The Ford Mustang, an enduring symbol of American muscle and the original pony car, boasts a legacy of continuous production and performance evolution. While competitors like the Camaro and Challenger have navigated periods of absence and reinvention, the Mustang has consistently charged forward, adapting and innovating through decades. The 2011 Ford Mustang GT marks a significant chapter in this ongoing saga, particularly renowned for its powerful engine.
Having weathered challenges like stringent emissions regulations and shifts in automotive trends, the Mustang emerged stronger in the 1990s and continues to be a performance benchmark today. The 2011 Ford Mustang GT stands as a testament to this resilience, offering impressive power and a thrilling driving experience.
Exploring the Horsepower of the 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium
Positioned strategically within the Mustang lineup, the 2011 Ford Mustang GT sits above the V6 variant and just below the formidable Boss 302. The key differentiator for the GT model is, of course, its engine and the resulting horsepower.
The base price for the 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium was around $32,845, with our test model reaching $36,675 due to added features like the Brembo brake package, 19-inch wheels, a 3.73 limited-slip rear axle, and premium paint. While the price point reflects a performance vehicle, it’s crucial to consider what you get for the investment: a car delivering over 400 horsepower with a host of modern amenities.
2011 Mustang GT Horsepower vs. the Competition
Throughout its history, the Mustang has faced periods with and without direct rivals. In 2011, the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger were strong contenders, but both were notably larger and heavier vehicles compared to the Mustang.
The Camaro SS outweighed the 2011 Ford Mustang GT by approximately 250 pounds, while the Challenger SRT8 carried a significant 600-pound weight penalty. Despite having a slightly smaller engine and marginally less peak power than its competitors, the Mustang GT’s lighter weight became a performance advantage. This weight difference directly impacts the horsepower-to-weight ratio, a critical metric for performance. While the Camaro and Challenger had ratios around 9.1 and 9.8 pounds per horsepower respectively, the Mustang GT impressively achieved 8.8. This superior ratio translated into tangible performance benefits, allowing the Ford to outperform both the Camaro and Challenger in key metrics like quarter-mile times, 0-60 mph acceleration, and skidpad grip.
Exterior Design of the 2011 Ford Mustang GT: A Nod to Heritage
The 2011 Ford Mustang GT’s exterior is widely regarded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing iterations in the car’s history. Benefitting from a significant redesign in 2010, the styling effectively blends elements from previous Mustang generations, particularly drawing inspiration from the fastback designs of the late 1960s.
The 2010 refresh brought about changes to the headlamps, lower fascias, fenders, and grille. The hood’s power dome is not just a visual cue to the powerful engine underneath but also functional, improving airflow to the engine. The “5.0” fender badges are a nostalgic callback to the Mustangs of the mid-1980s, while the tri-bar taillights echo the design of the original Mustang. Another retro-inspired feature is the sequential turn signal function of the LED taillamps, adding a distinctive touch.
Interior Ambiance of the 2011 Mustang GT Premium
While base Mustang interiors might have faced criticism for budget-oriented materials, opting for the Premium trim level of the 2011 Ford Mustang GT significantly elevates the cabin experience. Premium models offer enhanced upholstery and trim, creating a more refined atmosphere.
Regardless of the trim, the driver is greeted by a substantial leather-wrapped steering wheel and chrome-ringed gauges, mirrored by the circular air vents. The 160-mph speedometer and the 7,000 rpm redline on the tachometer immediately hint at the performance capabilities of the Mustang GT. Our test car featured a classic cue ball shift knob for the six-speed manual transmission, another subtle nod to Mustang heritage. The interior design successfully blends retro cues with modern execution, evident in the dual-brow design of the one-piece dash cap.
Packages and Options for the 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium
The 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium trim aims to inject a dose of luxury into the Mustang GT formula. The Premium package essentially loads the Mustang with features, with the California Special Package as a notable exterior option. The California Special includes a unique black billet grille, body-colored surround, tri-bar Pony badge, fog lamps, side scoops, rear spoiler, and California Special badging. It also adds SVT-style rear fascia, custom decklid tape, and 19-inch argent-painted wheels.
Interior upgrades in the California Special include aluminum trim with carbon-style finish, carbon-style door inserts, leather seats with carbon inserts and contrast stitching, and special floor mats. The Equipment Group 401A offers an alternative with charcoal black interior, leather color-accented seats, unique door trim, silver Pony badges, and dark aluminum instrument panel. For enhanced performance, the Brembo Brake Package provides larger Brembo rotors and calipers, recalibrated stability control and suspension, and 19-inch dark stainless painted aluminum wheels with summer tires.
Powertrain and Fuel Economy: The Heart of the 2011 Mustang GT Horsepower
The defining feature of the 2011 Ford Mustang GT is undoubtedly its engine. Housing a 5.0-liter V8 engine, often referred to as the “Coyote,” this powerplant is celebrated for its high-revving nature and impressive output. The engine delivers 412 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. The 7,000-rpm redline contributes to the engine’s exhilarating character.
Ford claimed a zero to 60 mph time of under five seconds and a quarter-mile time of around 13 seconds for the 2011 Mustang GT. Real-world testing largely corroborated these figures. The six-speed manual transmission in our test car was praised for its short, precise throws, enhancing the driving experience. Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, although real-world figures, especially with spirited driving, might average around 17 mpg combined.
Driving Dynamics of the 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium
In everyday driving, the 2011 Ford Mustang GT is surprisingly docile, happy to cruise without demanding aggressive driving. However, on open roads, the car’s performance DNA shines. The transmission is responsive, and the optional Brembo brakes offer exceptional stopping power.
While the electric power steering might lack some tactile feedback, it is accurate and inspires confidence. Turn-in is predictable, and despite exhibiting typical Mustang suspension behavior, the car settles into corners effectively. The ride is firmer than a typical sedan, a reasonable trade-off for the car’s performance capabilities. A noted ergonomic issue is the placement of the cupholders, which can interfere with gear shifting.
Safety Features of the 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium
The 2011 Ford Mustang prioritizes safety with a robust body structure incorporating high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel, particularly in door intrusion beams for side-impact protection. The front structure is designed with crush zones to absorb and dissipate crash energy. The octagonal front rail design further aids in distributing crash forces. Standard safety equipment includes Ford’s Personal Safety System, featuring dual-stage airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and Belt-Minder system.
Summary: The 2011 Ford Mustang GT Horsepower and Legacy
The 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium, while carrying a price tag nearing $37,000 in our test configuration, delivers a near world-class performance experience. Its combination of potent horsepower, comfortable features, and modern technology, including the Ford/Microsoft Sync system, makes it a compelling package. While its handling might not be the absolute sharpest, the Mustang GT confidently competes with rivals like the Camaro and Challenger. The 2011 Ford Mustang GT, with its impressive horsepower and overall capabilities, represents a highlight in what many consider a golden age of performance cars.
