2011 Ford Mustang GT to Receive 412-hp 5.0L V-8

December 18, 2009 09:28 AM
by Rory Jurnecka

Thanks to some loose lips on the Web, key information about the 2011 Ford Mustang GT has been leaked - namely that a 5.0L V-8 will make a return to the  muscle car's engine bay packing a full 412 hp at 6500 rpm, and 390  lb-ft of torque. The leak comes following a Detroit Auto Show preview  event that Ford recently hosted.

The  engine itself features an aluminum block with lined cylinders which,  along with the four-valve cylinder heads, are all-new for 2011.  Variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust cams, a  counterweighted crankshaft, and new tubular headers are all part of a  package that, Ford claims, can still achieve 25 mpg. Available  transmissions will be the 6R80 six-speed automatic, or the MT82  six-speed manual.

The  2011 Mustang GT's extra oomph should help it to stay competitive among  its arch rivals. Chevrolet's Camaro SS pumps out 426 horses, while the Dodge Challenger SRT8 makes 425. The 2011 GT doesn't exactly blow those numbers away, but its  lighter curb weight and cornering prowess could help it take an  advantage over both of its main rivals.

Of course, we're salivating in anticipation of a new muscle car comparison test... stay tuned.