[gladiatoro]

let the pony wars begin

Originally Posted by syr74

Regarding the Mustang questions.

The 5.0L V8 is coming for the Mustang but not until the 2011MY, the first year of the redesign will make do with the current 3-valve 4.6L, albeit apparently with a bit of a hp boost compared to the current model. The V6 will be replaced as well, with the new 3.5L Duratec V6. Current info circulating for the 5.0L says hp and tq will ring in at a minimum of 400hp and 360lb-ft of torque. (actually, we've known that for a long time) Put really simply hp and torque numbers will come in above those estimates with the real question being by how much. Could be 405hp and 365lb-ft of torque or it could be 425hp and 390lb-ft of torque.

What we know about 5.0L particulars. DOHC heads very similar to those used on the Ford GT and GT500 with changes made for cheaper/easier production and other improvements. Aluminum block based on the existing mod design but heavily revised with a ~3.63 inch bore and a longer stroke. Direct injection is on tap for future use but wont be used on this initial ~400hp version. About 60lb heavier than the existing 3-valve 4.6L due to the DOHC heads riding atop. All other things being equal fuel economy improves compared to the existing 3-valve 4.6L V8 used in the GT despite the increase in hp.

Specs for the 3.5L V6 to be used in the Mustang are largely unknown but most folks in the know are looking for something very close to run of the mill 3.5L V6. Unfortunately, this doesn't really tell us much since the 3.5L is apparently due for something of a power upgrade in the near future and that is the version the Mustang's V6 will be based upon. Personally, I'm looking for ~275hp in Mustang trim, but that is just a guess.

2011MY Mustang GT with the 5.0L will gain weight but not as much as some here seem to believe..think 100lb and you likely wont be too far off with virtually all of that being due to the heavier engine and six speed manual. In fact, those two features aside the rest of the car is apparently getting lighter, not heavier....and 100lb appears to be a very safe estimate at this time (actual weight gain between similarly equipped cars would very well be less) Ironically the refreshed 2010MY GT could prove to be the lightest V8-powered S197 Mustang ever built by Ford since it uses the lighter 4.6L 3-valve, although increased 'feature' content means this isn't a given. Also worth mentioning. The upgraded brakes needed to deal with the 400hp 5.0L wont bow until the engine does...so the 2010 will make do with the old brakes as well.

2011MY V6 will absolutely be lighter than the current car since it will use the 3.5L V6 which is seriously lighter than the 4.0L boat anchor in the V6 model now. Based on 2009MY curb weight it seems possible that a 2011 V6 could even ring in below 3200lb, but other changes like a possible six speed trans and suspensions/brake/content upgrades mean this too is uncertain.