Detroit 2010: 2011 Ford Mustang gets 5.0-litre V8

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The Ford Mustang is a total legend in its homeland, but it’s more of a guilty pleasure over here. But if you’ve secretly hankered after a Mustang since you were eight years old, the new meaner, cleaner V8 means there’s never been a better time to indulge in your muscle car fantasy.

Inspired by racing
The all-new engine was inspired by the 302 cubic inch Coyote Indy racing V8 engine – there’s one on display at Ford’s engineering base in Dearborn, Michigan and everything.

Nothing old school here
But for the modern incarnation, there’s a tactically strengthened block, which means the new engine weighs only a fraction more than the outgoing 4.6-litre unit. The new 32-valve V8 has variable valve timing too, to benefit driveability, power and fuel economy.

On the road
All this means that the new Mustang’s engine develops a meaty 529Nm or torque while still returning a five percent improvement in fuel economy. The new engine beats the old 4.6’s 315hp and 441Nm hands down.

2011 tweaks
As well as the new engine, 2011 Mustang GT’s get new badges, beefed up brakes and suspension, and electric power steering. Even bigger Brembo brakes are an option.