No Twin-Turbo 'Road Runner' V-8 For Next Ford Mustang GT500

By Nelson Ireson

Nelson Ireson

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2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible

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We know all about the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engine headed for the 2011 Ford Mustang GT already, but recent reports had hinted at a twin-turbocharged version of that engine, dubbed "Road Runner," to be dropped into the Mustang GT500. That won't be happening this year, as a supercharged 5.4-liter aluminum-block V-8 gets the nod according to an official Ford announcement today.

It won't be happening any time soon, either, according to an Autoblog interview with Ford V-8 engine chief Mike Harrison. The engineering complexity and sheer cost of packaging twin turbos into the engine bay alongside the 5.0-liter V-8 would be too much to justify even for the $46,725-base-price Shelby GT 500.

Still, moving from the current cast iron block of the 2010 GT 500 to an aluminum-block engine will help shift some of the car's 4,000-pound weight off the nose, no doubt improving handling and possibly cutting acceleration times.  The new engine will be out later in the year when the 2011 model debuts.

On deck for 2012 is a new Boss version of the Mustang, though details on that model are still being held close. In the meantime, the 2011 Mustang is expected to get an even more focused Track Pack to complement the big V-8, so there'll be something for enthusiasts to sink their teeth into while they wait for the next generation of muscle car mayhem.For more on the current 540-horsepower, supercharged 2010 Mustang GT500, read our review.

[Ford, Autoblog]