 km/litre) highway and 17 (7.2 km / litre) city, matching the 2010 model but delivering significantly more horsepower and performance feel.

Transmission and Powertrain improvements
Drivers can get the most out of the new V-6 engine's output using either an all-new six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission. Both come with the flexibility and fuel economy benefits of six forward ratios regardless of whether buyers want to shift for themselves or not.

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.

Fuel economy improvements
Extra horsepower and refined engine operation will be the most noticeable features to new 2011 Mustang 3.7-liter V-6 buyers while projected class-leading fuel economy, also a standard feature, offers an additional bonus. The numbers speak for themselves:

  • 19 mpg city (8 km/litre) and 31 highway (13.2 km/litre) with six-speed automatic transmission, up from 16 mpg city and 24 highway on the 2010 model with automatic - a 30 percent improvement

  • 19 mpg city (8 km/litre) and 29 highway (12.3 km/litre) with six-speed manual transmission, up from 18 mpg city and 26 highway on the 2010 model with manual

Refinements throughout Mustang's body, powertrain and chassis design contribute to the improved fuel economy numbers. Examples include:

  • The new EPAS system, which eliminates the drag of an engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump

  • Six-speed transmissions that allow lower cruising revs without sacrificing off-the-line performance

  • Aerodynamic improvements such as a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal

Handling and driving dynamics
With so much additional horsepower standard, the 2011 Mustang received enhancements to its chassis to maintain 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 stiffened stabilizer bar bushings improve stiffness and handling for better cornering response.

Ford Technologies

For 2011, Mustang also ups the ante on technology and convenience features, including a standard driver's message center in the instrument cluster and integrated blind-spot mirrors in the side-view mirror housings.

Ford's MyKeysystem, designed to encourage safer teen driving and seat belt use, also 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.

State-of-the-art technology adds to the convenience and safety of the 2011 Mustang, from the availability of Ford SYNC, to standard AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control, which complements the all-speed traction control and standard ABS.

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

Peace of Mind
Ford is offering even more peace of mind to owners of its 2011MY products, by extending the 24-hour free roadside assistance to 5 years or 100,000km, whichever comes first. This comes with the existing 5 years/100,000 km powertrain warranty and the 3 year/60,000km manufacturer warranty

-Ends-

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 159,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visitwww.ford.com.

Ford Motor Company's history in the Middle East goes back to over 60 years. The company's local importer-dealers operate more than100 facilities in the region and directly employ over7,000 people, the majority of whom are Arab Nationals. For more information on Ford Middle East, please visitwww.me.ford.com.

Ford Middle East is also a responsible corporate citizen in the region, with the Ford Motor Company Conservation & Environmental Grants, a grass-root level program that has offered nearlyUS$1 million in grants to over 120 Middle Eastern environmental projects since 2000.

For more information on Ford Middle East, please visitwww.me.ford.comor log on to our channel on YouTube located atwww.youtube.com/user/fordmiddleast.

Press Release 2010