Topic: 2011 Ford Mustang GT; Day 1

[Autos_Editor]

It's been one year to the week since James drove a 2010 Mustang GT, which is fitting, as he's in a 2011 Mustang GT this week. This one, though, has Ford's new 5.0-litre V8 engine, which should help make this one even more fun than last year's.
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[TopGun]

Oh oh....not this thing again!!!  Curses!!!  It's haunting me!!! 

I'd be interested in your views on following Wing:

• What's more fun on the road...a lighter, nimbler, lower hp car (as you addressed in your article)...or a heavier, bigger higher hp car like the GT
• How does this car rank up against the "awesome" Shelby GT500 you drove last year?

[Julie]

Oh oh....not this thing again!!!  Curses!!!  It's haunting me!!! 

I'd be interested in your views on following Wing:

• What's more fun on the road...a lighter, nimbler, lower hp car (as you addressed in your article)...or a heavier, bigger higher hp car like the GT
• How does this car rank up against the "awesome" Shelby GT500 you drove last year?

TopGun, it's definitely a sign.

Isn't that a blue you like too?

Looks great - love that blue.  Options are reasonable too in price; don't add too much to the total - that's good.

Great value and sweet spot for the Mustang IMO.

How are the blind spots James?  Are the seats nice and supportive too?

[rrocket]

As much as I dig the GT500 (and I dig it HUGE!!!), if it was my $$, I'd get a 2011 GT (with Trak Pak), then when warranty was done (likely much before) I'd put a Ken Belle SC on it.  I was in a 2005 Mustang with that SC.  It was bone stock.  It made ~480WHP.  It was wickedly fast and fun...and quicker than the GT500.

Now fast forward to 2011.  The new GT with the same blower on it would make 575-600WHP..if not more!  More than a GT500..by far.  And ALOT cheaper.  And I doubt you'd be giving up tons in the handling department with the Trak Pak. 

Of course, the GT500 is more exclusive and has that "neato" factor.

[Mozeby]

As much as I dig the GT500 (and I dig it HUGE!!!), if it was my $$, I'd get a 2011 GT (with Trak Pak), then when warranty was done (likely much before) I'd put a Ken Belle SC on it.  I was in a 2005 Mustang with that SC.  It was bone stock.  It made ~480WHP.  It was wickedly fast and fun...and quicker than the GT500.

Now fast forward to 2011.  The new GT with the same blower on it would make 575-600WHP..if not more!  More than a GT500..by far.  And ALOT cheaper.  And I doubt you'd be giving up tons in the handling department with the Trak Pak. 

Of course, the GT500 is more exclusive and has that "neato" factor.

The only problem is you can't just stick a blower on it and make 600hp without a whole lot of other mods to go with it. You'd have to rebuild the whole drivetrain and rear end to handle that kind of power, and by then you could just buy a used Z06 and spank any Mustang anyways.  These Mustangs have a history of not being able to handle much more than 550 hp and putting it to the ground.

[rrocket]

You do not need "a whole lot" of other mods.  The Kenne Bell comes complete and you need nothing but the kit.  Ford Racing sells almost an identical kit right out of their catalog too...nothing else required to make the power and it's smog legal to boot!  It is one of the few that makes the advertised power.  I am only speculating the new 2011 will make 600HP based on the results of the older 4.6 when used with the Kenne Bell (+200 RWHP).  You most definitely do NOT have to rebuild the whole drivetrain as you say.  You need to replace a clutch.  The stock 2005+ tranny is good for 500/500.   If you intend to really abuse the tranny (a la dragracing with slicks) yes,you'll break it eventually.  The rear ends are mostly identical except for gears. I know..I had a Vortech Mustang that made around that power...though unlike the ultra efficient Kenne Bell, I also had to have an intake, cam, headers, etc...(mine was the older 5.0). I've been a long time Mustang fan, having owned 4 of them.  I still subscribe to MMFF and 5.0 SF.  Great mags..pick one up and you'll see how stout these stock drivetrains are.

FWIW, the 2011 GT500 only mades 20 more RWHP and 10 more TQ than a 2010 GT500.  Same day, same dyno.  Though the 2011 is 120lbs lighter.

And even a C6 Z06 (provided it is stock) will likely still lose to a Kenne Bell Mustang.  Most Z06 on the dyno I've seen are putting out 450WHP or so.  Even so...a used Z06 is still $60,000.  Not cheap.  You may find one cheaper in the USA though.  Although a friend of mine is on his 3rd Z06 engine, thankfully all replaced under warranty.  Would hate to replace on of these $20,000 engines off warranty!!


But I was comparing apples to apples...2011 Supercharged Ken Belle GT vs 2011 supercharged GT500.  You're comparing apples to oranges with a used Vette in the mix.  It would be better throwing in the Z06 argument if you said "What's better for $60,000..a new GT500 or a used Z06?"

It you want to really go fast for half the price of a Z06, you'd buy a Supra (like the one I had) and dispatch ZR-1s......but that's a whole other argument altogether...


But we're getting side tracked. As usual.   PM me if you want to further discuss this.

[aknutson]

This has got to be the best looking new 'retro' muscle car from the domestics, it looks pure bad-ass, especially with the charcoal rims. With the 5.0 under the hood, it's got the goods to back up the looks! As some others have commented, I'd also be interested in the differences between how a bigger car like this handles tight corners, and how that compares to something smaller and nimbler. For the most part, Mustang V8's have been drag-strip kings and boulevard cruisers, but with continuous tweaks to suspension, brakes and steering, it seems like Ford is pretty serious about handling too.

[PhiDelt]

While in Winnipeg ,Hertz gave me a 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 rental also (only 800 kms on it) for 3 days. I can say that was one of the most fun cars i have driving (right up there with my 2009 corvette rental in Las Vegas). I am just over 6'2" and never had a problem with head room. I was acually very suprised by how comfortable I was sitting for long distances. Sync worked great, took 10 secs to link up with my Blackberry. The phone calls were crystal clear (better then my Acura TSX).  The lighting inside was great, everything lit up in this nice indigo blue, very easy on the eyes day and night.
Now the engine.....the power was great and instant. Scared my wife a few times with how instant the acceleration came (but then she drove it and did the same thing to me). Handling was not a problem never felt out of control at all, could drift around corners with the right amount and gas and stering and the car went exactly where you wanted it to go. The exhaust note is fantastic, I could't get enough of it. All in all , it was a great car (esp at 70 bucks a day from hertz), and def would consider it for a 2nd fun car.

[D70]

"Hey, I’m back too! Unfortunately I’m only a legend in my own mind"

Hey James you are going to love this

My license plate says I drive a Legend, a little slower in a straight line, but much less expensive to own and operate.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/4745279435/in/set-72157624384167642/

[JamesTS]

Always thought the 2005-Up Mustangs were too big until the new Camaros and Challengers came out.  Now this car would be first choice if I was in the market.

A small point but I love that they brought back the sequential turn signals for the rear lights with the 2010 refresh.  And I would be happy with a GT with a glass roof - in my hands it would a grand tourer with some OMPH.  I don't need to break any land speed or track records, so a Shelby or aftermarket refit like Roush would be a waste of money and waste of the car.

[Winterpeg]

This Mustang would look stunning in Highland Green......take off all the GT exterior add ons.........add the American Racing/Ford wheels.........hook up the cars' sound system to the exhaust.......and finally.....wake up Steve McQueen from his sleep.....his ride has arrived!!!     

[Bubba]

Make mine Kona Blue.  Thanks.

[PJAvenger]

I'll be interested in this review - I already have my 5.0 Convertible (for a week!) and I've
found it to be quite skittish on frost heaves or other road irregularities. 

I know it's only a little movement, it just feels like the car jolts to one side - and that's without acceleration. 
Find smooth pavement and you're good to go! (like stink  )

[CatsEye68]

Make mine Kona Blue.  Thanks.

Yeah, that is my #1 color on these too, esp. with the glass roof. I find that 99% of them come with the black interior, which I don't care for, but I think you can get this combo with a stone colored interior which would be my #1 choice.

[Jaeger]

Now that is a seriously sweet ride.

Jaeger

[Spec5]

I HATE Mustangs - always have - I had a Firebird so the old Pontiac vs. Ford was always up there amongst discussions with friends etc. Anyway as much as I hate them - I have to say I love this car! It looks mean as hell is very fast and according to most reviews seems to be much nimbler than the Camaro and well, the Camaro - the Dodge stuff just doesn't even come close to cutting it - nice boulevard cruisers but a sportscar they do not make IMO. Now if they could just get rid of that solid rear axle... Although I read in CD that handling is vastly improved over last years.

[TopGun]

Wow...so many positive comments in here...kinda makes me want a Camaro now.   

Here's why I like the Grabber Blue.  Maybe I'll wait for the Boss 302....I'm sure it's in the works...

[CanuckS2K]

Sweet ride, I would have no problem rockin' one of those. 

[Blueprint]

Wing, how about Ford's PR dpt following this up with a properly-optioned, 2011 V-6 manual 'Stang?  With the great reviews the new V-6 gets, it seems to be a better deal for a daily driver (if the real-world mpg looks anything like the published figures...).

[wing]

I'd love to try the new V6