2011 Ford Mustang: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2011 Ford Mustang

The biggest change for the 2011 Ford Mustang is a completely new engine lineup, led by a 305-hp V6 and the GT’s returning 5.0-liter V8 with 412 hp. Six-speed transmissions, electric power steering, and chassis updates make this a major mechanical overhaul rather than a body redesign.

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About the 2011 Ford Mustang

5th gen Mustang (2005-2014), in the 2010-2012 refreshed body style; 2011 is the first year for the new V6 and GT engines and the major powertrain overhaul year.

Ford positions the 2011 Mustang as an American rear-drive sports car with real choice: V6 or V8 power, coupe or convertible body style, and a step-up ladder from everyday fun to Shelby performance. The messaging leans on driving freedom, strong sound, recognizable styling, and more performance than before without giving up usability. Compared with rivals, the Mustang's appeal is its broad range, classic layout, and the mix of strong straight-line speed, open-top availability, and familiar icon status.

The range runs from the 305-hp V6 coupe and convertible to the 412-hp GT 5.0, while Premium versions add leather seats, voice controls for phone and media, upgraded audio, and adjustable cabin lighting. At the top, the Shelby GT500 pairs a 550-hp supercharged V8 with stronger Brembo front brakes, track-focused suspension tuning, and high-intensity headlamps.

What changed, by category

Powertrain
V6 models replace the old 210-hp engine with a new 3.7-liter V6 producing 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. GT models replace the 315-hp 4.6-liter V8 with a new 5.0-liter V8 producing 412 hp and 390 lb-ft. The full range moves to six-speed transmissions, and the Shelby GT500 receives a lighter aluminum-block supercharged 5.4-liter V8 with 550 hp plus a new dual-exhaust setup.
Structural
Electric power steering arrives across the lineup, along with chassis tuning changes intended to make the Mustang feel sharper and more responsive.
Safety and visibility
The base V6 gains side mirrors with integrated blind-spot mirrors, while the Shelby GT500 gains standard high-intensity headlamps.
Tech
The base V6 gains a standard message center.

2011 Ford Mustang specs and features by trim

Feature
2011 Ford MustangGT2 in stock
2011 Ford MustangBase0 in stock
2011 Ford MustangPremium1 in stock
2011 Ford MustangGT Premium4 in stock
2011 Ford MustangShelby GT5002 in stock
EngineV8, 5.0 LiterV6, 3.7 LiterV6, 3.7 LiterV8, 5.0 LiterV8, Supercharged, 5.4L
TransmissionManual, 6-Spd w/OverdriveAutomatic, 6-Spd w/OverdriveAutomatic, 6-Spd w/OverdriveManual, 6-Spd w/OverdriveManual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive
DrivetrainRWDRWDRWDRWDRWD
Fuel TypeGasGasGasGasGas
MPG City18 mpg19 mpg19 mpg18 mpg15 mpg
MPG Highway25 mpg30–31 mpg30–31 mpg25 mpg23 mpg
Horsepower412 hp305 hp305 hp412 hp550 hp
Torque390 lb-ft280 lb-ft280 lb-ft390 lb-ft510 lb-ft
Max Towing1000 lb1000 lb1000 lb1000 lb
Trunk/Cargo9.6–13.4 cu-ft9.6–13.4 cu-ft9.6–13.4 cu-ft9.6–13.4 cu-ft9.6–13.4 cu-ft
Rear Legroom29.8 in29.8 in29.8 in29.8 in29.8 in
Seats44444
Doors22222
Alarm System
Automatic Headlights
Rear View Camera
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Power Driver Seat
Remote Start
Tilt Wheel

How the 2012 Ford Mustang compares

The biggest change for the 2012 Ford Mustang is the return of the Boss 302, a street-legal track model with a 444-hp V8. The full lineup also gains driver-selectable steering effort, while the other Mustang models change very little from 2011.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest difference between the 2011 and 2010 Ford Mustang?

The biggest difference is the 2011 Mustang’s new engine lineup. V6 output rises from 210 to 305 hp, GT output rises from 315 to 412 hp with the return of the 5.0-liter V8, and the range moves to six-speed transmissions.

Does the 2011 Ford Mustang GT have a 5.0-liter V8?

Yes. The 2011 Mustang GT marks the return of the 5.0 badge with a new 5.0-liter V8 producing 412 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.

Did the 2011 Mustang V6 get more powerful?

Yes. The 2011 Mustang V6 has a new 3.7-liter engine with 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, up from 210 hp and 240 lb-ft in 2010. It also uses six-speed transmissions.

What changed on the 2011 Shelby GT500?

The 2011 Shelby GT500 gets a lighter aluminum-block supercharged 5.4-liter V8 with 550 hp, a new dual-exhaust setup, and standard high-intensity headlamps.

Was the 2011 Ford Mustang fully redesigned?

No. The 2011 Mustang keeps the body style introduced for 2010, but it receives a major mechanical overhaul with new engines, six-speed transmissions, electric power steering, and revised chassis tuning.