2011 Ford Mustang GT: Remember the 5.0

I don't care much for the wheels, but that 5.0 badge looks good on ya!

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In keeping with the retro-made-modern theme, as well as staying competitive, Ford is bringing something all new and all too familiar back to the market.

Well…that’s only half true.  The only thing new about this engine is the technology and techniques used to squeeze more power out of those cubes.  Other than that, this block is basically a bored and stroked version of the all aluminum 4.6 liter V8 Ford has been making since 1991. So how do you squeeze 412 hp out of an old dog? Well, there are a few ways.

**Warning: Nerdy stuff coming**

As said before, displacement is now up to 5.0 liters even. Been a while since we’ve seen a nice round number like that when it comes to engine displacement. Much has been done in the way of getting more air into the engine, so better intakes and optimized air flow to the block  have been applied for better combustion. They’ve  also included all new headers, incorporated dual overhead cams, and made it 4 valves per cylinder instead of just 3.  Variable valve timing and variable cam timing also aid in producing more power, making a broader torque curve(all 390 ft-lbs of it), and improving fuel consumption to 25 mpg on the highway.

I brought up in a previous post the possibility of this new engine adding weight to this relatively light car.  And I’m afraid it has–a miserly 10 lbs.  That’s like saying putting your newborn in the backseat. We’re talking 412hp for 10 extra pounds of weight.  The Mustang had the best power-to-weight ratio in its class when it only had 315hp worth of motivation. It’s just a bit over 3,500 lbs now , compared to the 3,800+ lbs Camaro SS  and the 4,200 Challenger SRT8.

Wait wait wait! I’ve come bearing more good news. I thought it was cool that the 4.6 was still rockin’ the 5 speed manual, but it couldn’t stay that way forever.  So, Ford has seen fit to give us a 6 speed do-it-yourself and a 6 speed I-don’t-wanna-break-a-nail transmission.  It’s the best move to make sure they get the best out of the new V8.

And let’s not forget that there’s a new V6 coming as well.  When more info becomes available, I will let you know.  In the meantime, World Car Fans have some vids  of the CoyoteV8 destroying the ozone layer up on Youtube.  Breathe it in, my friends. Breathe deep.

-TripleDeuce

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