The all-new V6 in the 2011 Ford Mustang boasts improved power and fuel-efficiency when compared to the outgoing model. To show off just how effective this unit it, Ford engineers brought a stock V6-equipped Mustang to the Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee to see how far it would go on a single tank of gas.
For the Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge Ford engineers hoped that the Mustang would be able to go 1,000 before running out of fuel. But the 305 horsepower 3.7-liter engine didn’t stop until the car covered 1,457 laps. While averaging a speed of 43.9 miles per hour, the Mustang also averaged a staggering 48.5 miles per gallon.
“To see a Mustang post average fuel economy of 48.5 mpg while running at Bristol is impressive,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “The new V-6 engine along with the advanced six-speed transmission in the car is a key element in delivering both fuel economy and performance for Mustang.”
Naturally, mileage will vary based on the driver and road conditions, but this kind of mileage from a 305 horsepower sports car illustrates the true performance of Ford’s new powertrain.
“This is beyond our wildest dreams,” said Tom Barnes, the lead engineer for the Ford Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge. “There have been a lot of people who have done a lot of things in preparing this 2011 Mustang V-6 to run the Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge and have the success we have had today. It was great when we went past the 1,000 lap mark with David, but nobody could ever imagine that we still had five hours ahead of us. This is a fantastic feeling and it shows again what a great car the 2011 Mustang V-6 is.”
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