Ford is doing another Mustang giveaway contest. Going to see what kind of mileage they can get on a closed loop course.

Guess how many laps and be entered to win...

http://www.examiner.com/x-8811-Detro...aps-at-Bristol

https://www.mustang1000lapchallenge....istration.aspx

 

After putting in my entry to guess the laps, I sent Ford a e-mail suggesting they do a webcast of the 1000 lap challenge and they wrote me back today...

 

They don't specify which model etc. they are going to run.

I guess if they are trying to get the MAX out of it, it should be a base model AT car with no options added which would mean the base 215/65-17 Michelin Energy Savers and the least possible weight.

I'm sure they'll also figure out what speed it gets the BEST MPG and set the cruise. As it being a closed course, an extra 5 or 10 PSI in the tires wouldn't hurt either.

In O.D. the AT V6 will run at around 1284 RPM @ 55 MPH at or 1517 RPM @ 65 MPH. I could be wrong, but I'd think somewhere beteen 1000 & 1500 RPM it would be wanting to downshift into 5th.

Based on these RPM's, I'd guess best speed for MPG will probably be between 55-65 MPH, so this is going to be one long and boring drive. Say it gets 35 MPG ... that's over 10 hrs of round-n-round @ 55 MPH !!

Are they going to let him stop for pee breaks or is the guy going to wear a diaper ??

Doug

 

They need to get one of the Rousch drivers to do that. They're always good at the 'mileage' races.

How big is the gas tank?

 

The laps will have to be at highway speed to be a good representative test so it won't be below 55.

And yes, I am sure it will be a bare-bones auto tranny car.

I would bet the run will be non-stop as any stopping and starting would decrease the over-all fuel economy.

I also wrote them back today suggesting they run the 5.0 at the same time, it should make at least 780 laps at its 26 MPG rating.

 

16 gallon gas tank

 

They say to guess between 900 & 1500 laps.

900 would be 30 MPG ... 1500 would be 50 MPG !!

Doug