Going Green With Appliances: Like Taking 100M Cars Off The Road
We've seen the trends; car shoppers are increasingly considering fuel consumption in car puchases, and thinking about the energy we spend getting around—some purely for economics, others for greener reasons.
But it's sometimes easy to forget that vehicles aren't the only energy hogs we have in our everyday lives.
It's been a long time coming, but the appliance industry has finally agreed, privately, to much improved standards for energy use for home appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and room air-conditioners. In some cases, energy-efficiency will advance by up to 50 percent.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, appliances such as refrigerators, washers, and driers account for about 17 percent of household energy consumption. Refrigerators are the single highest energy users in most households, with an average annual energy cost of close to $90—and larger fridges costing as much as $15 a month to keep going in more expensive energy markets. In comparison, driers use about $80 in energy per years and standalone freezers cost about $65 a year, while dishwashers gobble up about $45 per year (but save water and water-heating energy).
But the stunning figure comes when considering carbon dioxide emissions from these appliances, and how it relates to motoring. If adopted, the appliance agreement could cut 550 million metric tons of CO2 over 25 years. That's the equivalent (using the federal figure of about 5.2 metric tons of CO2, annually, per U.S. vehicle) of getting 100 million cars off the road for a full year.
According to the U.S. EPA, from its Green Vehicle Guide, a 2010 Toyota Prius emits about 2.97 tons of CO2 per year, while a 2010 Toyota Tundra 5.7-liter pickup emits about 10.53 tons per year. The EPA also says that the average household emits a total of about 7.3 tons of CO2 per year.
It's worth running the numbers, in a cursory sense, to see how an EV matches up. The 2011 Nissan Leaf might use roughly 0.3 kWh of electricity per mile traveled in real-world use (Nissan is quoting a 100-mile range on a 24 kWh battery), so potentially about 3,600 kWh per year for the 12,000-mile-per-year commuter—or less than $350 annually. Although the CO2 equivalent varies by region (depending on the fuel to generate the electricity for your area, along with other factors), nationally there's an average 1.329 pounds of CO2 produced per kWh.
Back to what we drive, it hints that if more than a few of us were to switch to EVs over the long run, we could make an even bigger difference.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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2010-2011 Jaguar XK, XF To Be Recalled For Stalling Issue
More than 5,000 late-model Jaguar vehicles are being recalled for an issue that might cause the 5.0-liter V-8 engine to stall with little or no warning.
In certain Jaguar XK Coupes or Convertibles from the 2010 or 2011 model years, or in 2010 Jaguar XF models, the fuel pump and fuel pump relay may fail to operate as they should after a restart, leading the engine to stumble, then stall.
The problem, which is considered a safety issue, and thus reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), doesn't appear to be linked with any mechanical failure. To remedy the problem, dealers will perform a simple software upgrade.
Such issues are very unusual for Jaguar in recent years. The brand has a greatly improved reputation for reliability and trouble-free ownership and has continued to do well on most well-respected metrics of quality and satisfaction. Just last month Jaguar placed second among overall brands in J.D. Power's annual APEAL study.
The issue, which we noted through a weekly summary from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, was reported by the automaker on July 21.
According to the official NHTSA brief, the recall will begin by August 30, and any owners with questions should contact Jaguar at 800-452-4827.
[NHTSA]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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2010 Lexus GX 460: Toyota Offers A Fix, And A Confession
A software update, available by the end of the month, will solve issues with the electronic stability control system on the 2010 Lexus GX 460 sport-utility vehicle, says Toyota Motor Sales.
Last week, Toyota had promptly halted sales of the GX 460 after Consumer Reports noted an unexpected handling behavior, and possibly a malfunction of the electronic stability control system.
The test behavior, in which the stability system allowed the back of the vehicle to slide out sideways when the driver lifted abruptly off the accelerator while going tightly around a corner (lift-off oversteer), could potentially result in a higher chance of rollover if the vehicle were tripped by a curb, dropoff, or change in surface.
Consumer Reports subsequently gave the 2010 Lexus GX 460 a rare "Don't Buy: Safety Risk" designation.
Toyota later confirmed that its own engineers had duplicated the behavior
Curiously, there's more to the story. Now Toyota Motor Corporation has also released a confession of sorts, explaining that several different conditions contributed to the issue:
- In the GX 460 and Land Cruiser Prado, heavy components, such as the fuel tank, are located on the left side, and in left-hand drive versions, the left side is made even heavier because of the presence of the driver.
- For vehicles with certain tires (on 18-inch wheels) and equipped with the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS*) and VSC, the activation of the VSC may not be sufficient in certain circumstances due to the setting of the VSC program.
- Circumstances may require advanced driving skills, such as sharp turns of the steering wheel in high-speed conditions or negotiating a curve to the right at excessive speeds.
It's an unusual (albeit indirect) admission—suggesting that Toyota didn't retest the vehicle's stability system for several key (U.S.-market) differences (like weight distribution, tires, or suspension) versus the closely related Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. But as for the third point—that advanced driving skills might be required for sharp turns—isn't stability control expected to help with those sorts of emergency maneuvers?
The recall now affects about 13,000 Lexus GX 460 models globally, including 9,400 in the U.S., plus about 21,000 units of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a model not sold in the U.S.) that are left-hand-drive and equipped with both KDSS and VSC, and the fix will take about an hour.
U.S. owners will be notified in the mail starting in early May, but they can also contact Lexus Customer Satisfaction, at 800-255-3987; until a fix has been provided courtesy vehicles are on offer for those concerned about the issue.
And in the meantime, check out the video below, which helps show the differences between vehicles with the fix and those without.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang V-6
Starting at less than $23,000, the new 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 is, surprisingly, one of the best bang-for-the-buck performance coupes.
We're surprised here, because the Mustang V-6 has never been a very pulse-raising drive, rather the option for those who want the look but don't care much about the performance. Baby Boomers far and wide are going to first think "secretary's car" with respect to a base-model Mustang. To others, it's known as one of the cruiser-convertible standbys at rental-car outlets.
But especially with the standard six-speed manual gearbox the 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 is truly satisfying to drive—and exciting. When you nail the accelerator, there's enough thrust to really pin you back in your seat in any of the lower gears, and the rear wheels really want to break loose in first or second gear.
The Mustang V-6's 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque are cause to rejoice. That's an astonishing 95 hp more than last year's V-6 (and 40 lb-ft more). Yet the new engine gets considerably better fuel economy to boot—19 mpg city, 31 highway with the six-speed automatic transmission, 19/29 with the six-speed manual.
In a weeklong drive of the 2010 Ford Mustang V-6 last summer, this editor found the well-past-its-prime SOHC Cologne V-6 (the same engine that's in the Explorer and Ranger) to be the weak link in the base Mustang package. The old engine was adequately torquey provided you were very leisurely cruising around, but as soon as you put your right foot into it the V-6 didn't feel particularly strong, smooth, or refined.
Horsepower up 95...and up to 31 mpg highway
While its 305 hp is an astonishing 95 hp higher than last year's engine, the Mustang's peak torque is only 40 lb-ft higher than before—achieved at 4250 rpm rather than 3500 rpm—but it feels stronger than that. The new engine feels like it has a fatter torque curve, and stick it out in any gear and it builds to a frenzy as it nears its 7,000-rpm redline—in a way that would have been unheard of in the past for a six-cylinder pony car. And in real-world driving, the engine seems quite efficient; in some very spirited driving on two-lane canyon roads with a manual transmission, we averaged a very respectable 23 mpg according to the trip computer.
Hummer-Hating Artist Hacks H2 Into Horse Cart, Cites Hoover
Ah, conceptual art. Clearly our country would be less colorful were it not for the efforts of, say, New York artist Jeremy Dean, who got inspired reading about horse-drawn "Hoover carts" made during the Depression from old car bodies.
From there, it was just a short leap to buying a used Hummer H2--the biggest, baddest, heaviest, meanest symbol of SUV dominance ever built for sale in the U.S.--cutting it in half with a torch, and turning it into...a horse cart.
Yep. He cut up a perfectly good H2, which he bought used for $15,000. That's a good price, apparently, since H2s have now been out of production for many months and it's not clear that GM's sale of Hummer to a Chinese company will go through.
The project is called "Back to the Futurama," alluding to the Futurama displays mounted at both the 1939-1940 and 1964-1965 New York Worlds' Fairs by General Motors, with a nod to the famous 1985 movie "Back to the Future."
Dean has quite a lot to say on the genesis of the project on his website. A few excerpts ...
"At this time of record financial gains, the auto industry began producing ever extravagant cars and SUVs. These huge American gas guzzlers became a status symbol in society leading to increased demand for oil and fuel prices soared.
"So with our very American idea of Manifest Destiny, we meddle in any country that has oil and send our men and women into harms way so that we can continue consuming almost 80% of the worlds resources. But how long can that last?
"My own satirical prediction of the future: Unless we come up with alternative fuel sources and rethink our reliance on a hyperinflated consumer based economy, we may be left with no other options than to hook our cars up to a horse.
"As a symbol of this I [will] take either a Cadillac Escalade or HUMMER H2, which have become monuments to America's consumption, greed and arrogance, and convert it to a horse cart.
"The cart will maintain all its former glitz and glamour: chrome rims, GPS, working sound system, DVD player, and TV screens. But [it] will be pulled by a horse. "
Now being built at Slick's Garage in Palmetto, Florida, the finished Hummer carraige will premiere during New York City's Armory Week, starting March 3.
Dean would like to sell the piece, to recoup his costs (he's sunk his life savings into the project), and fund a series of horse-cart Hummers and Escalades. They include one whose entire body has been chromed, a pumpkin carriage suited for Cinderella, and more.
Our final thought: Given the Hummer's military roots, it's doubly ironic to display the artwork in a functioning armory, which houses actual military Humvees that are parked on Manhattan side streets when the building is used for events.
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2010 Nissan Armada Bottom Line
TheCarConnection.com has read through many reviews from outside sources, citing highlights in a full review to bring you the most information possible pertaining to the 2010 Nissan Armada. The editors of TheCarConnection.com have also driven the Armada and bring you their expert opinion and impressions here in a Bottom Line summary.
Likes
Responsive acceleration
Strong towing capability
Nice, upright seating position
Dislikes
Clumsy handling
Lack of rearward visibility
Subpar interior materials
Very poor fuel economy
Price
An imposing stance and rugged, macho styling cues separate the 2010 Nissan Armada from the rest of the full-size SUV crowd, but the Armada fails to stand out for interior space, comfort, or practicality. The Armada got a refresh for 2009, including some revised equipment and new option packages, but it essentially continues unchanged.
With its flared fenders, chunky contours, and various other bulges around the wheel wells and hood, combined with a very upright profile, the 2010 Nissan Armada looks imposing and even aggressive, some might say. A prominent pillar at the back of the rear door almost makes the Armada look like a pickup variant, yet it also harkens back to Nissan's former versions of the Pathfinder. Inside the Armada is a little softer in its design compared to other full-size trucks, though plenty of bins and a vast center console mean business.
Towing and hauling remain strengths for the Armada, but its sheer heft opposes any quick changes in direction and drags down fuel economy. A 5.6-liter V-8 engine remains standard on the 2010 Armada, producing 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. It works well with the five-speed automatic transmission, with no hesitation to downshift, and offers class-leading towing capacity of up to 9,100 pounds. The Armada is, quite simply, a guzzler; the EPA city rating is just 12 mpg, and lower real-world figures are likely if you're doing a lot of stop-and-go.
The interior of the 2010 Nissan Armada is pleasant for the first and second rows, with front seats perched relatively high. The front seats are quite comfortable, though, and it's easy to find a good driving position with the available adjustable pedals. Second-row captain's chairs are also very comfortable but reduce capacity from eight to seven, replacing the bench seat. In back, the third-row bench is just OK for smaller adults, but it leaves almost no cargo space. Overall, materials in the Armada lag the competition; up close, the dull, scratch-prone plastics used around the lower door panels and center console are bound to show their age, and trims look on the cheap side. Ride quality in the Armada is firm but smooth, soaking up most major bumps, but it isn't the most refined experience, with a fair amount of wind noise in several test vehicles and an engine note that's a little too prominent.
With regard to safety, the 2010 Nissan Armada doesn't fare quite as well as its rivals, but it definitely has size and weight on its side. The insurance-affiliated IIHS hasn't tested the Armada, but it receives four- and five-star results in frontal impact protection from the federal government, with three-star results in rollover because of the Armada's high center of mass. Front side and full-length side curtain airbags, covering both rows, are standard, plus electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. Forward and side visibility is great, due to the high perch, but rearward visibility when parking is tougher because of the thick rear pillars.
The Armada does offer a bit more standard equipment than other full-size utes. Automatic dual-zone air conditioning, a 60/40 split fold-flat third-row seat, keyless entry, rear parking sensors, and the ability to play MP3-formatted CDs are all standard features on the 2010 Armada, which is offered in SE, Titanium, and Platinum. Titanium models now add a host of heavy-duty upgrades, including a heavy-duty battery, tow hooks, a towing hitch, a load-leveling rear suspension, roof rack rails, 20-inch wheels, and fog lamps, plus Bluetooth and upgraded Bose audio. Platinum models get convenience features such as a DVD entertainment system, puddle lamps, memory seat settings, heated seats and mirrors, a power rear liftgate, a moonroof, and chrome-clad wheels. A tow package taps into the full 9,100-pound capacity and brings a brake controller and 7-pin harness.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Nissan Armada has handsome, rugged good looks and a responsive V-8 powertrain, but in nearly all other respects, it's outdone by its rivals.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Nissan Armada, also consider:
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Ford Expedition
- Toyota Sequoia
Reason Why:
Of this group, the 2010 Nissan Armada is still, to most, the best-looking, and it has a strong V-8, but in most other respects the rivals have it beat. The Toyota Sequoia became bigger and burlier with the last redesign of the full-size Titan, but it's a bit of a gas-guzzler with either of its V-8 engines. Ford's Expedition has an especially well-designed interior, though its performance lags other competitors. GM's full-size SUVs, including the Tahoe, were completely redesigned for 2007 and continue to stand out for their excellent handling and fuel-efficient powertrains, while still being as responsive if not downright powerful. The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid might be worth consideration if you just can't get past the fuel economy issue.
Buying Tip
Nissan hasn't lowered the price on the 2010 Nissan Armada, but it's likely that you'll be able to find a substantial deal—if not on a 2010, then on a remaining 2009.
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Toyota Not Planning On Many Takers For 4-Cylinder 4Runner
Toyota is bringing an economical new four-cylinder engine back to the base SR5 version of its fully redesigned 2010 4Runner. But as we recently discovered, this doesn't significantly improve fuel economy for this body-on-frame ute. Instead though, it appears to enable Toyota to offer a value-leader model at an even more affordable price.
The 2010 Toyota 4Runner starts at $27,500 for the four-cylinder, rear-wheel-drive SR5. That's an $1,140 price cut versus the base RWD 2009 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V-6. This year's base V-6 4Runner runs $29,175, however.
Once upon a time, most of Toyota's 4Runners in the U.S. were sold with economical four-cylinder engines. That was the '80s, but Toyota did offer a four-cylinder version all the way through the beginning of this decade, and just a few years later, for 2003, Toyota began offering a V-8 on the 4Runner.
This year, the V-8 is no more. The new four--the same 2.7-liter engine that's also installed in the Tacoma-- makes 157 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque and is only offered with two-wheel drive, in 4Runner SR5 trim. An official suggested that other models weren't offered because of concerns that the model would be underpowered with 4WD or as a Trail model.
One look at the official EPA fuel economy ratings give you another perspective--and a lesson that smaller engines don't always bring better fuel economy. The four-cylinder engine isn't likely to save you much, if any, money over the long run in the 4Runner, because even in four-cylinder form the engine hauls around nearly 4,300 pounds of curb weight.
The four-cylinder 2010 4Runner is rated at 18 mpg city, 23 highway, while the V-6 4Runner, with rear-wheel drive, does almost as well, at 17/23 (17/22 with 4WD). Towing capacity is 2,000 pounds for the four-cylinder model, versus 5,000 pounds for all the other 2010 4Runners.
Last year's 4Runner V-6 rated as low as 16/20 with 4WD--the improvements mainly attributed to revised gear ratios--and with the now-discontinued V-8 engine the 4Runner achieved just 14 mpg city, 17 highway.
A base Toyota Highlander--about the same size, and with the same size four-cylinder engine (though technically not the same unit)--weighs about 3,800 pounds and gets 20 mpg city, 27 highway.
In all, Toyota expects four-cylinder models to only make up about five percent of 2010 4Runner sales, nationwide, with total sales of 25,000 to 30,000. At one time, Toyota sold more than 100,000 4Runners per year.
Surprisingly, Toyota will only make the four-cylinder 4Runner available only in select markets. In California, where there's still a market for rear-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicles, Toyota plans to sell the vast majority of them; it will likely be offered more widely in Southern states but only special-order in Northern climes.
One thing's for sure: By getting into the four-cylinder market, Toyota has an engine option that's not offered in any of its rivals like the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder, 2010 Kia Borrego, or 2010 Ford Explorer.
Although V-6 versions of the 2010 Toyota 4Runner are already at dealerships, the four-cylinder model will be arriving this month or next. Stay tuned tomorrow as TheCarConnection.com brings you driving impressions of the brand-new 4Runner, and we'll update you on how the four-cylinder version stacks up as soon as we can get some seat time.
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High Gear Media has partnered with Tesla Motors on a new writing contest where YOU can win a tour and road test of the 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport. You can submit as many articles as you like and enter multiple times. Enter now!
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Detroit Cries Foul On Japan’s Cash-For-Clunkers Program
As congress planned the controversial Cash-for-Clunkers program over the spring and summer of this year, there was some discussion of limiting new car subsidies to American brands; that provision was dropped, however, following outcries from other countries and from thousands of employees who work at foreign-brand factories and dealerships here in the U.S. In the end, foreign brands -- particularly Japanese makes -- saw a huge number of sales during Cash-for-Clunkers' brief run.
Now Japan has launched a similar program, and apparently, they're not playing quite as fairly: the Japanese government has blocked foreign automakers from being included in the program.
To be fair, the situation isn't exactly the same in Japan: although Japanese vehicles are hugely popular in America, Detroit accounts for just a tiny sliver of Japan's auto market (just 7,900 U.S. vehicles have been sold there this year), and of those, it's uncertain how many models would even meet the fuel-efficiency standards demanded by Japan's cash-for-clunkers program. However, it's a matter of principle, the Big Three argue. We're a bit surprised we haven't heard other countries like Germany chime in on this yet, but we expect to soon.
[Freep]
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2010 Subaru Tribeca
TheCarConnection.com has driven the 2010 Subaru Tribeca and brings you this succinct Bottom Line, with pros, cons, hands-on observations, and how it matches up versus rival models. Then TheCarConnection.com also researched available road tests on the Tribeca, bringing you highlights in a comprehensive Full Review.
Likes
Excellent safety record
Competent handling
All-wheel drive across the range
Sliding second-row seats
Dislikes
Overly styled dashboard design
Low fun factor
Tight legroom in front
The Subaru Tribeca underwent a major overhaul for 2008 with new styling, a more powerful engine, and retuned suspension, and for 2010 the updates have been kept to a minimum. There is one major shakeup in the Tribeca lineup; the five-passenger versions are no longer offered, so all models now have three rows of seats for seven-passenger capacity.
Once again, the 2010 Subaru Tribeca's sole engine option is a 3.6-liter flat-six engine with 256 horsepower and 247 pounds-feet of torque on tap. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission and a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Performance from the flat-six engine is respectable, but it's no match for competitors like the Ford Edge or Honda Pilot. Fuel economy is neither poor nor especially good for this class, with the Tribeca returning 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway; best of all, it runs on regular unleaded fuel rather than the previous generation's super unleaded requirement. Handling is one of the best attributes of the Tribeca; push hard into a corner and the Tribeca has good body control and better steering than most other vehicles of this type. The 2010 Subaru Tribeca's 8.4 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive may scream off-road prowess, but this mid-size crossover is better suited to the suburban environment. Real off-roading isn't the goal here--just all-weather performance.
The Tribeca has a firm but smooth and controlled ride, and an interior that's a step quieter than what we've become accustomed to from Subaru. The interior of the 2010 Tribeca has a futuristic theme with flowing lines that wrap around the driver and front passenger. The design, while unique, does limit front seat roominess, especially around the knees.
The 2010 Subaru Tribeca is also one of the safest vehicles in its class, scoring full marks in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) crash tests. On top of that, the Tribeca boasts a ton of standard safety features, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for first- and second-row passengers but not for third-row passengers. TheCarConnection.com advises opting for the rearview camera, which makes those pesky reverse parking maneuvers a breeze.
A new Touring model has also joined the lineup, featuring a moonroof, a navigation system, and a reversing camera all as standard. Whichever trim you choose in the lineup--Premium, Limited, or Touring--fog lights, 18-inch wheels, power driver and passenger seat, heated front seats, and third-row seating are standard equipment.
The Bottom Line: With the 2010 Subaru Tribeca, first-class safety credentials and excellent all-weather handling ensure your precious ones are looked after, but if you need more than five seats, we suggest going with a bigger vehicle.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Subaru Tribeca, also consider:
- Ford Edge
- Honda Pilot
- Nissan Murano
- Toyota Highlander
Reason Why
The mid-size SUV and crossover segment is one of the most hotly contested markets right now, although many of the competing vehicles are a bit lacking in the personality department. The Toyota Highlander is one such vehicle; it comes in two- and three-row versions and has an available V-6 and as well as a hybrid option. The Honda Pilot is one of the most admired crossovers available and even manages to squeeze in eight seats. The Nissan Murano was redesigned recently, but it still doesn't offer a third-row seat. The Ford Edge has almost universally appealing good looks from the outside, but from the inside it's not as quirky or fun to drive as the Tribeca.
Buying Tip
The third-row seats on the 2010 Subaru Tribeca are only suitable for small children or short journeys, so if you frequently need third-row seating, go with a larger vehicle.
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2011 Ford Mustang Gets New V-6: 305 HP, 30 MPG Highway
An all-new engine promises to make the base V-6 Ford Mustang a lot more exciting for 2011.
Today (and in advance of the LA Auto Show pressers), Ford officially announced that a new all-aluminum 3.7-liter DOHC V-6 will power the 2011 Ford Mustang, producing an impressive 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet. Two new six-speed transmissions (versus five-speeds for 2010) will pair with the engine, and a limited-slip differential and new suspension settings will help take advantage of the boost in power.
The new 3.7-liter engine in the 2011 Mustang, part of Ford's Duratec family, uses Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) and a Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket (DAMB) valvetrain to vary valve control through the rev range (up to 7,000 rpm) and achieve a three percent improvement in fuel efficiency and ten percent more power versus the same engine without this technology. Highway ratings with the new engine will be as high as 30 mpg, and it uses regular, not premium, gasoline.
The engine also gets a number of other measures to improve efficiency, power, and durability, including tuned composite intake manifolds, coil-on-plug ignition, and piston-cooling jets, plus a cold-air induction system and a deep-sump oil pan.
In a press release accompanying the announcement, Ford made special note of the engine sound, saying that engineers have worked to on the engine's breathing with satisfying performance sounds in mind.
Both of the new six-speed transmissions get improvements in addition to their extra ratios. The manual gearbox has a short-throw linkage, while the automatic comes with a "hill mode" that helps to provide more engine braking on steep grades. A lower 3.31 rear axle ratio will be offered for improved performance, especially from a standing start.
With the new six-speed automatic, the 2011 Mustang carries anticipated EPA fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 30 highway with the automatic (up 25 percent versus 2010) and 18/29 with the manual transmission. Also contributing to these improvements are a new electric power-steering system and a host of small aerodynamic enhancements.
To help handle the added power, the 2011 Mustang V-6 gets revised damper tuning and spring rates, plus a new rear lower control arm and stiffened stabilizer-bar bushings; Ford also adjusted the car's front/rear aerodynamic balance to help the Mustang feel more "planted." It also gets larger brake rotors--11.5 inches in front and 11.8 in back.
Inside, the changes include some additional soundproofing and new door seals, plus an upgraded instrument cluster, including a 160-mph speedometer and 8,000-rpm tach. Ford's MyKey system will be offered on the Mustang for the first time for 2011, along with a garage-door opener, message center, and new blind-spot aids for the mirrors.
Beginning in August, a Performance Package will be offered on the V-6, bringing the lower axle ratio plus 19-inch wheels, a strut tower brace, summer performance tires, a sport mode for the stability control, and the firmer suspension from the Mustang GT.
Up through 2010, the Mustang continues with an updated SOHC version of the Cologne V-6, which dates back decades and is otherwise used in the Ranger and Explorer. We drove a Mustang Coupe with that engine just this past summer and found the torquey but uncivilized engine satisfying with the legendary pony car but not very pulse-quickening.
With the 3.6-liter V-6 engine in the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro producing 305 horsepower and getting EPA ratings of up to 18 mpg city, 29 highway, the lighter Mustang should be considerably quicker than the base Camaro while also more fuel-efficient. That's our kind of muscle car.
A hat tip to our fellow High Gear Media site MustangBlog.com for first reporting on this new engine many months ago.
Ford is heavily rumored to have other powertrain surprises in the works for the 2011 Ford Mustang GT, which might take the form of an EcoBoost V-6 version or one with the upcoming 5.0-liter 'Coyote' V-8. We'll bring you more details on that, as well as on pricing and on-sale dates for the 2011 Ford Mustang V-6, as soon as we have them.
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Stay connected with the latest from TheCarConnection.com, MotorAuthority.com, and GreenCarReports.com as we report directly from the LA Auto Show press previews later this week.
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