The new 2011 Mustang GT- which will be introduced in two weeks at the Detroit Auto Show - boasts an all-new aluminum 5.0-liter V-8, which uses advanced four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti- VCT) to deliver 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque and projected unsurpassed highway mileage for a V8 pony car of 25 mpg. The all-new aluminum four-valve-per-cylinder heads feature a compact roller finger follower valvetrain layout leaving more room for high-flow ports for free-breathing performance. The aluminum block was developed for optimized windage and oil drainback under lateral conditions and high rpm, such as track-day outings. Increased main bearing bulkhead widths and nodular iron cross-bolted main bearing caps with upsized bolts were also employed to accommodate the significant performance increase. Other features include increased capacity and baffling of the deep-sump stamped steel oil pan to enable sustained high-rpm use and offer the convenience of 10,000-mile oil change intervals. Piston- cooling jets also were incorporated for performance-minded customers and for faster oil warm-up on cold start. And specially designed tubular exhaust headers were developed to maximize exhaust pulse separation and improve flow. A team analyst actually fabricated the tubular headers in his home workshop, bringing the CAE design to life. 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. Six-speed manual transmission Mustang GT models for 2011 are projected to deliver 24 mpg highway and 16 city, matching the 2010 model but delivering significantly more horsepower and performance feel. The engine, as shipped, weighs just 430 pounds, 20 percent less than the previous 5.0-liter offering. Lower mass can be attributed to the aluminum block and heads, the lightweight composite intake manifold, composite cam covers and hollow camshafts. (12/28)
The "5.0" emblem is prominently displayed on each front fender of the
2011 Ford Mustang GT. The 2011 Mustang GT also adds specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension with improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings. For enthusiasts, a Brembo brake package - with larger rotors and calipers from the Ford Shelby GT500=AE Mustang - and unique 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires, is offered.Patrick