Once again, Ford reaches back to Mustang’s past, to keep the Pony car fresh, and keep loyal fans happy.
Mustang’s first GT model came out in the 1985, when Mustang was based on the old “Fox” platform. It proudly displayed 5.0-litre V8 badges, and packed a whopping 175 horsepower.
The loyal fan base was clamoring for a new version of the 5.0-litre GT. Also, with Ford’s current 4.6-litre V8 not getting any younger, and new and potent V8 competition from Challenger and Camaro, the pressure was on to make Mustang GT more V8 proud.
Derrick Kuzuk, group v-p of Global Product Development, instructed Mike Harrison’s powertrain group to come up with a 400-hp V8 that could deliver 25 mpg, and do it for model-year 2011. A small, agile team went to work, and created a V8 that shares virtually nothing with the current 4.6-litre V8, except its rough dimensions (in order to keep the same manufacturing footprint).
There is lots of technology in this new engine, but not direct injection. The tight development timetable ruled that out, especially as other ways were available for the team to reach its 400 hp/25 mpg target.
The two main technology advances on this V8, compared to its predecessor, are Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TiVCT) and superior breathing.
Camshaft Timing
TiVCT is accomplished by a new technology called “cam torque actuated.” As the name implies, it utilizes the existing cam torque energy (other systems push the cam with oil from high-pressure oil pumps). The new system requires minimal upgrades to the oil pump, and provides less parasitic drag, and faster response times.
Superior Breathing
The new aluminum four-valve-per-cylinder heads feature a compact roller finger valvetrain layout, which left more room for high-flow ports.
The compact heads also created more room “in the V.” Engineers furthered increased breathing, but using this available space to completely optimize the intake manifold (now made of lightweight composite material).
Mustang’s first GT model came out in the 1985, when Mustang was based on the old “Fox” platform. It proudly displayed 5.0-litre V8 badges, and packed a whopping 175 horsepower.
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The loyal fan base was clamoring for a new version of the 5.0-litre GT. Also, with Ford’s current 4.6-litre V8 not getting any younger, and new and potent V8 competition from Challenger and Camaro, the pressure was on to make Mustang GT more V8 proud.
Derrick Kuzuk, group v-p of Global Product Development, instructed Mike Harrison’s powertrain group to come up with a 400-hp V8 that could deliver 25 mpg, and do it for model-year 2011. A small, agile team went to work, and created a V8 that shares virtually nothing with the current 4.6-litre V8, except its rough dimensions (in order to keep the same manufacturing footprint).
There is lots of technology in this new engine, but not direct injection. The tight development timetable ruled that out, especially as other ways were available for the team to reach its 400 hp/25 mpg target.
The two main technology advances on this V8, compared to its predecessor, are Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TiVCT) and superior breathing.
Camshaft Timing
TiVCT is accomplished by a new technology called “cam torque actuated.” As the name implies, it utilizes the existing cam torque energy (other systems push the cam with oil from high-pressure oil pumps). The new system requires minimal upgrades to the oil pump, and provides less parasitic drag, and faster response times.
Superior Breathing
The new aluminum four-valve-per-cylinder heads feature a compact roller finger valvetrain layout, which left more room for high-flow ports.
The compact heads also created more room “in the V.” Engineers furthered increased breathing, but using this available space to completely optimize the intake manifold (now made of lightweight composite material).
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