2011 Mustang Gets a 5.0-Liter Dose of Old-School

In addition to braking and handling upgrades, the 2011 Mustang will also re-introduce the acclaimed 5.0 engine.

Ford plans to re-introduce its 5.0L V8 in the 2011 Mustang GT, offering an update to the iconic engine with increased horsepower and fuel economy.

Using enhanced variable camshaft timing, four-valve per cylinder heads and an all-aluminum block, the new 5.0 will make 412 hp and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Mated to an automatic six-speed transmission, the engine is expected to help the 2011 Mustang deliver 25 highway miles per gallon and 17 in the city.

Knowing that customers would use the GT for club-racing, autocross and other grassroots motorsports, Ford V8 Engine Programs Manager Mike Harrison says the development team also optimized the engine for factors including windage and oil drainback under high-speed cornering conditions.

They also kept weight down, with the engine weighing 430 lbs. shipped, a weight savings of more than 20% from the previous 5.0, according to Ford.

This is the same team also responsible for developing the new 6.2L V8 for the Super Duty and Raptor (including the 500hp Baja 1000 Raptor R race engine) and a 7.0L, 800hp V8 for the Don Bowles Mustang drag-racing car.

Other upgrades to the 2011 Mustang include an available Brembo 14-inch brake package, an enhanced rear lower control arm and a stiffened rear sway bar.

For businesses that make and sell parts for the Mustang and the previous generations of 5.0, Ford's timing is perfect.

"With a little more than 300 hp and compared to the likes of the SRT-8 and Camaro, the Mustang has lost its edge," says Anthony Coles, managing director of marketing/product development for Mustangs Unlimited, a brick-and-mortar and online retailer in Georgia and Connecticut. "Ford really needed to do something more than a styling facelift to slug it out with GM and Chrysler."

Coles says his shop's 5.0 parts sales have leveled off over the past couple of years, but still account for the majority of '74–present parts sales.

"The new 5.0 'Coyote' program will breathe some much-needed excitement into the latest Mustang offering and, ultimately, will result in renewed excitement for aftermarket parts sales," Coles adds. "My 2007 GT is looking more and more ready to be traded in come next year."