Ford’s 2011-model Mustang will pack an all-new, 5.0-litre engine with four-valve alloy heads and an alloy block.

The revisions give the evergreen, V8-engined American icon 31 per cent more power and 20 per cent more torque compared with the outgoing 4.6-litre model. 4951cc translates neatly to 302cu in – a legendary capacity in FOMOCO history.

The new, lighter engine also has Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) and a higher compression ratio than before. Both measures not only aid performance, but also help emissions and economy: 25mpg ‘highway’ is quoted against 23mpg for the outgoing engine. Most buyers will choose the six-speed automatic transmission, although a six-speed manual is also available.

The company offers a Brembo braking package as an option, with larger rotors and calipers from the Ford Shelby GT500® Mustang, unique-to-the-car 19in wheels and summer performance tyres.

The 2011 Mustang's suspension has been tuned slightly with uprated anti-roll bars, spring rates and dampers, while Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) promises much better response and feedback at speed.

Announced simultaneously was the track-day/amateur-racer Mustang BOSS 302R.

It was 40 years ago that the yellow Bud Moore-run BOSS Mustangs won a hard-fought 1970 Trans Am. The latest production race car from Ford will cost from $79,000 and come equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, full roll cage, racing seats, safety belts, data acquisition, competition dampers and springs, Brembo brakes and a racing tyre package.

A total of 50 cars will be built by Ford Racing, with first deliveries starting in the autumn.

As an alternative, a more developed BOSS 302R1 (seam-welded, with various other improvements) is being readied for a 29 January 2010 racing debut in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series at Daytona.

These cars carry a price of $129,000 – still pretty reasonable compared with the equivalent Porsche, Ferrari or Aston Martin bespoke racing GT car.

Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: Ford