Driving Sports

It's LA Auto Show time, and that means it's time for the new models to be revealed. On this DSTV Extra! we take a first look at the new Ford Fiesta, Mustang and Mazda 2.

*Correction: The Mustang V6 does not have direct injection. Ford uses DI in other V6's, but not that one.

Transcript:

We have the scoop on both the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 and the Fiesta right after this!

Welcome back for another installment of Driving Sports’ Extra!

The LA Auto Show is about to kick off, and you know what that means… Yup, time to start rolling out new models.

First up is Ford’s Mustang, which is being blessed with an all-new direct-injection V6.

Why the new motor? 305 horsepower and 280 ft-lbs of torque while rolling along at 30mpg freeway. That’s why. The 3.7 liter DOHC features twin independent variable cams and rolls up to a 7,000 rpm redline. Pretty sweet. Power is pushed to the traditional rear-wheel drive layout, courtesy of a 2.73-ratio limited slip. A 3.31-ratio rear is available for you quarter-mile junkies.

If you spent any time in the Blogisphere, and we know you have, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the Fiesta Movement. It was a Ford masterstroke of marketing that doled out 100 imported Euro-spec Fiesta’s to select bloggers earlier this year, in anticipation of it’s return to the US Market as a 2011 model.

In fact, just tonight, Ford held its Fiesta movement finale: a tweet-up near the LA show, which gave members the first opportunity to see the US-spec model in the flesh.

So, how about this US-Spec Fiesta? Consistent with earlier rumors, it will be rocking a 1.6-liter DOHC Inline 4 cylinder, mated to either a five-speed manual or twin clutch six-seed automatic transmission. Yes, twin clutch!

The motor is built in Ford’s Brazilian plant. It puts out 119 horsepower and 109 ft-lbs of torque on 87 octane fuel. Doing some quick figures, that equals approximately 48 hp per tonne, which is actually pretty good for a tiny car. But here’s the zinger, the 2011 Fiesta gets 40 miles to the gallon with the Automatic transmission option and is expected to cost considerably less than the poser poster child of fuel economy: the Prius.

We’ve driven a Euro-spec version of the Fiesta and have to say, this should be an exciting entry to the US roundup of feature-packed pint-sized commuters.

In related news, Mazda will also be unveiling its version of the Fiesta in LA: only Mazda calls it the Mazda2. It will of course bear Mazdas trademark “flame” styling, and focus on sporty handling, staying consistent with it’s Zoom Zoom philosophy.

Speaking of Mazda, a big shout out to SCCA racer Nick Evans. This guy, who bears a striking resemblance to Ian from Smosh, (considering) just won the Mazda shootout. This is a competition that pits amateur racers against each other, in front of a panel of seasoned racers. Nick takes home an MX-5 cup race car, $50,000 for season expenses, $10,000 in parts support and a pile of racing swag. If you want to read more, and have raging fits of jealously, we have the full story at drivingsports.com.

Thanks for watching. I’m Aaron Bartel, and this has been Driving Sports TV’s EXTRA! Be sure to subscribe to our channel at the usual places, and we’ll see you again next week!