So for right now their 2010 includes a V6 4.0 210hp and V8 4.6 315hp. And another version is to come out with a 5.0 412hp as a 2010 car? Is it going to be just a GT or a GT500 or something like that? If thier 4.6 is only getting 315hp how are they going to get another 100 hp from .4 liters? Turbo or SC?

The Z needs another version with mo power but I guess they dont sell enough to justify it.

2010 - updated body and slight HP change
2011 - slight body change (mainly the V6) and 5.0L

I am not sure why Ford did what they did, maybe to make more money so people have to upgrade from a 2010 to a 2011 just for the new engine, who knows. Not sure how they are getting 100 more HP from just .4, but the 5.0L has been in long development and since the Camaro SS finally came out that put fire under Ford to make something that could beat the SS without a Turbo or SC.

Well just got some info from a co-worker:
~Variable valve timing on both cams
~4 valves per cylinder
~7,000 RPM limiter (This is a huge step for Ford)
~Bigger displacement

Those combined can give some good changes, also this is just at the crank, who knows how well it will do on a dyno.

Not to mention Ford is currently saying they are hoping to keep weight down to around 3500lbs like the current GT mustang is. Current weight on the GT is 3533. Even if Ford adds a few pounds and ends up with a 3600lbs car with 412hp it's going to move pretty well. Not to mention it already corners pretty damn well for a muscle car with the track pack.

I just wonder if with all these 400hp 30k cars running around if Nissan is going to step it up or not. I love my Z but I hate to think it's already outdated in performance. Sure it out corners just about any other car in it's price but a little more power would be very nice. Give us our turbos back Nissan

Turbo is going to stay with the GT-R for now, unless people want to drop 50k on a Z.
I believe the current weight of the 5.0L is just under 3600 (so they can say about 3500), but all this currently is just what Ford is saying.

I expect the price of the car to go up a bit too as more power usually means more money. Unless the go skimmpy on the interior. Time for a special edition Z with a SC on the V6 to keep up with the Jones's

Well Ford is in the same boat as Nissan, they have to hit that special price point to get the majority of buyers in. I think it will be about on par with the Z though, base GT right around 30k while a premium GT with the works will be in the 40k.

You generally can't look at those v8s in terms of hp per liter. They are not very stressed at all so there really is no point. If ford wanted they could have tuned the 4.6 to 412hp but the new 5L is just a better engine, and the added displacement will help with not needing to stress the engine much at all to put out those numbers.

The 4.6 is a great motor, but the 5 liter will be fantastic. More power, more efficient, and higher revs. Oh, it should be a little lighter, too.

I am pretty much in agreement with everyone else. The Z is a great car but it's underpowered. The stillen sc kit is pretty much a must for me right now!

Ive actually been alittle curious, worried that our cars engine has been tuned to near its maximum limit and was wondering what that will do for longgevity of our engine, will it last as long as others. So Im wondering if our engine is stressed to produce its power?

I do not think the Z is at its power, look at people doing just bolt ons, adding 10-15HP per item, plus no tuning software yet to really balance the car out.

google

Our VVEL system is rather intricate... that's the only thing I wonder about in terms of long- term durability, but my guess is that a properly maintained and well cared for NA 3.7 should be as reliable as any other car.

This debate will always rage on, Mustang guys don't like Z's, Z's don't like Mustangs. Anyways, concerning the 2011 Mustang yes it is making 412 at crank with the new aluminum 5.0 v8. However, it will still weigh more than the outgoing GT early estimates range from 3600-3800 pounds. Mustangs are heavy, simple fact, no matter how much aluminum they sneak in. Lastly, you cannot discuss Mustangs without bringing up the live axle. The live axle is the #1 reason why Z's are superior in feel and track results. If I had to guess I'd say the 2011 Mustang GT will probably do around mid to low 13's. Ford is not going to mass produce a car that is comparably fast to the GT500 at a fraction of the price and no stock Mustang GT in Ford's history has broken 13's.

Technically that is not true, from the factory you can have a GT with a supercharger (and not the GT500). ;)
The next GT500 will be interesting with the 5.0L and the talk they will be using the ecoboost like in the Ford Taurus SHO.

Official: 2011 Mustang GT Debuts With 412-hp, 5.0-Liter V8 : Auto News

pretty informative, they have the curb weight listed at an estimated 3875