First Drive: 2011 Mustang GT 5.0

The 5.0 returns with more power, improved handling, and a new six-speed transmission.

First things first, the 5.0 is back. This time we’re talking about a true five-liter engine, capable of producing 412 hp and 390 lb. ft. of torque. When compared to the competition, the new GT Mustang produces slightly more horsepower than the V8 Chevy Camaro with automatic transmission. When compared to the 426 horsepower manual transmission Camaro SS, the GT is slightly underpowered.

So how do the two stack up out on the track? Well, I recently pitted an automatic 2010 V8 Chevy Camaro SS against an automatic 2011 V8 GT Mustang on an eighth-mile drag strip here in Southern California. The result? My Mustang GT tester car produced a best run time of 8.75 seconds at 86.93 mph. The Camaro finished second with a best run of 9.25 seconds at 79.33 mph. No doubt, I put my foot down hard and heavy numerous times in both cars. The end result was a consistent series of wins for the Mustang GT.

Out on the open road, the 2011 GT Mustang was equally impressive. Put your foot down and you’ll hear the hum of the dual exhaust as the rapid acceleration pushes you back into your seat. My co-pilot and I navigated down various Southern California roads. No matter what we threw at it, the Mustang made out like a true champion. Cornering is improved over the 2010 model, which, in my opinion, was one of the most well balanced Mustangs out there. Gas mileage is also slightly improved, netting out at 26 mpg highway/17 mpg city when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. That’s a two mile-per-gallon increase over the 2010 model.

One of my favorite features of the new GT is its new manual gearbox. The new box offers up shorter throws between gears. The clutch also felt lighter than the previous model. Those spotter mirrors, which come as standard equipment, are also a nice feature. The car’s optional navigation system was equally impressive.

All-in-all, the guys at Ford have given a much needed power boost to a car that was already pretty solid, aside from its output. The 2011 Ford Mustang is a combination of the best of 2010 GT matched with 97 more horses under the hood, a tighter suspension, and slightly better fuel economy.