Looks like Detroit is finally getting the message on fuel economy.  For instance, that icon of American muscle cars, the Ford Mustang, is will soon be sipping a lot less gasoline.  The 2011 Ford Mustang will put 305 high-performance horses in the hands of V-6 coupe buyers with a new all-aluminum dual-overhead cam (DOHC) engine that will deliver a projected 30 mpg of highway driving fun with a six-speed automatic transmission.

For 2011, Mustang’s new 3.7-liter Duratec 24-valve V-6 uses advanced engineering to deliver its power and economy – the engine is designed to crank out torque down low, rev to 7,000 rpm and deliver the mechanical music sports coupe lovers crave (we could do without this feature).

“Mustang is completely transformed with this new engine,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Everything people love about the car is still there and now under the hood is a V-6 engine that uses premium technology to deliver the power, the feel, the fuel efficiency, even the sound of the best sports coupes in the world.”

Extra horsepower and refined engine operation will be the most noticeable features to new 2011 Mustang 3.7-liter V-6 buyers while projected class-leading fuel economy, also a standard feature, offers a big eco-friendly bonus.  The new Mustang possesses some very non-muscle car fuel economy stats:

• 19 mpg city/30 highway with six-speed automatic transmission – up from 16 mpg city/24 highway on the 2010 model with automatic transmission
• 18 mpg city/29 highway with six-speed manual transmission, up from 18 mpg city/26 highway on the 2010 model with manual transmission

Refinements throughout Mustang’s body, powertrain and chassis design contribute to the improved fuel economy numbers. Examples include:

• The new Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system which eliminates the drag of an engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump
• Six-speed transmissions that allow lower cruising revs without sacrificing off-the-line performance
• Aerodynamic improvements such as a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal

source: ford motors press release