The new 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 has secured its place in the record books for being the most fuel-efficient Mustang ever. Apart from that, it also stands out as the first production car in history to deliver more than 300 horsepower and provide a mileage of 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

f 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

The EPA has certified the new Mustang this week with a 30 mpg highway and a 19 mpg city mileage. Models equipped with the 305 hp, 3.7-liter V-6 and six speed automatic transmission achieved 31 mpg on highway and 19 mpg on the streets. The standard six-speed manual transmission was not to be left far behind, having achieved an equally impressive 30 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg on the streets.

The Mustang uses a lightweight, all aluminum, 3.7-liter dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) engine that provides a perfect balance between power and economy. Also, the Mustang delivering top fuel economy despite having an automatic transmission system appears to deviate from conventional wisdom. Credit goes to the Ford engineers, who while devising the six-speed automatic transmission have made judicious use of calibrated gear ratios and shift programs to minimize  fuel costs and maximise driving power.

Apart from the engine modifications, a slew of other changes have contributed to the car’s low fuel cost. For example, the inclusion of new Electric Power Assist Steering, aerodynamic changes and new chassis design all contribute to a betterfuel economy.

The new 2011 Mustang goes on sale this spring. Already, it has received more than 11,000 orders, half of which are for the fuel-efficient 3.7-liter V-6 engine.