The Mustang 5.0 or as purists prefer to call it, the 302, makes a comeback for the 2011 model year with the presentation of the new GT that will be shown to the public for the first time at next month's Detroit auto show. No thanks to Ford's special relationships with certain media outlets, we already know the basics of the 2011 Mustang GT.
To recap, the GT's new 5.0-liter V8 engine employs 32-valves and Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) delivering 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque, compared to the outgoing 2010 Mustang GT 4.6-liter V8's, 315HP and 325 lb-ft.
Ford says that the V8 engine, as shipped, weighs 430 pounds or 195 kg representing a weight savings of more than 20 percent over the previous 5.0-liter offering.
The new 5.0-liter Mustangs also replace the previous GT's five-speed transmissions with either the 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission or the MT82 six-speed manual gearbox.
With the automatic transmission, the 2011 Mustang GT will deliver up to an estimated 25 mpg highway and 17 in the city, up from 23 mpg highway and 17 city for the 2010 model. The Six-speed manual transmission Mustang GT models are projected to deliver 24 mpg highway and 16 city, matching the 2010 model.
Ford has not disclosed performance figures, but just to get an idea, the current 315HP GT hits 60mph (96km/h) from standstill in just 4.9 seconds. In other words, the new GT should give the 426HP Camaro SS and 425HP Challenger SRT-8 a run for their money.
Along with the new engine and transmissions, the new GT also gets a specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension featuring an improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings.
There's also an optional Brembo brake package upgrade that includes 14-inch vented front discs from the GT500 Mustang, specific 19-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.
Other updates include the 5.0 fender badges, the speedometer that increases to 160 mph and the tachometer redline that climbs from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm.
More information on the 2011 Mustang GT will be released at the Detroit Motor Show in mid-January 2010.
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