2011 Ford Mustang/GT: Moving Forward with Advanced Engines

The 2011 Mustang/GT brings
the return of the 5.0-liter engine.
This time however, the unit is
a modern Ti-VCT DOHC.

Compared to the 2010
5.0-liter engine, the 2011
offering will have an
additional 97 horsepower
and 65 lb. feet of torque or
412 hp and 390 lb ft. of torque.
This compares to the Chevy
Camaro SS's 426 hp and the

Dodge Charger R/T's 376 hp (425 hp in SRTS trim).

Additionally, the new Mustang will also be offered with a modern 3.7-liter
DOHC V6 making 305 hp. This is only 10 hp less than last year's Mustang GT.
Based on these engines, expect the 0-60 time to be 4.5 to 5.0 seconds and a quarter
mile time of 12.8 to 13.6 seconds.

Other engines that were considered for the new Mustang included a variant
of the upcoming 6.2-liter truck engine and the Jaguar 5.0-liter V8. However,
Ford's updated V8 engine, code named 'Coyote,' won out.

The new engine was designed right as it has four-bolt mains with the side
bolts going through the block. Furthermore, the bolt sizes have been increase
by one millimeter down low and up top on the cylinder head. Also, the main
bearing hardware has increased by two millimeters. Thus, the engine will accept
future direct fuel injection and supercharging for even more power. Last, but not
least, the V8 and V6 engines focus on improved intake air flow and combustion.

The transmissions will be a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic that
Ford will build in house. Depending on the engine and transmission choice,
the automaker predicts 18 to 19 mpg city and 29 to 30 mpg highway.

The 2011 Mustang GT's front brakes are .8 inch larger at 13.2 inches. Also,
19 inch wheels with 14 inch red Brimbos are an option.

On the outside, the car remains the same except for a 5.0-liter badge on the
front fenders and a blacked out Pony on the grille on the GT. California
special models forgo the 5.0-liter badges but get a sporty looking rear wing.

The 2011 Mustang will have a base price of about $23,000 and the
GT will go for $29,500. Definitely the car offers quite a bit of muscle
for the buck!

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price..." He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site:
www.DriveTheBestBook.com.