In the days of the digital age information security has to be taken very seriously – unfortunately for Ford someone with a Facebook account didn’t take the embargo very seriously. A confirmed leak has occurred, exposing the already heavily-rumored return of the 5.0-liter V8 to the Mustang line starting next year.
December 18, 2009
We previously let you know that someone with loose lips and a Facebook account let it slip that Ford ’s next Mustang GT will officially be getting the 5.0, as well as 412 horsepower. Now new information has been leaked, including the all-important 390 pound feet of torque for this new all-aluminum V8. This puts the 2011 Mustang GT at 97 more hp, and 65 lb-ft over the outgoing 2010 model.
The new 5.0 also goes high-tech compared to its aging 3 valve 4.6-liter counterpart, bringing 4 valves per cylinder and variable valve timing (VVT) to both the intake and exhaust sides.
Keeping with Ford’s promise to offer nothing but six-speed transmissions in their North American products by 2012, the Mustang GT will also feature the new MT82 six-speed manual for those looking to work their way to excessive speeds the old fashioned way, and the 6R80 six-speed automatic for those looking to cruise with ease.
The rest of the specifications have not yet been confirmed, but a 25 miles per gallon number is being thrown around – which would logically be the highway number.
December 17, 2009
The number leaked suggests 412 horsepower for the mid-level variant of Ford’s Pony car, up from 315 hp in the current Mustang GT. The substantial increase in power was anticipated due to the recent release by Ford of their new V6 Mustang numbers – a near-GT boost to 305 hp, and an impressive 30 miles per gallon to go along with it.
The rest of the muscle car segment already features a 400+ horsepower option, with the Camaro SS weighing in at 426 hp from their 6.2-liter V8, and the Dodge Challenger ’s 6.1-liter Hemi with 425 hp.
The 2011 Mustang GT will be in the same neighborhood in power as its current counterparts, but with a several-hundred pound weight advantage, expect the Mustang to become the new leader of the pack.
