The 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 is here and I couldn’t be more excited about it. When the official news of the new Mustang was released three days after Christmas, I could hear the collective of ‘Stang fans breathing more heavily at the thought of another 5-liter car being for sale.
The 5-0 Mustang last appeared with the new body change for 1994, and then in ’95 it became the 4.6-liter. And it was never quite the same for many Mustang fanatics after that.
With the 2011 5.0, it gets 412hp and 390lb-ft of torque packed into a very technological engine for a Mustang. In years past, the engines have just been brute forces of power and sound. Not this time, though. The new powertrain is so advanced and more 21st Century, that Ford made a separate press release just for it.
For the first time ever, you can get a 6-speed manual or automatic. I’d opt for the manual, but that’s me. A limited-slip differential is standard all across the V8 lineup, so no more Track Pack. Standard is a 3.55 rear axle ratio, with the 3.73 optional, just as before. This time around, however, Brembo brakes are now optional equipment. And once you equip the new Mustang with the bigger brakes, you can opt to get the horseshoe inspired, twin-five spoke wheels, which I rather admire.
Ford has not yet released any pricing on the new 5.0, but I’ve been assured by the Mustang team that it will still be affordable and better priced than the competition. But, I do know that the new California Special will be a $1,995 option. Which isn’t too bad with what you get.
If you do option the California Special package, you take away the grille placed fog lamps, and get front fascia fog lamps. As well as a body kit all around, rear diffuser, chrome grill insert with a Pony badge on the driver’s side. You also get a unique rear spoiler that sits a couple of inches higher than the standard one on the regular GT, along with special wheels and side scoops. So, all-in-all, it’s worth the extra dough.
As of right now, the only options that I know of being offered on the new 5.0 Mustang GT are, panoramic roof, California Special, Brembo brake kit, 3.73 axle, and different wheel upgrades. As well as the usual interior and navigation options.
Ford says to expect the new Mustang GT to hit dealerships around spring time, which gives us all plenty of time to save our pennies! So lookout, Camaro…
-Josh
“Happy Motoring!”
