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BRISTOL -- For the second time this season, NASCAR race fans will get to see a 2011 Mustang pace car that combines great power and outstanding fuel economy.

But unlike the legendary Daytona International Speedway, where the new 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8, with 412 horsepower paced the field, this time the country’s most famous short track – .533-mile, high-banked Bristol Motor Speedway – will see Ford’s new 2011 Mustang 3.7-liter V-6 serve as the pace car for the March 21 Food City 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup event.

Mustang will flex its most fuel-efficient muscles to date with its best-in-class 31 mpg and 305 horsepower V-6 engine under the hood as the Official Pace Car of the race weekend. The 2011 Mustang 3.7-liter V-6 is certainly the most fuel efficient Ford Mustang to ever pace a NASCAR event.

“This is a Mustang that delivers the power and fuel efficiency customers want,” said Fritz Wilke, Mustang Brand Manager.  “To get 305 horsepower and 31 miles per gallon has never been done before in a production vehicle, in fact this new Mustang could do the entire 500 mile race on one tank of gas.”

New 3.7-liter V-6 Engine
For 2011, Mustang’s new 305-horsepower 3.7-liter 24-valve V-6 uses advanced technology to deliver its power and economy. Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valve train in microseconds, while aluminum construction means less weight.

The high output is due largely to Ti-VCT, which allows variable control of valve operation across the rev range. The variable cams operate on a Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket (DAMB) valvetrain using polished buckets to reduce friction.

The end result is as much as a 3 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 10 percent improvement in power output versus traditional engines without these advanced features. In fact, Mustang V-6 achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 31 mpg highway along with its 305 horsepower.

Ti-VCT is complemented by specially tuned composite upper and lower intake manifolds for efficient air delivery and lighter weight. Ignition power is delivered by a high-energy coil-on-plug design, while piston-cooling jets and a lightweight die-cast aluminum cylinder block improve the durability and efficiency of the 3.7-liter V-6 design.

A cold air induction system and dual exhaust give the 3.7 its free-breathing style with a 7,000-rpm redline and near-instantaneous response to throttle inputs.  A die-cast aluminum deep-sump oil pan provides 10,000-mile oil change intervals, saving drivers money on maintenance and resulting in less waste in oil disposal.

2011 Mustang V-6 Performance Pack
The all-new 2011 Mustang V-6 joins the ranks of performance-tuned Mustang offerings worldwide; with an available Performance Package that combines a lightweight 305-horsepower all-aluminum V-6, a 3:31 performance rear axle and Mustang GT-based suspension and braking components

The 2011 Mustang Performance Package upgrades include:

• A 3.31 rear axle ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration
• Mustang GT coupe front and rear stabilizer bars
• Mustang GT front struts and rear shocks/springs
• Shelby GT500 rear lower control arm
• Unique 19-inch wheels
• Pirelli performance tires for improved grip
• Mustang GT front and rear brake calipers with Performance Friction pads
• A strut tower brace for increased body rigidity
• Unique electronic stability control calibration with Sport mode for performance driving
• Unique badging

The 2011 Mustang V-6 Performance Package will be available beginning late next summer, built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The new 3.7-liter V-6 will be built at Ford’s retooled Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1.

Ford Racing at Bristol
Not only will Ford will have a significant presence on track with the new 2011 V-6 Mustang, but there will be a significant presence by Ford off track as well.  As the official car of Bristol Motor Speedway, Ford will be on site with 15,000-square feet of interactive displays in the midway, driver appearances and Q & As, and a ‘Ford Fan Friday’ promotion held in conjunction with the track and the Cincinnati Area Ford Dealers.