2011 Ford Mustang: Five Litres, 412bhp

tag. * * If you do not want to deal with the intricities of the noscript * section, delete the tag (from ... to ). On * average, the noscript tag is called from less than 1% of internet * users. */-->
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 WakefieldPhotos: Ford ClassicInside - The Classic Driver NewsletterFree Subscription!