2011 Mustang GT

The Ford Mustang is still tops in the sports car segment, but with new competition from the likes of the Dodge Challenger and the Chevrolet Camaro, the Mustang is starting to look over its shoulder. To ensure the Mustang doesn’t lose out in the latest round of the pony car wars, Ford is reportedly readying a new powerplant for the 2011 car.

With the Dodge Challenger R/T kicking out 372 horsepower and the Chevrolet Camaro SS producing upwards of 422 horsepower, the 2010 Mustang GT is a bit underpowered at only 315. To remedy that shortcoming, Ford is preparing to wedge a new 5.0L V8 underneath the hood of the 2011 Mustang.

Code-named ‘coyote’, the new 32-valve powerplant will be shared with the 2011 Ford F-150. In F-150 guise, the coyote powerplant will be producing upwards of 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, so expect the 2011 GT to at least match those figures.

With the 2010 Mustang not hitting the market until this spring, we suspect Ford will keep the 5.0L Mustang under wraps for at least the next few months. However, with more powerful versions of the competition on the market, we’re sure Ford will be chomping at the bit to get the new ‘Stang to market.

We know that Ford denied that a Mustang Sedan version will ever be made, but if the Concept that will be presented in Detroit will use the Mustang’s RWD architecture the car will see the production for sure. First because the Mustang’s platform will keep the price acceptable and secondly because we believe Ford really needs this model in its line-up; for example Dodge and Chrysler have models on 4-dour market that sells very well and until now Ford does not have any competition on this segment of 4-door sport. So if they want to compete on this segment of the market a Mustang Sedan is a must. Although we are not sure if the model will go on sale under the “Mustang” name, but it will go on sale as a competitor for Chrysler 300C SRT8 and Dodge Charger RT.

The model will have a modern shape with the design insipred by the Giugiaro Mustang Concept that was presented at Los Angeles Auto Show. So it is very posible that the Mustang sedan to have the same dimenssions as the Giugiaro: 30 millimeters added to the front, gradually expanding the width by a full 80 millimeters toward the rear. The detailed look will have a clear modernization: the retro-look dominating so far is taken clearly back and the futuristic Design yields.

The new model will be powered by a range of V6 and V8 engines. Standard will be the same 4.0 liter V6 engine that powers Mustang Coupe delivering arround 200 hp. Another option will be powered by a 4.6 liter V8 engine with an output of 280 hp