Just when you thought that good got better with the 2010 Ford Mustang redesign, the good gets even better with the introduction of all new engines in the 2011 Mustang among other improvements. The Mustang is available as a convertible or coupe, with various trim levels.

The 2011 Mustang V-6 and GT models are equipped with a new all-aluminum Duratec 3.7-liter V-6 and 5.0-liter V-8 engine, respectively. Both models use Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TI-VCT), which Ford indicates provides better off-the-line launch feel, improved fuel economy at all engine speeds, and lower emissions.

The V-6 engine delivers an impressive 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque. For those needing, or more realistically wanting, more power, the V-8 engine outputs a whopping 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. With MSRP’s starting at $22,995 for the V-6 and $29,645 for the V-8, the Ford Mustang surely is a great value.

The 2011 Mustang also sports numerous additional upgrades including a die-cast aluminum deep-sump oil pan that provides 10,000-mile oil change intervals, new six-speed automatic or manual transmissions, chassis improvements, a quieter cabin as a result of improved soundproofing, and a new specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) that not only eliminates the disadvantages inherent to hydraulic power steering systems but improves steering feel and responsiveness.

An available performance package for the Mustang V-6 adds numerous suspension, braking, and body stiffening upgrades such as a 3:31 performance rear axle ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration and Mustang GT-based suspension and braking components. The Mustang GT is equipped with additional goodies such as bigger front and rear vented disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension. Also available are a Brembo brake package borrowed from the Ford Shelby GT500, 19-inch wheels, and summer performance tires.

The power of the available V8 engine is apparent from the moment you start up the engine. With a satisfying growl, the Mustang GT seems to effortlessly accelerate at any speed, while the standard traction and stability control systems assisting the driver in maintaining control of the car when necessary. Coupled with the short and precise throws of the six-speed manual transmission, the Mustang GT is truly exhilarating to drive.

At the pump, the Mustang V-6 delivers fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the GT model delivers 17 mpg city and 26 mpg, when equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission. When equipped with the optional 6-speed automatic, fuel economy increases to 31 mpg highway for the V-6 model while slightly dropping in the GT model to 25 mpg. Both models can run on regular unleaded fuel with only a small drop in output to 402 horsepower and 377 ft.-lb. of torque in the GT model. Like the 2010 Mustangs, the 2011 models also implement the Easy Fuel Capless Fuel-Filter System, which gets rid of the traditional gas cap, introduced in the 2008 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer.

The Premium Mustang ‘s interior has a fit and finish that is top notch, although the interior contained a fair amount of plastic not uncommon in most of today’s vehicles. The gauge cluster and center console encompass a very clean and sporty design, and controls on the center console are well designed.

The Mustang also excels from a technological perspective. Standard on every Mustang is the MyKey^TM system that allows separate keys to be assigned to each driver, each key being coded with specific driving settings. The Mustang Premium models even allows owners to customize the backlight color of the instrument gauge cluster as well as the ambient light color used to illuminate the footwells, cup holders, and map pockets. Also noteworthy is the available navigation system with Microsoft Sync^TM technology that uses a large 8-inch touch-screen and is intuitive and very user friendly.