The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

The 5.0-Liter is Back: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Leads Class With 412 HP, Fuel Efficiency, Chassis Dynamics


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 28, 2009; 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 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."

Ti-VCT

A critical element in the 5.0-liter V-8's ability to deliver 412 horsepower, with improved drivability, tractability and fuel economy over the 2010 Mustang GT powertrain, is enhanced Ti-VCT.

For a high-performance application, the team specified cam-torque-actuated variable camshaft timing. Increased volumetric and thermal efficiency from Ti-VCT gives faster response across a broad range of engine speeds.

Performance and fuel economy

The 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque delivered by the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8 represent significant increases versus the 2010 model year output levels.

The six-speed automatic transmission on the 2011 Mustang GT will deliver up to an estimated 25 mpg highway and 17 in the city. This is up from 23 mpg highway and 17 city for the 2010 model. Mustang GT models with the six-speed manual are projected to deliver 24 mpg highway and 16 city, matching the 2010 model but delivering significantly more horsepower and performance feel.

Improved driving dynamics

EPAS has made a dramatic contribution to Mustang GT driving dynamics, delivering quicker on-center steering response, increased effort at highway speeds and reduced effort required in low-speed parking maneuvers. EPAS allows specific tuning for the Mustang GT application. For 2011, front and rear brakes are larger, the rear lower control arm has been improved and rear stabilizer bar bushings have been stiffened.

The 2011 Mustang GT also benefits from improved noise, vibration and harshness control.

"This new powertrain honors Mustang's heritage by raising the bar on performance while increasing fuel economy," said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Powertrain Development. "For enthusiasts, such as the passionate members of the 5.0-liter V-8 team, it's like having your cake and eating it, too."

For more information

For full press release text and access to 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter media information, visit http://media.ford.com/mini_sites/10031/2011Mustang.

About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company , a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.