In addition to braking and handling upgrades, the 2011 Mustang will also re-introduce the acclaimed 5.0 engine.

Ford plans to re-introduce its 5.0L V8 in the 2011 Mustang GT, offering an update to the iconic engine with increased horsepower and fuel economy.

Using enhanced variable camshaft timing, four-valve per cylinder heads and an all-aluminum block, the new 5.0 will make 412 hp and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Mated to an automatic six-speed transmission, the engine is expected to help the 2011 Mustang deliver 25 highway miles per gallon and 17 in the city.

Knowing that customers would use the GT for club-racing, autocross and other grassroots motorsports, Ford V8 Engine Programs Manager Mike Harrison says the development team also optimized the engine for factors including windage and oil drainback under high-speed cornering conditions.

They also kept weight down, with the engine weighing 430 lbs. shipped, a weight savings of more than 20% from the previous 5.0, according to Ford.

This is the same team also responsible for developing the new 6.2L V8 for the Super Duty and Raptor (including the 500hp Baja 1000 Raptor R race engine) and a 7.0L, 800hp V8 for the Don Bowles Mustang drag-racing car.

Other upgrades to the 2011 Mustang include an available Brembo 14-inch brake package, an enhanced rear lower control arm and a stiffened rear sway bar.

For businesses that make and sell parts for the Mustang and the previous generations of 5.0, Ford's timing is perfect.

"With a little more than 300 hp and compared to the likes of the SRT-8 and Camaro, the Mustang has lost its edge," says Anthony Coles, managing director of marketing/product development for Mustangs Unlimited, a brick-and-mortar and online retailer in Georgia and Connecticut. "Ford really needed to do something more than a styling facelift to slug it out with GM and Chrysler."

Coles says his shop's 5.0 parts sales have leveled off over the past couple of years, but still account for the majority of '74–present parts sales.

"The new 5.0 'Coyote' program will breathe some much-needed excitement into the latest Mustang offering and, ultimately, will result in renewed excitement for aftermarket parts sales," Coles adds. "My 2007 GT is looking more and more ready to be traded in come next year."

This collectible BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang ragtop makes 435 hp, with 100 percent of its auction price going to the new Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City.

Looking for a unique, modern Mustang convertible? The 2010 BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang, built by Hurst Performance in conjunction with Woodhouse Auto Family of Blair, Nebraska and BFGoodrich, will take to the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, January 18–24.

One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the newest Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City, Kansas.

The collectible pace car features a 435hp/400 lb.-ft. ROUSH supercharged engine, Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood brakes and Hurst-tuned Eibach coilovers, springs and sway bar.

Hurst 20-inch wheels, BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW tires and a Hurst Competition/Plus short-throw shifter with gold anodized T-handle complete the package.

The winning bidder not only gets the Mustang, but also an invitation to tour the Camp founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty, an afternoon of hunting or fishing with Kyle and dinner with the family at Petty Farm.

"I will be there at the auction to congratulate the lucky bidder personally,” Kyle Petty adds.

The BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang debuted at the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge at Miller Motorsports Park on September 19. Most recently the car paced the "Run to Victory Half Marathon and Five Mile Run/Walk" in Randleman, North Carolina, which raised more than $122,000 for Victory Junction. Hurst Performance President Ron Flint ran the five-mile portion of the race along with Victory Junction President Mike LePore.

"We are so excited to return to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale with another highly collectible car," said Hurst Chairman Nate Shelton. "Hurst not only has a rich history in the world of pace cars, but we also feel privileged to give back as much as we can to deserving organizations such as Victory Junction. We're so thankful to our partners, Woodhouse, BFGoodrich, Reliable Carriers and Barrett-Jackson, and suppliers for helping us accomplish this."

This collectible BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang ragtop makes 435 hp, with 100 percent of its auction price going to the new Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City.

Looking for a unique, modern Mustang convertible? The 2010 BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang, built by Hurst Performance in conjunction with Woodhouse Auto Family of Blair, Nebraska and BFGoodrich, will take to the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, January 18–24.

One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the newest Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City, Kansas.

The collectible pace car features a 435hp/400 lb.-ft. ROUSH supercharged engine, Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood brakes and Hurst-tuned Eibach coilovers, springs and sway bar.

Hurst 20-inch wheels, BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW tires and a Hurst Competition/Plus short-throw shifter with gold anodized T-handle complete the package.

The winning bidder not only gets the Mustang, but also an invitation to tour the Camp founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty, an afternoon of hunting or fishing with Kyle and dinner with the family at Petty Farm.

"I will be there at the auction to congratulate the lucky bidder personally,” Kyle Petty adds.

The BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang debuted at the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge at Miller Motorsports Park on September 19. Most recently the car paced the "Run to Victory Half Marathon and Five Mile Run/Walk" in Randleman, North Carolina, which raised more than $122,000 for Victory Junction. Hurst Performance President Ron Flint ran the five-mile portion of the race along with Victory Junction President Mike LePore.

"We are so excited to return to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale with another highly collectible car," said Hurst Chairman Nate Shelton. "Hurst not only has a rich history in the world of pace cars, but we also feel privileged to give back as much as we can to deserving organizations such as Victory Junction. We're so thankful to our partners, Woodhouse, BFGoodrich, Reliable Carriers and Barrett-Jackson, and suppliers for helping us accomplish this."

This collectible BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang ragtop makes 435 hp, with 100 percent of its auction price going to the new Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City.

Looking for a unique, modern Mustang convertible? The 2010 BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang, built by Hurst Performance in conjunction with Woodhouse Auto Family of Blair, Nebraska and BFGoodrich, will take to the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, January 18–24.

One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the newest Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City, Kansas.

The collectible pace car features a 435hp/400 lb.-ft. ROUSH supercharged engine, Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood brakes and Hurst-tuned Eibach coilovers, springs and sway bar.

Hurst 20-inch wheels, BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW tires and a Hurst Competition/Plus short-throw shifter with gold anodized T-handle complete the package.

The winning bidder not only gets the Mustang, but also an invitation to tour the Camp founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty, an afternoon of hunting or fishing with Kyle and dinner with the family at Petty Farm.

"I will be there at the auction to congratulate the lucky bidder personally,” Kyle Petty adds.

The BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang debuted at the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge at Miller Motorsports Park on September 19. Most recently the car paced the "Run to Victory Half Marathon and Five Mile Run/Walk" in Randleman, North Carolina, which raised more than $122,000 for Victory Junction. Hurst Performance President Ron Flint ran the five-mile portion of the race along with Victory Junction President Mike LePore.

"We are so excited to return to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale with another highly collectible car," said Hurst Chairman Nate Shelton. "Hurst not only has a rich history in the world of pace cars, but we also feel privileged to give back as much as we can to deserving organizations such as Victory Junction. We're so thankful to our partners, Woodhouse, BFGoodrich, Reliable Carriers and Barrett-Jackson, and suppliers for helping us accomplish this."

This collectible BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang ragtop makes 435 hp, with 100 percent of its auction price going to the new Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City.

Looking for a unique, modern Mustang convertible? The 2010 BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang, built by Hurst Performance in conjunction with Woodhouse Auto Family of Blair, Nebraska and BFGoodrich, will take to the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, January 18–24.

One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the newest Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City, Kansas.

The collectible pace car features a 435hp/400 lb.-ft. ROUSH supercharged engine, Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood brakes and Hurst-tuned Eibach coilovers, springs and sway bar.

Hurst 20-inch wheels, BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW tires and a Hurst Competition/Plus short-throw shifter with gold anodized T-handle complete the package.

The winning bidder not only gets the Mustang, but also an invitation to tour the Camp founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty, an afternoon of hunting or fishing with Kyle and dinner with the family at Petty Farm.

"I will be there at the auction to congratulate the lucky bidder personally,” Kyle Petty adds.

The BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang debuted at the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge at Miller Motorsports Park on September 19. Most recently the car paced the "Run to Victory Half Marathon and Five Mile Run/Walk" in Randleman, North Carolina, which raised more than $122,000 for Victory Junction. Hurst Performance President Ron Flint ran the five-mile portion of the race along with Victory Junction President Mike LePore.

"We are so excited to return to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale with another highly collectible car," said Hurst Chairman Nate Shelton. "Hurst not only has a rich history in the world of pace cars, but we also feel privileged to give back as much as we can to deserving organizations such as Victory Junction. We're so thankful to our partners, Woodhouse, BFGoodrich, Reliable Carriers and Barrett-Jackson, and suppliers for helping us accomplish this."

This collectible BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang ragtop makes 435 hp, with 100 percent of its auction price going to the new Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City.

Looking for a unique, modern Mustang convertible? The 2010 BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang, built by Hurst Performance in conjunction with Woodhouse Auto Family of Blair, Nebraska and BFGoodrich, will take to the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, January 18–24.

One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the newest Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City, Kansas.

The collectible pace car features a 435hp/400 lb.-ft. ROUSH supercharged engine, Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood brakes and Hurst-tuned Eibach coilovers, springs and sway bar.

Hurst 20-inch wheels, BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW tires and a Hurst Competition/Plus short-throw shifter with gold anodized T-handle complete the package.

The winning bidder not only gets the Mustang, but also an invitation to tour the Camp founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty, an afternoon of hunting or fishing with Kyle and dinner with the family at Petty Farm.

"I will be there at the auction to congratulate the lucky bidder personally,” Kyle Petty adds.

The BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang debuted at the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge at Miller Motorsports Park on September 19. Most recently the car paced the "Run to Victory Half Marathon and Five Mile Run/Walk" in Randleman, North Carolina, which raised more than $122,000 for Victory Junction. Hurst Performance President Ron Flint ran the five-mile portion of the race along with Victory Junction President Mike LePore.

"We are so excited to return to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale with another highly collectible car," said Hurst Chairman Nate Shelton. "Hurst not only has a rich history in the world of pace cars, but we also feel privileged to give back as much as we can to deserving organizations such as Victory Junction. We're so thankful to our partners, Woodhouse, BFGoodrich, Reliable Carriers and Barrett-Jackson, and suppliers for helping us accomplish this."

This collectible BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang ragtop makes 435 hp, with 100 percent of its auction price going to the new Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City.

Looking for a unique, modern Mustang convertible? The 2010 BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang, built by Hurst Performance in conjunction with Woodhouse Auto Family of Blair, Nebraska and BFGoodrich, will take to the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, January 18–24.

One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the newest Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City, Kansas.

The collectible pace car features a 435hp/400 lb.-ft. ROUSH supercharged engine, Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood brakes and Hurst-tuned Eibach coilovers, springs and sway bar.

Hurst 20-inch wheels, BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW tires and a Hurst Competition/Plus short-throw shifter with gold anodized T-handle complete the package.

The winning bidder not only gets the Mustang, but also an invitation to tour the Camp founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty, an afternoon of hunting or fishing with Kyle and dinner with the family at Petty Farm.

"I will be there at the auction to congratulate the lucky bidder personally,” Kyle Petty adds.

The BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang debuted at the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge at Miller Motorsports Park on September 19. Most recently the car paced the "Run to Victory Half Marathon and Five Mile Run/Walk" in Randleman, North Carolina, which raised more than $122,000 for Victory Junction. Hurst Performance President Ron Flint ran the five-mile portion of the race along with Victory Junction President Mike LePore.

"We are so excited to return to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale with another highly collectible car," said Hurst Chairman Nate Shelton. "Hurst not only has a rich history in the world of pace cars, but we also feel privileged to give back as much as we can to deserving organizations such as Victory Junction. We're so thankful to our partners, Woodhouse, BFGoodrich, Reliable Carriers and Barrett-Jackson, and suppliers for helping us accomplish this."

This collectible BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang ragtop makes 435 hp, with 100 percent of its auction price going to the new Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City.

Looking for a unique, modern Mustang convertible? The 2010 BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang, built by Hurst Performance in conjunction with Woodhouse Auto Family of Blair, Nebraska and BFGoodrich, will take to the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, January 18–24.

One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the newest Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City, Kansas.

The collectible pace car features a 435hp/400 lb.-ft. ROUSH supercharged engine, Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood brakes and Hurst-tuned Eibach coilovers, springs and sway bar.

Hurst 20-inch wheels, BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW tires and a Hurst Competition/Plus short-throw shifter with gold anodized T-handle complete the package.

The winning bidder not only gets the Mustang, but also an invitation to tour the Camp founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty, an afternoon of hunting or fishing with Kyle and dinner with the family at Petty Farm.

"I will be there at the auction to congratulate the lucky bidder personally,” Kyle Petty adds.

The BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang debuted at the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge at Miller Motorsports Park on September 19. Most recently the car paced the "Run to Victory Half Marathon and Five Mile Run/Walk" in Randleman, North Carolina, which raised more than $122,000 for Victory Junction. Hurst Performance President Ron Flint ran the five-mile portion of the race along with Victory Junction President Mike LePore.

"We are so excited to return to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale with another highly collectible car," said Hurst Chairman Nate Shelton. "Hurst not only has a rich history in the world of pace cars, but we also feel privileged to give back as much as we can to deserving organizations such as Victory Junction. We're so thankful to our partners, Woodhouse, BFGoodrich, Reliable Carriers and Barrett-Jackson, and suppliers for helping us accomplish this."

This collectible BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang ragtop makes 435 hp, with 100 percent of its auction price going to the new Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City.

Looking for a unique, modern Mustang convertible? The 2010 BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang, built by Hurst Performance in conjunction with Woodhouse Auto Family of Blair, Nebraska and BFGoodrich, will take to the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, January 18–24.

One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the newest Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City, Kansas.

The collectible pace car features a 435hp/400 lb.-ft. ROUSH supercharged engine, Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood brakes and Hurst-tuned Eibach coilovers, springs and sway bar.

Hurst 20-inch wheels, BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW tires and a Hurst Competition/Plus short-throw shifter with gold anodized T-handle complete the package.

The winning bidder not only gets the Mustang, but also an invitation to tour the Camp founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty, an afternoon of hunting or fishing with Kyle and dinner with the family at Petty Farm.

"I will be there at the auction to congratulate the lucky bidder personally,” Kyle Petty adds.

The BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang debuted at the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge at Miller Motorsports Park on September 19. Most recently the car paced the "Run to Victory Half Marathon and Five Mile Run/Walk" in Randleman, North Carolina, which raised more than $122,000 for Victory Junction. Hurst Performance President Ron Flint ran the five-mile portion of the race along with Victory Junction President Mike LePore.

"We are so excited to return to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale with another highly collectible car," said Hurst Chairman Nate Shelton. "Hurst not only has a rich history in the world of pace cars, but we also feel privileged to give back as much as we can to deserving organizations such as Victory Junction. We're so thankful to our partners, Woodhouse, BFGoodrich, Reliable Carriers and Barrett-Jackson, and suppliers for helping us accomplish this."

This collectible BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang ragtop makes 435 hp, with 100 percent of its auction price going to the new Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City.

Looking for a unique, modern Mustang convertible? The 2010 BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang, built by Hurst Performance in conjunction with Woodhouse Auto Family of Blair, Nebraska and BFGoodrich, will take to the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, January 18–24.

One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the newest Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City, Kansas.

The collectible pace car features a 435hp/400 lb.-ft. ROUSH supercharged engine, Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood brakes and Hurst-tuned Eibach coilovers, springs and sway bar.

Hurst 20-inch wheels, BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW tires and a Hurst Competition/Plus short-throw shifter with gold anodized T-handle complete the package.

The winning bidder not only gets the Mustang, but also an invitation to tour the Camp founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty, an afternoon of hunting or fishing with Kyle and dinner with the family at Petty Farm.

"I will be there at the auction to congratulate the lucky bidder personally,” Kyle Petty adds.

The BFGoodrich/Hurst Mustang debuted at the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge at Miller Motorsports Park on September 19. Most recently the car paced the "Run to Victory Half Marathon and Five Mile Run/Walk" in Randleman, North Carolina, which raised more than $122,000 for Victory Junction. Hurst Performance President Ron Flint ran the five-mile portion of the race along with Victory Junction President Mike LePore.

"We are so excited to return to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale with another highly collectible car," said Hurst Chairman Nate Shelton. "Hurst not only has a rich history in the world of pace cars, but we also feel privileged to give back as much as we can to deserving organizations such as Victory Junction. We're so thankful to our partners, Woodhouse, BFGoodrich, Reliable Carriers and Barrett-Jackson, and suppliers for helping us accomplish this."