Jay Leno gets a 2011 Mustang GT in his garage

It's no secret that Jay Leno is a huge car guy - and has what is arguably the nicest collection of them on the planet. So one could figure that his opinion on cars is worth its weight in gold, seeing as how the man has driven practically every car worth driving over the years.

In the latest installment of Jay Leno's garage, the late night mogul tries out a 2011Mustang GT. And not only is he impressed with the power and performance of Ford's new pony, he is very impressed with the build quality.

2011 Ford Mustang configurator hits Ford's website

Well, the moment you've all been waiting for is here. Not the actual availability of the 2011 Ford Mustang, but at least the ability to configure one online. Ford has rolled out it's 2011 Mustang configurator, which will give you a head start on figuring out what options you want on yours. Head on over to the Ford vehicle site to check it out.

Inside line pits 2011 Ford Mustang and Camaro V6 in first comparo

Right on the heels of the very first comparison test between the 2011 Ford Mustang GT and the Camaro SS comes this, the first between the base V6 models thanks to Inside Line. And while it may not have all the glitz and glamour of a V8 showdown, rest assured you will see more of these models in the real world of rental cars and high school kids.

The ultra heavy Camaro (3,790 pounds!) ran a respectable 14.3 second quarter mile, 6.1 seconds 0-60, and pulled a .83g on the skidpad. 60-0 braking took 111.78 feet. All of which are pretty good numbers.

But then along came the Mustang with its lighter 3,508 pound mass. It ran a 13.9 second quarter mile (!!!), took 5.6 seconds to get to 60, and pulled a .91g on the skidpad. 60-0 took a mere 103 feet.

So the Mustang handily beats the Camaro yet again. But rest assured that Chevrolet will not take this laying down. Word is that they are already hard at work making some changes, which we may see sooner than later.

2011 Ford Mustang GT beats Camaro SS in unofficial 1/8th mile race

Can't wait for the inevitable challenges and showdowns that are coming between the 2011 Mustang GT and the Camaro SS? Well, the fun has already begun in a way. At a sectioned off part of the Camarillo Airport at last week's media launch for the new Mustang in California.

The 1/8th mile section of track was the first test for both the Camaro and Mustang, both featuring six speed automatic transmissions. Popular Hot Rodding managed a 8.82second run at 83 mph in the Camaro, and a 8.62 @ 86 mph in the Mustang.

So the Mustang take the crown in the first showdown in what promises to be many to come. With the Camaro currently besting the Mustang in sales, this is just what Ford's iconic pony car needs to win in the showroom and on the track going forward.

2011 Ford Mustang to start at $22,995, pace Daytona 500?

With the 2011 Mustang, Ford has pushed power in both the V6 and V8 models up almost 100 horsepower respectively. Both have also received a host of significant upgrades that give them more ammunition in the reborn pony car wars of today.

With those type of improvements, one can only expect to see some type of price increase. Early word from the Mustang Source is that the V6 Mustang will base out at $22,995, which is a $750 increase over the '10 model but $500 cheaper than a V6 Camaro.

The GT will reportedly base at $30,495, (breaking the $30,000 barrier for the first time) which is $1,250 higher than '10 but $1,300 cheaper than an SS Camaro.

Also in Mustang news, the folks over at Mustang Heaven are telling us that the 2011 Mustang GT will pace the Daytona 500, which will be the first time a Ford has done so since the 1970 Torino GT.

Of course the pace car Mustang will get a Daytona red paint scheme with blue and white LeMans stripes. Lots of other random goodies will ensue as well. Ford only plans on building one, which will be offered up for auction at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona on Saturday, January 23rd.

Video: 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 in action

The big muscle car news for 2010 is that the 2011 Ford Mustang (which goes on sale in spring of 2010) is packing some serious heat in the form of a 32 valve, aluminum 5.0 displacement engine. This modern reiteration of a past legend pumps out a stout 412hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, and the new GT proudly wears a pair of 5.0 badges on it's fenders, just like the old days.

Now that Ford has come out and revealed lots of juicy details about it's new V8, we have this video showing a new 5.0 powered GT with the Track Pack option being driven around. Unfortunately you won't see any tire smoking action, but it's all you got for now. Be sure and check out the other video below showing the 5.0 on the dyno putting down it's 412 ponies and almost making it to the 7,000 rpm redline.

Video: 2011 Ford Mustang comes to life!

2010 brought a full on refresh of the Ford Mustang, but 2011 brings with it another redesign. It has been many years since the Mustang had any direct competitors, but with the Camaro and Challenger breathing down it's neck it is vital to keep up with the proverbial joneses.

The first update brought us this, the V6 powered 2011 Mustang. Sporting a much improved 3.7L aluminum blocked, direct injected mill, the 6 banger puts out a very respectable Camaro beating 305hp. A six speed automatic transmission delivers a reported 30mpg.

The video above depicts a red V6 'stang making a stroll down a side road and also an open hood, high revving moment. The car sounds good and promises to be quite fun to drive, especially for those who want to get some semblence of gas mileage out of their pony car.

2011 Ford Mustang details leaked

In a few weeks we will know all the details on Ford's 2011 Mustang, but some info has already started to leak out. Ford's recently released fleet distribution news bulletin sheds some light on when the new Mustang is coming and what different models will be offered.

The bulletin states that customers will be able to order their 2011 Mustang on January 18, 2010, and will be entering production on March 15, 2010. The bulliten hints that some models, like the California Special will return.

There will be an SVT package, offering three different 19-inch wheel options, an available six-speed automatic transmission, a Brembo brake package, an RR spoiler, "Over the Top" stripe delete and a 3.73 limited slip.

The bulliten also confirms that the Shelby GT500 will continue on with the 5.4 liter V8, which has been recently rumored to have an aluminum block for '11. We'll have all the details when Ford officially rolls out the 2011 Mustang next month at the L.A. Auto Show.