What is up with the V6 Top Speed????
 

I own a 2012 V6 Premium with the performance package and recently found out that the top speed for this car is 115 mph. I've done some searching around the net and have seen reasons for this to be anywhere from the drive shaft failing which seems to me to be ridiculous because I've seen trucks with weaker drive shafts, to because of the tire rating, which would make sense to me other than that mine came with "Z" rated Pirellis. Does anyone know the real reason? Not just something they've heard from around.

The next question is can I get rid of that limiter easily or Can the dealership remove it or will they? Will doing this void my warranty? I Guess the very basic question is why did Ford place a limit on the top speed, not that I'm going to go that fast anyway but I paid 32 grand for a Mustang not a Mustang with artificial limits. Do the GT's have that limit? Or is it just the V6? Thanks.

Normally speed limiters are set to match with speed ratings on tires. I'm not sure why they decided to do so on the performance package cars but there have been driveshaft failures at high speed when people have removed the limiter. The dealer can not remove the limiter and the only way to do so is with a tune. Once you get into non factory tunes the warranty can be jeapordized. I am unsure if the GT has a limiter or not.

I believe the GT has a limiter of 155mph.

Look up drive shaft failure on YouTube ... it's not pretty.

It does have to do with the design of the driveshaft (or at least it did on the '05-'09 cars). I know a couple of people who suffered failures on the dyno. I'm not 100% sure that the newer cars are the same, but I suspect they are. The V6 cars use a 2 piece driveshaft without a hanger bearing, and this is a bad idea. It is ok for trucks where the tires are much taller and driveshaft speeds are much lower because of it. The dealer can remove the speed limiter, but don't bother asking...it won't happen. You'll need a tuner/tunes to do it yourself. If you're considering it, do yourself a favor and replace the driveshaft with a single piece unit before you do. I did and found the car to be much smoother with less vibes at speed. By going with aluminum I also shaved about 10 lbs off the weight of the 'shaft. Hope that helps.

Stupid question, but why do you need to go faster than 100 mph anyway ? Will the dealership remove it......dude, that's pretty funny right there. I bet your insurance company would be pretty interested in you going 100 mph plus. lol

I have no intention of going that fast on the street even with the aluminum drive shaft. I just don't like the fact that I spent money on a sports car that my wife's Hyundai Accent sport would keep up with on the straights.

That is what I was told as well, and I actually took mine to 250km/h to see if it was limited, but I let off at 250 and didn't feel it cut off, but a lot of things were going through my mind at the time, so let off and coasted back to a mere 140. I know, I know call me a chicken, but that's really moving. Anyhow depending on how accurate the speedo's are at that speed, 155mph should be right around the 249-250 km/h.

I had no idea a Hyundai could go that fast. Might be worth me considering one price wise. Point taken T.J.

...said the guy with a squirrel in his avatar...

AP, I just noticed your ride is a '69 Wife... that's awesome, lol.

AP ... keeps you smiling.

oh thats a sinking feeling,with 30k involved ,you would of been better off with a GT that is 1 or 2 years older with low mileage:banghead:

I couldn't accept the answers I was getting and went and asked Ford directly about the speed limiter question. Below is the response, in it's entirety and it's not because of the driveshaft. Remember that this is for the 2012 Mustang V6 only as I was not concerned with any other model. Anyway here it is.

Dear Mr. totaljustice

My name is Patrick and I am with the Ford of Canada Customer Relationship Centre.

I received your message on September 20, 2012 regarding feedback for your 2012 Ford Mustang. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to address your inquiry.

We are pleased to hear that your vehicle’s quality has exceeded your expectations.

Thank you for informing us about your positive experience. Your good news confirms our belief in the importance of exceptional products and services. When customers like yourself send us positive feedback, you help reinforce our efforts to provide the finest automotive experience in the industry.

According to our research it would not be possible to adjust the mechanism of the seat lock. We have documented your feedback regarding the difficulties that it presents.

Regarding the speed limiters, they can be used to limit the top speed for vehicles and for some classes of vehicle; such devices are a legal requirement. Many performance cars are limited to a speed of 250 kilometers per hour or lower to limit insurance costs of the vehicle, and reduce the risk of tires failing.

If you have any other inquiries or concerns, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to address them.

Thank you for contacting Ford of Canada.

Sincerely,
Patrick

^^ with all that being said, there most definitely is still an issue with the driveshafts on the V6's failing at high speeds. Maybe Ford doesn't recognize the issue, but it exists.

^^ I'm SURE Ford knows it. It's just easier to say they have to limit speed due to inurance requirements than say "our sports car will break if you try to set a land speed record". LOL Nothing wrong with that though, not too many V6's are designed to go over 250 kilometers per hour anyways. ;)