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Extra! #2 We have the scoop on both the 2011 Ford Mustang
V6 and the Fiesta right after this!
Welcome back for another installment of Driving SportsÕ Extra!
The LA Auto Show is about to kick off, and you know what that meansÉ Yup, time to start
rolling out new models. First up is FordÕs Mustang, which is being
blessed with an all-new direct-injection V6. In FordÕs view, this new, more efficient
motor replaces the current GTÕs V8. Yes, you heard that right, the V8 is on the chopping
block. When the 2011 comes out, it will no longer be an available.
Why the new motor? 305 horsepower and 280 ft-lbs of torque while rolling along at 30mpg
freeway. ThatÕs why. The 3.7 liter DOHC features twin independent variable cams and rolls up
to a 7,000 rpm redline. Pretty sweet. Power is pushed to the traditional rear-wheel drive
layout, courtesy of a 2.73-ratio limited slip. A 3.31-ratio rear is available for you quarter-mile
junkies. Pricing has yet to be announced, but if you
really wanted a V8, you better get your order in as soon as possible, the new V6 will hit
dealers in 2010 as a 2011 model and at that point, the V8 will be history.
If you spent any time in the Blogisphere, and we know you do, youÕve undoubtedly heard
of the Fiesta Movement. It was a Ford masterstroke of marketing that doled out 100 imported Euro-spec
FiestaÕs to select bloggers earlier this year, in anticipation of itÕs return to the
US Market as a 2011 model. In fact, just tonight, Ford held itÕs Fiesta
movement finale: a tweet-up near the LA show, which gave members the first opportunity to
see the US-spec model in the flesh. So, how about this US-Spec Fiesta? Consistent
with earlier rumors, it will be rocking a 1.6-liter DOHC Inline 4 cylinder, mated to
either a five-speed manual or twin clutch six-seed automatic transmission. Yes, twin
clutch! The motor is built in FordÕs Brazilian plant.
It puts out 119 horsepower and 109 ft-lbs of torque on 87 octane fuel. Doing some quick
figures, that equals approximately 48 hp per tonne, which is actually pretty good for a
tiny car. But hereÕs the zinger, the 2011 Fiesta gets 40 miles to the gallon with the
Automatic transmission option and is expected to cost considerably less than the poser poster
child of fuel economy: the Prius. WeÕve driven a Euro-spec version of the Fiesta
and have to say, this should be an exciting entry to the US roundup of feature-packed
pint-sized commuters.
In related news, Mazda will also be unveiling its version of the Fiesta in LA: only Mazda
calls it the Mazda2. It will of course bear Mazdas trademark ÒflameÓ styling, and focus
on sporty handling, staying consistent with itÕs Zoom Zoom philosophy.
Speaking of Mazda, a big shout out to SCCA racer Nick Evans. This guy, who bears a striking
resemblance to Ian from Smosh, (considering) just won the Mazda shootout. This is a competition
that pits amateur racers against each other, in front of a panel of seasoned racers. Nick
takes home an MX-5 cup race car, $50,000 for season expenses, $10,000 in parts support
and a pile of racing swag. If you want to read more, and have raging fits of jealously,
we have the full story at drivingsports.com.
Thanks for watching. IÕm Aaron Bartel, and this has been Driving Sports TVÕs EXTRA!
Be sure to subscribe to our channel at the usual places, and weÕll see you again next
week!