The 5.0-Liter V-8 Returns for the 2011 Mustang GT

By Matt Rigney

Matt Rigney

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Matt brings to the table a very intimate knowledge of modern Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers not only from the books in his collection but from... More

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2011 Ford Mustang GT

2011 Ford Mustang GT

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“This all-new 5.0-liter engine is the next chapter in the development of the world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “It’s a thoroughly modern engine for the times, delivering the performance and fun-to-drive factor that enthusiasts want, while improving fuel economy.”

The 2011 Mustang GT also gets new six-speed automatic and manual transmissions, specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, three new colors (Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat, Race Red and Ingot Silver) and a Brembo brake package upgrade that includes 14-inch vented front discs from the GT500, 19-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.

Other added features for the 2011 Mustang GT include several new convenience technologies like standard message center, integrated blind spot mirrors, MyKey programmable vehicle Key, Illuminated mirrors and universal garage door opener.  Also if you didn't know the 5.0 badge returns to the front fenders and the new engine cover.  The instrument panel also gets an added bonus of a new speedometer that goes to 160 and the tachometer redlines now at 7,000 rpm's.

The 2011 Mustang GT convertible also receives improvements in the form of additional sound-deadening material on either side of the instrument panel and an additional seal between door and rocker panels to reduce wind noise on gravel and wet surfaces.  The Mustang GT convertible also receives a 12 percent improvement in structural rigidity and lateral stiffness over the 2010 model by way of a tower-to-tower front strut brace and front Z-brace connected to the primary and secondary crossmembers.

Other interesting notes from the information provided by Ford on the 2011 Mustang GT include the addition of stainless steel tubular headers and an 8-quart oil capacity.  Oil changes can now be done in 10,000 mile service intervals.  Also 91 octane fuel is recommended but 87 octane can be used.

Check out all the photos and information below in the press release.  As the week goes on I will dive deeper into the details with more posts. Enjoy...

Press Release:

The 5.0 is back! The 2011 Ford Mustang GT arrives with an all-new advanced 5.0-liter V-8 engine, developed by a passionate cadre of enthusiastic engineers who rallied around the common goal of delivering more than 400 horsepower.

The modern 5.0-liter four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) V-8 engine in the new Mustang GT will deliver 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. At the same time, fuel economy is projected to be better than the previous model and unsurpassed in the segment.

“This all-new 5.0-liter engine is the next chapter in the development of the world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “It’s a thoroughly modern engine for the times, delivering the performance and fun-to-drive factor that enthusiasts want, while improving fuel economy.”

Coyote in the lobby
Many of the engineers on the development team have worked in the Engine and Electrical Engineering Building on the Dearborn, Mich., product development center campus. For years they walked past the original 5.0-liter V-8 Coyote Indy racing engine on display in the lobby, continually inspired by its mix of heritage, high technology and horsepower.

The powertrain development community had long wanted to develop a new 5.0-liter powertrain, with strategic discussions beginning in 2000. By 2007, the Mustang competitive landscape was beginning to change, a sign that the time was right for advancing the Mustang GT powertrain to world-class levels.