So I've got a 2011 5.0 for the next few days...
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 229
From: CA
Thanks, though I really can't tell you about the REALLY cool stuff I'm working on . The 5.0 is already out of the bag, so I can talk about it. But trust me when I say that there's some really cool stuff coming down the pipe as well.
As for the EPAS, there is a spot in the message center (VFD display above the steering column) where you can set the steering 'feel'. Haven't played with it much, but thinking I might soon. Steering is VERY responsive, however. I was pleasantly surprised.
As for the EPAS, there is a spot in the message center (VFD display above the steering column) where you can set the steering 'feel'. Haven't played with it much, but thinking I might soon. Steering is VERY responsive, however. I was pleasantly surprised.
Thank you sir! Sounds like an awesome job. I'm sure like many of the guys here, we love the tech side of what Fords bringing to the table.. As you probably know already. I passed on the 2010 that I had ordered for a few reasons. In the end the main one, was the fact that I knew if I didn't wait on the 2011. I would have buyers remorse hanging over my head so heavy, I couldn't stand it! Every-time I went to the bank and clicked on that little box to send Ford my payment, it would kill me.
The upgrade you guy's put out was just to good to pull the trigger on the 10..
Thanks again for your posting to the board. I'll be sure to give full feedback on my impressions when I do get my 2011. Let you know how I like it.. Should be a good one for you, as I'm a total noob that gets into analyzing heavy with anything I get into.. Look at me like many here. I'm a heavy hobbyist that goes a little farther then most with anything I get into.. We make for great gunnie pigs .
Yours On MF
Dreamer1
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 186
From: Germany
10 days into my relationship with my 2010 GT, and I still find myself going outside in 20 degree weather to admire the car. I feel like a kid (maybe I am at heart.. and mind LOL).
Thread Starter
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 278
From: Michigan
FINAL REVIEW
Okay, so I finished my testing and turned the car back in. Yes, I was sad.
Anyway, here are my thoughts and impressions, and a few photos to share (nothing you can't see at an auto show, but for those who couldn't make it, enjoy).
To start with, let's talk about visible differences from the 2010 model. The 5.0 I was driving was an engineering test vehicle, so some things about it are going to be different from the final production model. To start with, the vehicle looks very much like a 2010 from the exterior. Part of this is due to very subtle changes to the 2011 on this front, and part of it is intentional disguising on these vehicles to keep public interest in the test vehicle low (so that the 'auto paparazzi' from Brenda Priddy & Co don't get all up on it).
But from the exterior, it looks much a typical 2010:
A Manufacturer plate, some ID numbers, blacked-out fender badging, and some weird-looking exhaust tips (designed for attaching emissions test equipment) were present, but aside from that, the only thing that really gives away the true identity this vehicle is the new rear lower fascia:
(The 2010 rear lower fascia on the GT looks like this):
A set of 18-in polished aluminum wheels graced the vehicle (optional on 2010 GTs, stock wheels from V6 w/ Pony Package). No Brembos, but the standard-issue Pirelli PZero Nero tires:
Of course, the real big difference is under the hood. With the 5.0 badge still sporting some gunk from (presumably) blackout tape that was covering it, the massive motor looks just like the ones on display at the auto show, filling the engine bay nicely, and with the chrome trim adding a classy touch:
(because everyone asks, TiVCT = Twin independent Variable Cam Timing)
The interior sported a few new things, with some pleasant surprises.
First, the gauges are calibrated differently. First noticed is that the speedometer now goes to 160 mph, up from 140:
(The MyColor was set to red. I know it looks pink. Don't judge me.)
The tachometer has also been modified slightly to accommodate the new engine. Going up to 8000 RPM, with redline shown (on this tach) at 6750:
The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) is a step up from the hydraulic systems. Aside from the increase in fuel efficiency this setup creates, the steering 'feel' can be adjusted, using the vehicle's message center:
I spent the first half of my driving in 'standard' mode, and the second half in 'sport' mode. I didn't even bother with 'comfort' mode.
The real differences between the modes are noticed 'at speed'. While standard steering caused the vehicle to handle just like my 2010 GT, and with similar feel, the 'sport' mode is even more responsive, transferring even slight motion from the wheel to the front wheels, and exhibits slightly more resistance to lateral maneuvers 'at speed'.
As for thrust, as I've said before, I'm not a powertrain engineer, so don't take my review as Gospel. In addition, I don't believe this vehicle had the final tune on it (I still see calibration vehicles driving around). However, I was pleasantly surprised at the power off the line, thanks in part to the new 6-speed transmission, with a short, deep first gear that gets you off the line in a hurry, even with an automatic (which is how this vehicle was equipped). Even lightly pressing the accelerator pedal resulted in a forward lurch and a 'throw you back in your seat' effect. It's clear that this car wants to play, and has the power to do so. Only by lightly feathering the gas pedal can you manage to accelerate from a stop in a more conservative manner, and not tip over items which might be riding in the passenger's side footwell.
When at speed, ask for power and ye shall receive it. During one particularly hairy situation, I was traveling down the freeway when a vehicle decided to merge in, on a short onramp with no 'merge lane' (it was one of those "make sure it's clear, because there's no room to merge at the bottom of the ramp" deals). I was in the right lane, had a vehicle to my left (pacing me), and this Toyota Corolla coming down the ramp wanted to "floor" it and get in front of me. Anyway, as soon as he got to the end of the ramp, he was at my 3 o'clock, with a guardrail about to send him right into my passenger's door. I had some room ahead of me, so I gave the pony some gas (didn't need to floor it), and she got out of the way effortlessly (accelerated from 75 to about 90 in about 2 seconds, no downshifting, and avoided the crash). The 5.0 delivers.
The other question I got alot was about the exhaust sound. While this vehicle sounded good (much like the 2010), the exhaust had special tips welded on to attach to emissions sniffers, and so I'm not sure how different the sound coming out of them is when compared to the production tune and exhaust tips. Also, as I said before, the 'sound induction tube' seemed to be turned down a bit. You hear the burble inside the cabin, especially during acceleration at speed, but not as much as I do in my 2010. Nevertheless, the exhaust did sound good, but with the engine revving (3.5K RPM+), you tend to hear more from the front of the vehicle than the rear.
So, did I like the 2011 5.0? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Without a doubt. It has all the charm and fun of my 2010, some Camaro-stomping power, and then a bit more. While I'm not going to run to the dealership to trade in my 2010 for one, those on the fence about purchasing a 2011 Mustang will be pleasantly surprised, I think.
Final verdict:
2011 Mustang 5.0 FTW.
Anyway, here are my thoughts and impressions, and a few photos to share (nothing you can't see at an auto show, but for those who couldn't make it, enjoy).
To start with, let's talk about visible differences from the 2010 model. The 5.0 I was driving was an engineering test vehicle, so some things about it are going to be different from the final production model. To start with, the vehicle looks very much like a 2010 from the exterior. Part of this is due to very subtle changes to the 2011 on this front, and part of it is intentional disguising on these vehicles to keep public interest in the test vehicle low (so that the 'auto paparazzi' from Brenda Priddy & Co don't get all up on it).
But from the exterior, it looks much a typical 2010:
A Manufacturer plate, some ID numbers, blacked-out fender badging, and some weird-looking exhaust tips (designed for attaching emissions test equipment) were present, but aside from that, the only thing that really gives away the true identity this vehicle is the new rear lower fascia:
(The 2010 rear lower fascia on the GT looks like this):
A set of 18-in polished aluminum wheels graced the vehicle (optional on 2010 GTs, stock wheels from V6 w/ Pony Package). No Brembos, but the standard-issue Pirelli PZero Nero tires:
Of course, the real big difference is under the hood. With the 5.0 badge still sporting some gunk from (presumably) blackout tape that was covering it, the massive motor looks just like the ones on display at the auto show, filling the engine bay nicely, and with the chrome trim adding a classy touch:
(because everyone asks, TiVCT = Twin independent Variable Cam Timing)
The interior sported a few new things, with some pleasant surprises.
First, the gauges are calibrated differently. First noticed is that the speedometer now goes to 160 mph, up from 140:
(The MyColor was set to red. I know it looks pink. Don't judge me.)
The tachometer has also been modified slightly to accommodate the new engine. Going up to 8000 RPM, with redline shown (on this tach) at 6750:
The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) is a step up from the hydraulic systems. Aside from the increase in fuel efficiency this setup creates, the steering 'feel' can be adjusted, using the vehicle's message center:
I spent the first half of my driving in 'standard' mode, and the second half in 'sport' mode. I didn't even bother with 'comfort' mode.
The real differences between the modes are noticed 'at speed'. While standard steering caused the vehicle to handle just like my 2010 GT, and with similar feel, the 'sport' mode is even more responsive, transferring even slight motion from the wheel to the front wheels, and exhibits slightly more resistance to lateral maneuvers 'at speed'.
As for thrust, as I've said before, I'm not a powertrain engineer, so don't take my review as Gospel. In addition, I don't believe this vehicle had the final tune on it (I still see calibration vehicles driving around). However, I was pleasantly surprised at the power off the line, thanks in part to the new 6-speed transmission, with a short, deep first gear that gets you off the line in a hurry, even with an automatic (which is how this vehicle was equipped). Even lightly pressing the accelerator pedal resulted in a forward lurch and a 'throw you back in your seat' effect. It's clear that this car wants to play, and has the power to do so. Only by lightly feathering the gas pedal can you manage to accelerate from a stop in a more conservative manner, and not tip over items which might be riding in the passenger's side footwell.
When at speed, ask for power and ye shall receive it. During one particularly hairy situation, I was traveling down the freeway when a vehicle decided to merge in, on a short onramp with no 'merge lane' (it was one of those "make sure it's clear, because there's no room to merge at the bottom of the ramp" deals). I was in the right lane, had a vehicle to my left (pacing me), and this Toyota Corolla coming down the ramp wanted to "floor" it and get in front of me. Anyway, as soon as he got to the end of the ramp, he was at my 3 o'clock, with a guardrail about to send him right into my passenger's door. I had some room ahead of me, so I gave the pony some gas (didn't need to floor it), and she got out of the way effortlessly (accelerated from 75 to about 90 in about 2 seconds, no downshifting, and avoided the crash). The 5.0 delivers.
The other question I got alot was about the exhaust sound. While this vehicle sounded good (much like the 2010), the exhaust had special tips welded on to attach to emissions sniffers, and so I'm not sure how different the sound coming out of them is when compared to the production tune and exhaust tips. Also, as I said before, the 'sound induction tube' seemed to be turned down a bit. You hear the burble inside the cabin, especially during acceleration at speed, but not as much as I do in my 2010. Nevertheless, the exhaust did sound good, but with the engine revving (3.5K RPM+), you tend to hear more from the front of the vehicle than the rear.
So, did I like the 2011 5.0? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Without a doubt. It has all the charm and fun of my 2010, some Camaro-stomping power, and then a bit more. While I'm not going to run to the dealership to trade in my 2010 for one, those on the fence about purchasing a 2011 Mustang will be pleasantly surprised, I think.
Final verdict:
2011 Mustang 5.0 FTW.
Last edited by FordEngineer; Jan 31, 2010 at 01:16 AM. Reason: type-oh!
