Rumor: New 2011 Mustang powertrains

So, for the third straight month the Chevrolet Camaro has taken the sales crown from Ford's Mustang. The two cars are very similar in cost and styled remarkably well. They even perform nearly identical on the track. The one thing the Mustang is lacking is bragging rights in the horsepower game.

The 3.6 liter V6 Camaro pumps out an impressive 304 horsepower all while delivering 29 mpg on the highway. On paper, the power output suggests the V6 Camaro can hold its own against the V8 Mustang GT. It does well for itself, but, is not necessarily the better car. The problem with the Camaro is weight. The Mustang weighs in over 200 pounds less than its bow-tie competition and it shows. The V6 power output may look impressive on the Camaro, but, the extra weight certainly hinders performance. Still, the Camaro offers superb styling and fuel economy at an affordable price and the public seems to prefer it in both V6 and V8 editions over the Mustang for the past 3 months.

Now for Ford's answer to this problem. While the body and interior of its pony car received a slew of improvements for 2010, the engine bay, was left relatively unchanged. With another year of development time under its belt, it appears Ford is ready to blast back with its new 3.7 liter V6 with horsepower said to be in the 315 range. This conveniently beats the Camaro V6 output and with the Mustangs lighter weight, will undoubtedly prove superior at the track. These cars are vastly about bragging rights after all. Before the V8 GT crowd gets their panties in a bunch they will be glad to know Ford will also offer a 5.0 liter V8 easily capable of exceeding 400 horses. The last time a 5.0 resided in a Mustang was 1995 and the 2011 motor, while same in displacement, is completely new from the ground up. This is part of the new V8 program by Ford which is also debuting its 6.2 liter V8 in the F-150 this fall.

So if the rumors are true it looks as if the 2011 Mustang will be armed and ready to go head to head against the Camaro. A very interesting development indeed considering even with the "old school" live rear axle and small V8 Car & Driver still picked the 2010 Mustang over the new Challenger and Camaro. The new motors should do very well for Ford. Still, no official word on the exact engine and transmission combinations. All that is known is they will be updated and will certainly rock.

As of now the twin turbo eco-boost V6 looks to be on hold for the 2011 Mustang. This, as with the above details, are still subject to change. Let's hope for our sakes Ford offers the eco-boost in the Mustang ASAP.