Ford's 5.0-liter V8 engine is special.
Only a handful of engines in automotive history have become really famous, even iconic. Chrysler's Hemi is one. It's now a brand unto itself. The Chevy 409 is another, with the Beach Boys writing a hit song about it. Ford's 302 small-block V8 — the 5.0-liter in modern parlance — is right up there with them, having spawned an entire subspecies within the publishing industry with myriad books, magazines and Web sites about the engine — most about how to extract more power from it. Google "5.0 Mustang" and there are 1,902,000 possible results to explore.
Ford engineers must have done a lot of reading in the past 14 years because there's a new version of the 5.0 under the hood of the 2011 Mustang GT and it comes to you packing ratings of 412 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 390 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm right off the showroom floor. Its mission? Simple. To do battle with the big bad 6.2-liter Chevy Camaro SS and 5.7-liter Dodge Challenger R/T. And the war begins right here, right now.
A New Ford Small-Block
Obviously the 2011 Ford Mustang GT is still down on displacement compared to its rivals, but it makes up for it in curb weight. Or the lack thereof. Ford says the 2011 Mustang GT has a curb weight of just 3,605 pounds, (our scales say 3,620 pounds). Although that is 48 pounds more than a 2010 Mustang GT, the Ford still has a 200-plus-pound advantage over the Camaro and a 400-plus-pound advantage over the Challenger. It also gives the Mustang an incredible weight-to-power ratio of just 8.75 pounds per horsepower. Anything below 10 pounds per hp is what racecar fabricators strive for.
We've already given you a complete engineering analysis of the new 5.0 engine. Suffice it to say here that the new 5.0 is an evolution of the modern Modular Family of Ford V8s (4.6, 5.0, 5.4). So if you're looking for any vestige of the old '68 Ford 302 under the hood, fuggedaboudit except for the displacement.
The new engine is all-new, all-aluminum with double overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, twin independent variable camshaft timing and every other trick in the book including an 11.0:1 compression ratio. You can't even put a set of tubular headers on it. It's already got 'em. And get this: The redline is a screaming 7,000 rpm. The sound itself, as you wind it out and blast shifts, is worth the price of the car.
It's quicker to 60 mph than a 2010 Chevy Camaro SS. A new Challenger R/T has no chance of keeping up.
Last week Inside Line exclusively put this 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 on a chassis dyno to see if Ford's power ratings for the new 5.0-liter are believable. They're not. This thing makes way more than Ford is admitting to. On our chassis dyno it recorded 395 hp at 6,600 rpm and 365 lb-ft of torque at 4,350 rpm. AT THE WHEELS!!!!!!
Powertrain Upgrades
Backing up this sweet dish is either a six-speed Getrag manual or six-speed automatic transmission. We didn't test an automatic, but Ford engineers claim there is no performance loss at all with the automatic. In fact, they claim the best quarter-mile times they've turned were with an automatic GT, leaving the stability control system on.
There is a difference, however, in fuel-economy numbers depending on the transmission. The manual is rated 26 mpg highway and 17 city — numbers claimed to be class-leading and, we can tell you, the Ford guys are very proud of them. With the automatic, the numbers fall off slightly — to 25 highway and 18 city. For an engine developing more than 82 hp/liter, it is remarkable.
Now here's a really cool thing: Ford still offers you choices in rear axle gearing when you spec out your new 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0. Standard with the auto is 3.15 final gearing, 3.31 with the manual. But you can check off a box on the order form for 3.55 or 3.73 gears if you don't mind giving up a little fuel economy for even better acceleration. A limited-slip diff is standard on all GTs.
Outstanding Acceleration and Braking
Our Kona Blue Metallic test car had the ultimate performance package: a six-speed manual with the 3.73 gear. Out at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, on a very windy afternoon, our 2011 Mustang GT ripped off constant 0-60 runs in just 4.8 seconds (4.5 seconds with 1 foot of rollout as on a drag strip) and screamed through the quarter-mile in a best of 13.0 seconds at 110.6 mph, which is a half-second quicker than a 4.6-liter 2010 Mustang GT.
In fact, that quarter-mile time and trap speed would have been easy NHRA Super Stock Eliminator racecar performance back in '68 when the first 302 showed up. And it's quicker to 60 mph than the last 2010 Chevy Camaro SS six-speed we tested (they run the same quarter-mile), while a new Challenger R/T has no chance of keeping up.
Making the acceleration testing a joy was the six-speed's factory shifter, with tight, short throws and very precise feel. No need for a Hurst shifter conversion here. The Mustang GT's shifter is as good as it gets. And if you're any good at all, you'll be burning rubber in the top four gears, as we did.
Fun? Oh yeah!
With all this power and speed, you're going to need outstanding braking performance. Again, the new Mustang GT delivers. Standard is a four-wheel power disc brake package with four sensors and a four-channel antilock system, but our test car had the optional upgrade Brembo Brake package, which stuffs massive 14-inch rotors inside 19-inch wheels and Pirelli P Zero tires. Standard wheels are 17 inches, with 18s optional.
At the track, the Brembos deliver. Sixty-to-zero came in a scant 109 feet, and fade is not an issue.
Handling Improvements
Ford engineers didn't build a start-and-stop machine. They also dug deep to improve handling and over-the-road performance. The new Mustang's body structure is torsionally 15 percent stiffer than its 2010 counterpart, and everybody knows the more rigid the structure, the better the handling.
The 2011 Mustang GT also packs a completely revised and recalibrated suspension, although the basic layout is carryover — at the front, reverse-L MacPherson struts and a 34.6mm tubular antiroll stabilizer bar; at the rear, solid axle and coil springs located by three links, a Panhard rod and 24mm solid antiroll stabilizer bar. Both stabilizer bars and spring rates are 4 percent stiffer than on 2010 GTs.
Again, the upgrades showed up in the performance numbers. The Mustang handled our 600-foot slalom in 67.3 mph with the electronic stability control off and 66.2 mph with it on. What's more, this GT recorded an astounding 0.91g on the skid pad.
All this tech translates into a very tied-down ride motion at normal speeds and over rough roads. You know you're driving a high-performance muscle car, but it's not uncomfortable. Canyon carving through the mountains is a pleasure with a neutral feel, not the understeer you usually expect in a car like a Mustang. And of course, oversteer is just a downshift or even just an accelerator tip-in away. But everything feels very controlled and manageable, with immediate response.
At one point storming through the mountains north of Los Angeles, we went in too hot and then the corner tightened up unexpectedly — along with our sphincter muscle. No time to downshift. We had to just steer, throttle and brake through it. And thank heaven for the Brembos. No harm done.
A First-Class Cabin
A word about interior appointments. You'll enjoy your minutes inside a 2011 Mustang GT, especially if you order the accent leather interior option. The materials are all first-class and the Ford guys made a point of telling us that the stuff is all genuine — if it looks like metal, it is metal.
The Sync infotainment system is pretty cool if you take the time to figure it out, and the nav system is one of the best we've seen. We can't even complain about the seats. They're shaped right for every body and every road.
Plus, the Mustang remains the best packaged of the three Detroit-born modern muscle cars. It's smaller, lighter and easier to see out of than the Camaro and Challenger. Easier to park, too.
The Price Tag
All of these niceties are either the bargain of the century or way too expensive, depending on where you're coming from. A Mustang GT coupe lists for $30,495. Our test car, loaded with options (including rear spoiler delete), listed out at $40,035. Forty grand is a lot for a Mustang. But for the performance level you get for the money, you have to give it real consideration.
Ford got this one right. The 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 is a terrific overall package of performance, looks, technology and fuel economy. It's so good, someone should write a hit song about the 5.0 V8.
Five-Point-Oh
Rear wheels turnin', rubber's burnin'.
Five-Point-Oh, Five-Point-Oh.
Ford's got a pony car, the Five-Point-Oh.
Just a little Mustang, it's a Five-Point-Oh.
Vee-eight engine and a six-speed trans,
With a little tunin', it'll take Le Mans.
Rear wheels turnin', rubber's burnin'.
Five-Point-Oh, Five-Point-Oh.
Five-Point-Oh, Five-Point-Oh,
When you floor the throttle,
It can really go.
Five-Point-Oh, Five-Point-Oh,
Blow the doors off
Any Ca-ma-ro.
Rear wheels turnin', rubber's burnin'.
Five-Point-Oh, my Five-Point-Oh.
Thirteen seconds in the quarter-mile,
Burnin' so much rubber, it'll make you smile.
Fat tires rollin' with four disc brakes,
Big bad Brembos, they've got what it takes.
Rear wheels turnin', rubber's burnin'.
Five-Point-Oh, my Five-Point-Oh.
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
Add A Comment »
v10powerrrr says:
05:33 PM, 01/12/2012
The only thing that stopped me from buying this car was the steering wheel... yes i test drove one and i just couldn't get over how bad and cheap it felt and to me the steering wheel is the most important part of an interior for me so i just couldnt buy it.
zman62 says:
05:54 AM, 02/18/2011
Wow, so much love and hate all in the same blog! I am not a motorhead like many of you here seem or prefess to be but I'll bet you don't enjoy driving any more than I do. I grew up in the hay day of muscle cars and had my share of them but then life sent me into the responsible adult lane and I started driving family cars/trucks. Kids are grown and my less responsible side has re-emergered. You folks are getting way to wrapped up about the badge on your vehicle rather than the importantance of how much you enjoy driving it.
I have a 2011 5.0 Mustang GT, Premium pkg, and paid 32,500.00. No Bremmo, no gear changes, 6 speed manual, and just the stock GT Premium Pkg. For the price and barring your personal badge preference the car produces the desired results with no compromise in power and handling when compared to other stock vehicles in this price range. It is a blast to drive and no shortage of challengers that want to see how they stack up against you and your machine. So if you want a reasonably priced fun car to drive this may be the one for you, if your ego will allow!
theodore2 says:
01:02 PM, 01/19/2011
LOGAN MOTOR I GUESS YOU DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT CHALLENGERS LOOK AT EDMUNDS RT FUEL MILEAGE I HAVE A RT AUTOMATIC AND HAVE SEEN OVER 30MPG ON 3 OCCASIONS WITH ACCURATE CHECKS AT 70 MPH! KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT BEFORE COMMENTING!!!
nedmundo says:
08:32 AM, 11/24/2010
After conversations with some friends about muscle cars, I dropped by a Ford dealer at lunch, and ended up ripping around some country roads in a 2011 GT with 6MT and California Special package. It was awesome, with a much more civilized ride than I expected. It could easily serve as a daily driver. My 2010 Acura TSX might even ride harder. The interior boasted high quality, with excellent seats and good instrumentation. I find the electric steering slightly numb, but not as numb as my Acura's, and the handling is great. It doesn't have the tossability of, say, a Civic Si, but for the size and weight it's impressive, and of course the RWD dynamics are a plus. Nicely equipped, it can be had in the mid-30s, which to me is a bargain. It doesn't have the buttoned down feel and refinement of a 335i with Sport Package, but that's sort of the point: It has a strong, distinctive American V8 character the BMW simply can't duplicate.
cmdrdredd says:
05:51 PM, 11/09/2010
For everyone crying like a little kid over a $40k pricetag let me say this...I have never seen this car for sale for anywhere close to that. Build your own, don't add anything you don't want and it's well under $35k. I have driven this car as well as the Camaro SS, Subaru Impreza WRX, Audi A4 Quattro, Lancer EVO, Nissan 370Z, and for grins a BMW M3. Every car was more expensive than the Mustang except the Impreza WRX. None of the cars held the same level of fun to drive with a good level of comfort IMO. The M3 was the closest and probably better in most categories except exhaust note but at well over $50k it isn't much of a comparison.
croyboy1 says:
03:15 PM, 11/07/2010
I currently have a 1993 325is from when they were real cars,i.e. no traction control, etc. Good solid car..cold air and headers, hi-flow cat and exhaust that runs 130mph all day (elec limit). I was very pleased with the two previous 5-series that I had when room was needed for kids, so I guess I qualify as a BMW guy. The new 3 has grown too big and plush. I have driven the 135 with 7 "auto" and love it..perfect size and quick athletic responses - almost jet-like acceleration...but too much money at $43K.
Now choice is between a CPO 135 if I can find one with the M-Sport pkg. and a NEW, custom built Mustang 5.0, 3.73, 6M, Brembos.... OR the 5.0 with factory Ford Racing 2.3 supercharger (525hp) for the same price of a NEW 135. Both are quick and fun...easy jail time.
Only problem is Mustang can be had for same price as the new 135 in with a Ford Racing 2.3 supercharger for same price. The 525 hp Mustang eats the new 135 for lunch, and after 50,000 miles will have much lower maintenance costs than the BMW.
I love and respect them both, and each is of high level of build quality. This will be a mood of the day purchase!
deeross says:
09:09 PM, 10/19/2010
Drove it, loved it but the back seat needs a little more accomodating or just remove the darn thing. while I was looking a 40 woman and another couple probably in there 60s were in the process of purchasing both a V6 and V8. I could tell pops couldnt wait to get behind the wheel of his as he watched me leave the lot for my test drive. I would say its underrated and the published qtr mile times by others 12.7/12.8 are more the norm.
Dove the evo X,mr, cool car has to be pushed to go fast and feels like its going to blow up, interior feels and looks cheap, again cool car but to boy racer. You would need an agressive tune and then you have all kinds of other problems.
Drove the 335, very nice car, almost to refined, pretty damn fast but you dont know it because is so refined, the exhaust note is nice but again to refined. Handles and brakes very good as expected and the tourque is very strong and two adults can actually fit in the back in comfort. Good used coupe for 32k that someone paid 49k for a few years ago (actually not bad resell). You would need an agressive tune and then you have all kinds of other problems besides the fuel pump and wastegate problems BMW is getting sued for in a recent class action case.
Next I'll drive a G37 and a used CTSV.
1st2011wrxinfl says:
09:32 PM, 10/15/2010
Listen, this car is awful. I am sure a whole bunch of pony riding fan boys are in unicorn heaven, but facts are facts. Heavy. Disappointing times. Price is only OK. I just desroyed one leaving the car show, yep I have a 2011 rex... That's the reason I did some research on them, to find out why there so slow.. Oh its a pony. My badd
annejohns says:
01:50 AM, 09/02/2010
This is a good site for Cheap Cars
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Anne Johns
Cheap Cars
dea9 says:
12:40 AM, 06/19/2010
Theres a guy at my local track thats posting a 12.4 1/4-mile but he has the optional 3.73 real axle.