2011 GT Specs

THE 5.0-LITER IS BACK: 2011 FORD MUSTANG GT LEADS CLASS WITH 412 HP, FUEL EFFICIENCY, CHASSIS DYNAMICS

• The new Mustang GT continues Ford’s powertrain offensive with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8, which uses advanced technology to deliver 412 horsepower and projected unsurpassed highway mileage of 25 mpg
  
• For 2011, Mustang GT adds 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
  
• For enthusiasts, a Brembo brake package, with larger rotors and calipers from the Ford Shelby GT500® Mustang, unique 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires, is offered; new fender badges herald return of the 5.0-liter engine
  

NEW 2011 MUSTANG MEDIA SITE
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 28, 2009 – The 5.0 is back! The 2011 Ford Mustang GT arrives with an all-new advanced 5.0-liter V-8 engine, developed by a passionate cadre of enthusiastic engineers who rallied around the common goal of delivering more than 400 horsepower.
The modern 5.0-liter four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) V-8 engine in the new Mustang GT will deliver 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. At the same time, fuel economy is projected to be better than the previous model and unsurpassed in the segment.
“This all-new 5.0-liter engine is the next chapter in the development of the world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “It’s a thoroughly modern engine for the times, delivering the performance and fun-to-drive factor that enthusiasts want, while improving fuel economy.”
Coyote in the lobby
Many of the engineers on the development team have worked in the Engine and Electrical Engineering Building on the Dearborn, Mich., product development center campus. For years they walked past the original 5.0-liter V-8 Coyote Indy racing engine on display in the lobby, continually inspired by its mix of heritage, high technology and horsepower.
The powertrain development community had long wanted to develop a new 5.0-liter powertrain, with strategic discussions beginning in 2000. By 2007, the Mustang competitive landscape was beginning to change, a sign that the time was right for advancing the Mustang GT powertrain to world-class levels.
The team began 5.0-liter engine development with the objective of delivering 400-plus horsepower, on a timetable accelerated by 12 months without compromises in reliability, durability, fuel economy, or noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control.
“Nearly all of the team members have worked on other high-profile powertrain programs,” said V-8 Engine Programs Manager Mike Harrison. “They all had a clear vision of the work required on their particular component or subsystem. Their passion for engines, racing and delivering every last ounce of performance throughout the engine speed range really demonstrated that they put their heads and their hearts into this powertrain.”
Development test engines and benchmarks included 5.0-liter blocks, employing different bore and stroke measurements, GT500 four-valve-per-cylinder heads and cams, various intake manifold runner configurations, differing compression ratios and a deep-sump oil pan. The team also evaluated Ford Racing’s 5.0-liter “Cammer” V-8 crate engine for transferable best practices.
Extensive computer-aided engineering (CAE) modeling, development engine experimentation and evaluation in combination with intricate machine work brought this promising, all-new configuration to jaw-dropping life in an accelerated time frame.
The result of this development is an “and” solution, not an “or.” 2011 Mustang buyers will enjoy the benefits of a powerful engine as well as responsible fuel economy.
Ti-VCT
A critical element in the 5.0-liter V-8’s ability to deliver 412 horsepower, with improved drivability, tractability and fuel economy over the 2010 Mustang GT powertrain, is enhanced Ti-VCT.
For a high-performance application, the team specified cam-torque-actuated variable camshaft timing. Using existing cam torque energy, with assistance from pressurized oil, meant that minimal upgrades to the oil pump were required, resulting in less parasitic drag. Increased volumetric and thermal efficiency gives faster Ti-VCT response at all engine speeds.
During the development phase, camshaft lift profile and port optimization started with higher-lift Ford Racing aftermarket units, modified for compatibility with various four-valve-per-cylinder heads. Extensive CAE and dynamometer testing was performed to fine-tune camshaft events and port flow for performance and fuel efficiency in conjunction with the variable camshaft timing.
The resulting 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. Head structure was designed to support higher cylinder head pressures and cross-flow cooling for sustained high-rpm use. Head bolt size was increased from 11 to 12 millimeters to contain the higher combustion pressures.
The aluminum block was developed for optimized windage and oil drainback under lateral conditions and high rpm, such as a track-day outing for an enthusiastic owner and driver. 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.
An additional element is the 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.
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.
Performance and fuel economy
The 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque delivered by the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8 represent significant increases versus the 2010 model year output levels.
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.
2011 Mustang GT fuel economy is enabled by the Ti-VCT, the six-speed transmissions in automatic or manual variations, EPAS and an additional rear decklid seal to enhance aerodynamics.
Fuel economy also is aided by engineering a lightweight powertrain. The engine, as shipped, weighs just 430 pounds. This represents a weight savings of more than 20 percent versus 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.
Improved driving dynamics
EPAS has made a dramatic contribution to Mustang GT driving dynamics, delivering quicker on-center steering response, increased effort at highway speeds and reduced effort required in low-speed parking maneuvers. EPAS allows specific tuning for the Mustang GT application.
The 2011 Mustang GT features an enhanced rear lower control arm to add stiffness, improve powertrain NVH control and sharpen handling. A stiffened rear stabilizer bar for better on-center steering is also included. Stabilizer bar diameters, spring rates and dampers all have been tuned for improved dynamics.
A Brembo brake package upgrade will be available for serious enthusiasts. This package includes 14-inch vented front discs from the GT500 Mustang, unique 19-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.
Added convenience content
For 2011, Mustang GT offers drivers several new convenience technologies, including:

• Standard message center
  
• Integrated blind spot mirrors
  
• MyKey™ programmable vehicle key
  
• Illuminated visors
  
• Universal garage door opener
  
• Sun visor storage
  

New look
From the 5.0 fender badges to the new engine cover, Mustang GT honors and continues the proud heritage of its predecessors. The speedometer increases to 160 mph and the tachometer redline advances from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm.
Three vibrant new colors will be added for 2011 including Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat, Race Red and Ingot Silver.
Improved NVH control and convertible rigidity
For 2011, Mustang GT benefits from across-the-board NVH improvements. These include additional sound-deadening material on either side of the instrument panel, an additional seal between door and rocker panel to reduce wind noise and a real wheel arch liner to reduce noise on gravel or wet surfaces.
Mustang GT convertible models feature enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. A tower-to-tower front strut brace is now standard, and the V-brace has been stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam also has been added to increase rigidity.
“This powertrain honors Mustang’s heritage by raising the bar on performance while increasing fuel economy,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Powertrain Development. “For enthusiasts, such as the passionate members of the 5.0-liter V-8 team, it’s like having your cake and eating it, too.”

Too bad they didn't fix the rear end styling

Joshua wrote:Too bad they didn't fix the rear end styling

+1000

This is going to be a great year for Ford and the Mustang.

I would hate to own a 2010 right about now.

I think that is why there is a lack of excitement for the 10's right now. The rumor mill had started before the 10's came out of a 5.0. Die hard enthusiast will wait for a better motor. Don't get me wrong the 4.6 is a great motor, but they really haven't put a whole lot more into it since they realeased it. From what everyone has posted it looks like they have done the 5.0 right and ready for boltons. I won't be getting one anytime soon, but it will be fun to play with as people start to get them and start modding them.

It will also be fun to watch and see what roush and saleen and other tuners come up with as far as performace packages.

Thats it... I'm getting rid of my mustang now. going to get a truck and save up for the new one. Bob Hurley Ford..... here i come. What yah got on the used lot for me?

even after that HUGE write up, seeing is believing. so i guess we will just have to see. a 412hp GT would obviously be the most powerful stock GT ever... by a LONGSHOT!

You can pretty much bank on myself being on board for getting one this next spring when they start to hit showrooms. Modding quickly thereafter. I'm excited to say the least.

i have a chub...

I do as well. If I can sell mine for close to what I owe I will be joy riding one of these to the club events.

I found a pick up truck. changing the exhaust back to stock on the car tomorrow.

So you're selling yours?

oh yeah. This is what i've been waiting for. I'll be pissed when the new mustangs spanks my butt on the street because of an extra 100 horsed on a new power plant. might as well do it now. 1 1/2 years to save up now. woo hoo.

the rumor mills abuzz over at teamshelby. okay maybe not its been confirmed there a gt350R in the works. hope they do it right.

well hector, you really put it out there... lol

as for the five-oh, if anyone plans on getting one, it might be an idea to have 2 different savings acc's, and put parts money in one, and payment money in the other, so when you get it, you will have a lil money to splurge!! haha. might take awhile, but if you start now, you could have alot when it comes time... as for myself, im looking into buying a jeep and keeping my mustang. this weather is really pissin me off... lol

Excellent find, Andrew! Very informative video on the workings of the new Ti-VCT system. I can see now how Ford was able to increase fuel economy and performance simultaneously on these new engines. After seeing how important the oiling system is in activation of the variable timing, there's no way I'd go 10K miles between oil changes on any engine running this system - I'd go no more than 5K between changes. And shouldn't Ford call them "developmentally challenged" and "advance" chambers?

Ditto Andrew. David i was thinking the same thing. Seems like it will be more important than ever to have clean oil. Sluge would kill this system.

Retard = Tard!

On behalf of the new 5.0...

Word to your motha.

"

3.7L V6 to be rated at 315 horsepower: Same as 2010 GT; 15 hp more than Camaro V6
No immediate plans for EcoBoost V6 Mustang due to small horsepower gap between EcoBoost and 5.0L V8 (365 vs 400)
2011 Mustang GT to be rated at 400 horsepower, will get increase in 2012
2011 Mustang GT to get 6-speed transmission and variable valve timing
2011 Mustang GT Track Pack to include Brembo brakes
2011 Mustang GT 5.0L V8, 6-speed, track pack, Brembo brakes ran even with 414-hp BMW M3, which is 200 lbs lighter, at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan
2011 Shelby GT500 to get Aluminum Block
Next special edition: 2012 Boss"

dang this thing is so complicated no one at ford will be able to fix it

david may have to get more training just to keep his job changing oil

just on question, What is a new GT going to cost?

Only a slight price increase is expected. ($500-1000)

2006GT wrote:Only a slight price increase is expected. ($500-1000)

no freakin way. we're gonna put GM out of business for good with this one!

fst06stg wrote:

2006GT wrote:Only a slight price increase is expected. ($500-1000)

no freakin way. we're gonna put GM out of business for good with this one!

no they will just raise your taxes a little more Government Motors

Bad5.0 wrote:well hector, you really put it out there... lol

as for the five-oh, if anyone plans on getting one, it might be an idea to have 2 different savings acc's, and put parts money in one, and payment money in the other, so when you get it, you will have a lil money to splurge!! haha. might take awhile, but if you start now, you could have alot when it comes time... as for myself, im looking into buying a jeep and keeping my mustang. this weather is really pissin me off... lol

Just put everything back to stock... again, today. Changing the radio and pulling the stereo system out tomorrow. Only mods left on it is the Hurst shifter, aluminum seat leavers behind the front seats, lower brace on the engine cradle and sequetial tail lights. I even put the stock tune back in. Going to try and clean the inside a bit. Can't do anything about the outside of the car. Dam weather.