Ford Coyota V-8
First, let me clearly state, these pictures were taken in a public area and at no time did my shooter handle or touch any part of the vehicle. The engineers testing this prototype did not assist with the taking of these images, nor were they even aware that photos were being taken!
We just caught the very first proof of Ford’s all-new 5.0-liter V8. Code-named “Coyote”, the 5.0-liter, four-valve, naturally aspired V8 will be offered in the 2011 Mustang, as well as the F150. We’re estimating 400-horsepower, and 400 pounds-feet of torque, with the fuel economy close to that of today’s 5.4-liter engine.
Photo: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Co.
Ah, so this is how Detroit is spending its endangered R&D dollars – on a new generation of high performance, gas guzzling V8s. Sure glad my tax dollars aren’t being used to pay for this.
Umm, well, actually your tax dollars aren’t being used to pay for this.
Ford hasn’t asked for or received your taxpayer dollars because they are doing just fine. Nice try at the guilt trip though
I’m aware that my tax dollars aren’t being used for this. That’s why I said it, I wasn’t being sarcastic.
Ironically, Bryan, the current revival of truck demand and the virtual collapse of the small and hybrid market suggests that if Ford WERE to be submitting a viability plan to a car czar, having a competitive V-8 would be crucial.
Here’s another irony: most of the experts I talk to expect that, at least initially, the strongest impact of the federal stimulus plan — in terms of the auto industry — will be to further boost truck demand. Remember, there’s been a sharp cutback in purchasing by “true-truck,” or pro truck buyers because of the slump in housing and construction. With much of the stimulus package aimed at infrastructure, that’s where we could see a boom in vehicle demand.
And even the biggest green-minded analysts acknowledge that truck demand will remain strong for years to come. Yes, we may see some alternatives, including hybrids and diesels, but V-8 power, in this segment, remains essential.
Now, as for performance cars, like the Mustang, yes, I personally love the old V-8, but here’s where we could see some nice alternatives.
But before you slice-and-dice Ford, might you also weigh in Lexus for launching the IS-F, or some of the other Asians and Europeans, who are also pushing new V-8s to market?
Paul A. Eisenstein
Bureau Chief, TheDetroitBureau.com
Actually, I’m pretty pro-Ford. Of all the domestics, I think they’re probably the one with the best chance for survival. Their engine designs are much more up to date than GM and what remains of Chrysler. At least all their current engines are OHC, which is more than the others can say. Their overall cars are still dated by world standards but again ahead of the other domestics.
My point was that rather than spending precious R&D dollars on a new gasoline V8, especially when their current V8s are way ahead of everyone elses, it could probably be better spent on developing some forms of electric power and a high quality, high mpg small car. Yes, gas is cheap again, for now. But if and when the economy picks up again, it will go up again.
I’m really starting to like the idea of a tax that would establish a “floor” on gasoline taxes. I think you mentioned this on NPR. It would give the automakers a stable target environment to base future product decisions on. It would provide badly needed revenue for the government to pay for infrastructure projects with. It seems like a win-win.