It’s crazy to be thinking about 2011 with so much focus & intensity, but if it’s anything the Ford Mustang legend tells, it’s to always be ahead of the curve and the rest of the herd.  For the next go ’round, the 2011 Mustang is already ramping up to set new records in the sales category.  In its first month of order processing, Ford has seen over 11,000 orders funneling in–that’s 3 times as many orders as the 2010 Mustang had at its launch.   What’s even more staggering is that the core Mustang value is what is continuing to keep the brand strong: 50% of the 2011 Mustang orders to date are for the V6 model!  And rightly so–what’s not to like about a high-revving sixer packing over 300 horsepower?  Putting it in perspective, the 2011 Mustang coupe packs about the same punch as the initial S197 Ford Mustang GT did.  That’s impressive.

With the solid grounding in V6 orders, Ford can continue to express and expand upon its specialized & niche offerings, such as the Mustang Club of America Special Edition, and will also repeat the distribution of the California Special model.  Following suit behind the rest of the 2011 Mustang orders, these special editions are also approximated to be 3 times the volume of the 2010 Mustang special editions of the same line.

So what’s the conceived driver behind this surge in demand?  Fuel economy.  It’s still a high concern in the automotive marketplace…and isn’t likely to change any time soon.  Add to that the fact that performance doesn’t necessarily have to be sacrificed in the 2011 V6 Mustang and the deal just gets sweeter.  Equipped with the 30 miles-per-gallon, all-aluminum, Duratec 3.7-liter, DOHC, Twin Independent Variable Came Timing (Ti-VCT) power plant, this little sixer has miles of smiles to offer.

“Fuel economy ranks among the top two reasons people choose vehicles,” said Steve Ling, North America Car Marketing manager. “With the 2011 Mustang lineup, we’ve found a way to offer even better fuel efficiency for V-6, GT and even Shelby GT500 performance drivers – while improving performance. And consumers are responding.”

People aren’t just stopping at getting their hands on the 2011 Mustang with increased fury; they’re also decking out their forthcoming pony cars with more tech toys than ever.  Navigation system options account for 18% of current orders placed.  High-intensity discharge (HID) headlights are going to be on 26% of them.  Rear-view cameras (on a Mustang?  Really?) will find their way onto about 10% of the 2011 Mustangs ordered thus far.

So what’s the rest of the pie chart look like?  The 2011 Mustang GT rounds out the majority of the other half, contributing to about 41% of current orders placed.  The 2011 Shelby GT500 completes the pastry pie picture with 9% of total orders on record.  In summary, we have 1/2 of the orders on record at Ford for a ~300hp V6 and the other half slated for cars that have 412hp & and 550hp, respectively.  Simply amazing when you look at it like that.  The lowest common denominator offered in 2011 by Ford still pumps out over 300hp.  Bravo, Ford.  Brav-o.

“Mustang is ready for a new generation of buyers,” Ling said. “With new high-tech and fuel-efficient engines, class-leading connectivity and infotainment options as well as signature style and performance, Mustang is poised to continue its legacy as America’s favorite sports car.”