DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) -- Ford Motor Co. says the 2011 Mustang GT has something unexpected to brag about: Fuel economy.
Ford said the 412-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 gets 26 miles to the gallon on the highway when it has a six-speed manual transmission, giving it the best fuel economy in its class. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certified the Mustang's fuel economy this week.
By comparison, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro with a 426-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 gets 24 miles per gallon on the highway, while a 2010 Dodge Challenger with a 372-horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8 also gets 24 miles per gallon. The EPA hasn't yet listed 2011 numbers for those models.
Ford has being trying to steal some thunder back from the Camaro, which surpassed the Mustang in sales by nearly 2,000 vehicles in the first two months of this year, continuing a trend that began last fall.
Ford said the Mustang's new engine and transmissions were designed to maximize fuel economy. Ford also made aerodynamic improvements to the car's exterior. It goes on sale this spring.
The last time the Camaro outsold the Mustang for a full year was 1985.
