bossco

Heh... Seems to me not to long ago the attitude was "Ford needs to suck it up and get with the program".

However to be fair the Ford camp was clamoring for "fair and equal" around the same time as well.

SSbaby

I thought the V6's performance potential was already well known as the 3.7L V6 also appears in other vehicles around the globe. That's why it's a surprise to learn the 3.7L V6 is an almost different (exceptional) engine in the Mustang.

teal98

Ford has redone the V6s in a number of 2011 models. The 3.5s and 3.7s have both gained quite a bit of power. While Oz had no reason to want the 263hp 3.5 V6 of a couple of years ago, I expect only the traditionalists will complain once the new 3.5 and/or 3.7s make their way into the Falcons.

teal98

I really think the 5th gen was built to appeal to a somewhat different buyer than the 3rd and 4th. Whether that was the goal or just the way it worked out, I cannot say. It's more like a 2nd gen, and then more like a Firebird. The 2nd gen Firebirds with big blocks (read 400/455, I know there was only 1 Pontiac V8 block until the 301) were close to 4000 pounds. The big blocks in the 2nd gen Camaro only lasted a year or so, and none of them became very famous or popular.

The 2011 Mustang is becoming appealing to many who liked the 4th gen Camaro. SRA, modest weight, powerful engines, emphasis on handling.

I don't care for the Mustang instruments, but that's a relatively minor nit.

teal98

First test is up at Motortrend.com

V6 got 13.7@102.0

V8 got 12.8@110.8

There's more....
I'm impressed.

SSbaby

I must admit, I am very, very impressed (that humble pie I ate was just the serve...) with those times probably slightly more so with the V6.

The 5.0 sounds like a strong engine and every bit as strong as the LS3, judging from the MPH. I can't wait to see it on Australian shores in a few months. The Ford V6 leaves the Camaro V6 in its wake. Double WOW!

Great job Ford Powertrain!!!

super83Z

V-6 got . Needs a bit of attention before sales drop.

scott9050

Once these make it to east coast tracks times are going to fall.

94LightningGal

I never even paid attention to where they tested these. You are right however.

Which track is it, that always gets the best times?? (I could pull out old MM&FF magazines, but am feeling lazy today)

ZZtop

Your thinking of Atco, NJ. Thats where MM&FF run. They run on a well prepped track by the way.

94LightningGal

Thanks !!! I didn't want to pull a name out of my butt, and look stupid.

I knew you guys would know.

When I was into drag racing, I would always get so jealous over what the guys on the Eastern tracks could run. Here in AZ, our tracks suck. Firebird is like running on a oil slick (unless it is professional racing time), as they never did ANY track prep otherwise.

ZZtop

I hear you there, I grew up in Maryland and we had some great tracks. My favorite as a highschool kid was 75/80 Dragway and they closed that sucker down since I moved to SC. People moved nearby and complained about the noise, those damn yankees! I used to routinely cut 1.9x 60' times there on 255 all season tires in my Monte SS. That track was awesome!

falchulk

MD is below the mason dixon line.....not yankees

Bob Cosby

Sorry....they / y'all be yankees.

ZZtop

Bob's right, Maryland is yankee. Hence why I left as soon as I could (college). Never been back and never going back. Although some parts of Southern Maryland are pretty redneck.

Anyone notice that Car and Driver was not very impressed with the V6? They talked about it as slow to rev and said unlike the Camaro V6 you should do all you can to buy the GT. I was surprised by this.