X

2011 Ford Mustang GT (photos)

Ford upgraded the engine significantly for the 2011 Mustang GT, fitting it with a 5-liter V-8 using variable-valve timing to crank out 412 horsepower. A Brembo brake package brings in a more sport-tuned suspension, which remains compliant enough for comfortable driving.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
34753474_OVR.JPG
1 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
Ford offers its Mustang in a number of different versions, from a base V-6 coupe to a convertible, and all the way up to the Mustang-based Shelby. The GT Premium gets a new 5-liter V-8 engine, putting it at the higher end of the range.

Back to review.

34753474_FT.JPG
2 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
The modern Mustang is an excellent take on the fastback Mustang design of the late '60s, showing off much of that body style but with modern cues. In GT trim, Ford places prominent 5.0 badges around the car.

Back to review.

34753474_SS01.JPG
3 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
This new 5-liter V-8 uses a variable-valve timing system to churn out 412 horsepower. Although Ford posts EPA numbers of 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, the reality is more like 16 mpg when this car is driven as intended.

Back to review.

34753474_SD.JPG
4 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
As a coupe, the Mustang GT has relatively comfortable front seats, but a cramped rear seat. Access to the back seat is typically compromised for a coupe. The GT can also be had as a convertible.

Back to review.

34753474_SS04.JPG
5 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
Ford maintains some Mustang legacy drive feel by fitting the car with a live rear axle instead of an independently sprung suspension. Buyers can opt for different rear axle drive ratios, along with a Brembo package that upgrades the brakes and changes the suspension tuning.

Back to review.

34753474_SS06.JPG
6 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
The trunk opening is small, but there is some depth to the cargo space.

Back to review.

34753474_INT.JPG
7 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
The cabin shows a subtle quality, with good fit and finish but no showy pieces of carbon fiber or wood trim.

Back to review.

34753474_SS08.JPG
8 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
The three-spoke wheel fits the Mustang legacy. The power steering feels slightly over-boosted. More heft would have been nice.

Back to review.

34753474_SS09.JPG
9 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
The voice command button activates Sync, letting you control Bluetooth phones and MP3 players.

Back to review.

34753474_SS10.JPG
10 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
Ford keeps the instrument cluster mostly analog, with two white-backed gauges for speed and tach, a classic look.

Back to review.

34753474_SS11.JPG
11 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
The polished metal shifter is a little over the top. This six-speed transmission has a very short throw. It also likes to control shifts in some situations, such as upshifting from 2 to 5, or down from 6 to 3.

Back to review.

34753474_SS14.JPG
12 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
Sync uses the radio display to show a connected device's music library, which makes it difficult to find music. A larger display would be nice.

Back to review.

34753474_SS15.JPG
13 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
Devices connected to the USB port in the console, such as USB drives or iPods, get their music indexed based on ID3 tags. You can then browse music by artist, album, genre, and track.

Back to review.

34753474_SS16.JPG
14 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
Sync also allows Bluetooth audio streaming, but the information displayed is minimal.

Back to review.

34753474_SS18.JPG
15 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
Sync will download a paired phone's contact list, making it available through voice command.

Back to review.

34753474_SS17.JPG
16 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
The base Shaker audio system in the car is powerful, but not very impressive in its sound reproduction.

Back to review.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos