2012 Ford Mustang GT500 To Get Twin-Turbo 'Road Runner' V-8

[Z06Kenny]

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http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1...oad-runner-v-8

We've all heard about the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engine in the works at Ford by now, but today new talk has emerged of a twin-turbocharged version of that engine, dubbed "Road Runner," which will be dropped into the 2012 Mustang GT500.

The Road Runner tag is a humorous play on the cartoon nemesis of Wile E. Coyote--not a curious reference to the hard-running Plymouth of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Of course, the whole report is far from official, but it does make sense given Ford's recent spate of twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engines. If the twin-turbo application is given to the 5.0-liter V-8 Coyote, it could generate in excess of 600 horsepower depending on how far Ford's SVT team decides to push it.

Engines that are also thought to be in the works for the next Mustang, starting from 2011, are the standard 5.0-liter Coyote V-8, expected to earn a 400-horsepower rating, and a new 3.7-liter Duratec V-6 rated at about 315 horsepower.

All of the talk about 5.0-liter engines at Ford has also riled up fans to speculate on the possible return of the "5.0" badge to the Mustang lineup, which is looking more and more like a near-certainty given the confluence of all the various reports.

Along with the twin-turbocharging, the 2012 Mustang GT500's 5.0-liter V-8 engine is also expected to feature an aluminum block. That same year, the regular 5.0-liter V-8 Mustang GT is expected to get a power bump from the initial 400-horsepower rating, and though it's not yet known where it will land, it wouldn't be unreasonable to think Ford's targeting the 422-425-horsepower mark set by the Camaro SS and Challenger SRT8.

Also on deck for 2012 is a new Boss version of the Mustang, though details on that model are still being held close. In the meantime, the 2011 Mustang is expected to get an even more focused Track Pack to complement the big V-8, so there'll be something for enthusiasts to sink their teeth into while they wait for the next generation of muscle car mayhem.

For more on the current 540-horsepower, supercharged 2010 Mustang GT500

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[GuitarCrazyo]

Any issues with wrapping a turbo I realize the benefits but are there any downsides? Could it potentially hurt it at all? Any benefits at Stage 2?

Thanks Clayton.

[CheeseFrog]

Shouldn't be any issues with wrapping the turbo. You keep the heat isolated within the exhaust system, which keeps the exhaust gasses as hot as possible, which translates to keeping them moving as fast as possible. More exhaust gas velocity = quicker spinning CHRA. Plus you keep the under-hood temperatures down, which makes stuff like rubber and plastic stuff last a lot longer.

[KatsHaips]

I solid think Ford NEEDS to get better with hybrids. CAFE will force this if they want to continue to sell F-150s in any volume.

[PattTrob73]

that thing better have the stickiest friggin tires. How could you make use of any of that power with no traction whatsoever?

[Arounda09]

thats is sooo nice if i can get my hands on one i would.....with that much power not many can touch you on the road......good looking car and great performance what else could you want?

[Arounda09]

if u want a good hatch then get ford focus. you can get a v8 put in them for a little extra cash

[dudgelewole]

Ford should have scrapped the Taurus years ago. The Mustang is the only car that I would consider and Im 64 so I cant fit in one.
Their money is in the pickups and SUVS. The Taurus couldnt compete with the Accords, Camrys, and even the Impalas thats out now so I wont miss it.

[AstenceBync]

Everytime I see a Camaro now I cant help but sing the old Transformers song

I like the look of a Camaro SS. I like how its different. Hate the Mustang up until 2011 but now its a better overall look and package. I think Id go Mustang myself.