2011 Ford Mustang 2dr Cpe GT

Since its debut in 1968, Ford's 302-cubic-inch V-8 has always displaced 4942 cubic centimeters. Or, as any engineer, mathematician, or quick-witted second-grader would tell you, 4.9 liters. Despite this fact, back in 1975 Ford began calling its 4.9-liter, 302cc V-8 a "5.0 L." Why? Well, when it comes to V-8s, bigger is better, even if it's just for perception. And, let's face it: uttering "five-point-oh" with some attitude sounds a helluva lot more imposing than saying "four-point-nine" under your breath.

Well, for all those "5.0" owners who over the last five decades have felt a little embarrassed or deceitful -- and by all means to those who don't even care and simply love their 302s -- it is time to rejoice. After a 16-year hiatus, the 5.0 has returned in the 2011 Mustang GT and, yes, at 4951cc, it now officially displaces five full liters. Better yet, thanks to all-aluminum construction, twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT), and a 6800-rpm redline, this don't-ever-call-me-a-4.9, 32-valve 5.0 liter cranks out 412 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 390 pound-feet of torque at 4250. (A run on the dyno at K&N Air Filters in Riverside, CA, suggests actual output to be around 435 horsepower and 404 pound-feet.)

Peruse the spec sheet of last year's GT, which came with a 4.6-liter 24-valve V-8, and the spikes are monumental -- 97 more horsepower and 65 additional pound-feet. Arguably as impressive are the bumps in fuel economy -- 17/26 versus 16/24 with a manual, 18/25 versus 17/23 with an automatic -- which can be attributed to the more efficient engine design, a four-percent improvement in aerodynamics (revised underbody and air dam, new rear-wheel tire spats and decklid seal), all-new electric power steering (zero drain from an engine-operated hydraulic setup), and fresh six-speed transmissions.