Keeping a lid on details about the 2011 Ford Mustang GT's new 5.0-liter V8 is proving futile for Ford thanks to the magic of the internet. For instance, we now know that the five-oh V8's 412 horsepower come in at 6,500 rpm. And the torque rating is 390 pound-feet -- up from a mere 325 on the 2010 Mustang GT.
The 5.0-liter V8 uses an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder sleeves. A new cylinder head design provides enough room for the intake ports to sit vertically atop the engine, promoting better breathing and more power. The standard exhaust system is said to go a long way toward reducing back pressure right out of the box. The new V8 has 4 valves per cylinder, versus 3 on the old 4.6-liter, and variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust side.
Mustang GT buyers can have either Ford's 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission or the MT82 six-speed manual gearbox. The company is claiming 25 mpg for the GT, presumably on the highway.
2010 Mustang GT pictured
braco says:
09:56 AM, 12/18/09
Thoroughly modern V-8 from Ford, that has higher specific output than MB and BMW non-turbo V-8s. Great job Ford.
bimmerjay says:
09:57 AM, 12/18/09
Do my eyes deceive me or does the Mustang GT *finally* get a 6-speed manual?? The last horse finally crosses the finish line!
bankerdanny says:
10:06 AM, 12/18/09
It's getting harder and harder to resist buying the Mustang to replace my beloved, long gone '87 LX 5.0 5-speed, I have been promising myself I would buy since they teased the supercharged Cobra a few years back.
cr_driver says:
10:21 AM, 12/18/09
If I were in the market for this cars:
2010 model year, my choice is Camaro.
2011 model year, my choice is mustang.
Thats what a year of progress can do.
rayainsw says:
11:15 AM, 12/18/09
Decent TQ peak -
though I wonder what the curve looks like...
6 speed auto - some flavor of manumatic control, I hope?
Interesting-er and interesting-er...
crowb says:
11:27 AM, 12/18/09
Its almost frightening how good Ford is getting and how much they are "getting it".
1487 says:
11:37 AM, 12/18/09
they are addressing the shortcomings of the 2010 model. The 2010 was short in the powertrain department and these changes are overdue. I am glad Ford is finally getting a competitive V8. The 4.6l and 5.4l V8s are lacking.
cruiserhead1 says:
11:48 AM, 12/18/09
will they be introducing a new bodystyle with in '11 or is it the engine only?
cr_driver says:
12:30 PM, 12/18/09
Gotta love the internet era, huh?
Poor ford hiding this secret.
1487 says:
01:19 PM, 12/18/09
cruiser:
The car was revised for 2010. The engine changes were widely expected to come in 2010 because these engines werent ready in time for the launch.
notabigdeal says:
01:57 PM, 12/18/09
Secret or no secret the Camaro is F***ed. now the mustang GT matched the HP power of the Camaro without going for the GT500 (which is a beast). Guess Ford aimed right at GM's balls on this one. I think it'll be a bullseye.
greenpony says:
06:33 PM, 12/18/09
Perfect timing! Right when I'll be in the market for a new sports car.
hondacura4 says:
02:58 PM, 12/20/09
"Decent TQ peak -"
Rayiansw, 390lbft is better than decent as most engines with similar displacement peak around 365-370ftlbs.
It's good to see Ford finally giving the GT 4 valve heads and dual VVT. The freerer breathing heads should increase top end power. The VVT should further spread all 390lbft over the rev range for even smoother power delivery.
Given I prefer the exhaust notes of the performance oriented Ford V8's to the GM LS V8, I'm really interested in hearing the new 5L as it should sound better than the current 4.6. Good job Ford as now there is only 1 more thing to address.
jederino says:
10:33 AM, 12/22/09
^^Yes, sound is HUGE in a muscle car, and Ford has been doing good well in this department. Hope it continues!
wideglide says:
04:23 PM, 01/ 8/10
Make mine Dark Highland Green with a six speed manual and the Track Pack! I can understand why Ford wanted to keep this quiet; they are going to have a tough time selling 2010 Mustangs now. I haven't bought a new car since 2000..... Resisting this is going to be very, very tough!
ktjohnston50 says:
07:45 PM, 09/22/10
I'm so excited for this new Ford GT to come out. I was able to drive one early at the dealership here in Austin (http://www.covertford.com/) and it was the fastest car I've ever driven. Anyone else been able to drive one?
kate