The Ford Mustang GT is coming in strong for 2011 with some powertrain changes, and even more importantly the return of the 302. That’s right, the new 5.0 is just like the old 5.0 — 302 cubic inches or 4.9-liters or 4,951cc.  Employing 32-valves and Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing(Ti-VCT), the new 5.0 produces a mighty 412 horsepower. No word on performance figures, but expect a mid-four second 0-60 sprint and a quarter-mile in the high 12s. At least. Especially as the current Mustang GT (315-hp, 320 lb-ft of torque) hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and runs the quarter in 13.5. Oh, according to Ford, the new 5.0 weighs just ten pounds more than the outgoing GT.

Also new for 2011 is a choice of either a new six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. Together with that variable cam technology (Ti-VCT) and EPAS (Ford’s electronic power steering), an automatic Mustang GT will be able to achieve 25 mpg on the highway. That’s up from 23 mpg for the current Mustang GT with an auto ‘box. Both the 2010 and 2011 get 17 mpg in the city, while the six-speed manual Mustang gets 24 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the big city, same as the current car.

The 5.0 badging get repeated on the engine’s cover and the speedometer’s top end rises to 160 mph. More importantly, the redline climbs from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm.  For enthusiasts, a Brembo brake package, with larger rotors and calipers from the Ford Shelby GT500® Mustang, unique 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires, is offered; new fender badges herald return of the 5.0-liter engine