2020 Ford Mustang Engine 5.0 l V8 - VehicleHistory (2024)

2020 Ford Mustang 5.0-l V8 offers substantial power while maintaining daily usability & surprisingly decent fuel economy.

The world’s turn to electric vehicles is making the furious roar of the iconic V8 engine quieter and quieter every day. While the future likely holds no place for the eight-cylinder icons we grew up with, there’s no reason we can’t enjoy them now. The evolution of engine and fuel injection technology has made triumphant gains in the world of both horsepower and efficiency. A perfect example of that holy combination is none other than the 5.0-Liter Coyote V8 found under the hood of the 2020 Ford Mustang GT.

The engine found under the hood of the 2020 Ford Mustang GT, known as the Coyote V8, is the latest iteration of the Ford “Modular Engine.” First introduced in 1991 in the Lincoln Town Car as a 4.6-liter V8, the Modular Engine family marked Ford’s departure from the Windsor pushrod V8. Instead, the Modular family of engines turned to overhead-camshaft (OHC) technology.

History of the Modular Engine Family

The first iteration of the Modular V8, as mentioned before, came in the 1991 Lincoln Town Car as its first public offering. This engine is often referred to as a two-valve (2v), referring to its layout containing two valves per cylinder. This 4.6-liter V8 was used all the way up until 2014 in Econoline vans. Its use in Mustangs, however, ran only from 1996 to 2004.Next in line is the three-valve (3v), which featured variable valve timing for the first time. The three-valve upped power over the two-valve by forty horsepower, bringing the total to 300. This engine saw life in Mustangs from 2005 until 2010. After which, it was replaced by the 5.0-liter Coyote engine we know and love today.

There was also a four-valve (4v) variant that features two camshafts per cylinder head and four valves per cylinder. However, that engine only saw Mustang use in the form of the 1996 through 2004 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra. In 2003 and 2004 models, known as “The Terminator,” the four-valve 4.6 comes supercharged.

Fearsome Growl of the Coyote

The introduction of the Coyote 5.0-liter V8 brought on a massive increase in power from the previous generation’s standard Mustang GT. The outgoing GT model of 2010 has 315 horsepower, while the 2011 GT has 412 horsepower. A nearly 100 horsepower increase is no joke! Ford wanted an engine to compete with the LS3 found in the Chevrolet Camaro, which made 425 horsepower at the time.

The year 2018 brought the most significant change to the Coyote and the Modular family as a whole with the introduction of direct injection. Though, unlike many direct-injected engines, the Coyote maintains its previously used low-pressure port injection.

Combining both forms of fuel injection allows the substantial compression ratio, which we will get to in a bit. First, we feel it’s essential to address the elephant in the room. In today’s world, is daily driving a V8-powered car realistic?

Surprising Efficiency of the Coyote 5.0

In a word, yes, it is still more realistic to daily drive a V8 than most people would think. The EPA rates the 10-speed automatic at 16 MPG city and 25 mpg highway for a total of 19 mpg combined. The six-speed manual rates at 15 MPG city and 24 mpg highway for a combined 18 MPG. Both cases offer higher fuel economy numbers than one might think. So much so, in fact, that the 2020 Mustang GT is exempt from the U.S. Gas Guzzler tax.

Obviously, driving a Mustang GT every day will not compare to operating a small economy car in terms of fuel savings. That being said, if you can responsibly manage the accelerator pedal, it won’t be nearly as bad as you think. If you can’t trust yourself to do that, that Ecoboost four-cylinder might be a bit better suited for you if fuel cost is a significant concern.

2020 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 Specs

The Coyote V8 uses a Dual-Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) layout. This means each cylinder head has two camshafts and four valves per cylinder for a total of sixteen valves per head. Thanks to this technology’s use and the engine’s unique 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 firing order, the Coyote has a very identifiable engine sound. Its sound is especially recognizable in the higher RPMs, which are not hard to find yourself in, as the engine revs to 7,500 RPM.

Both the engine block and cylinder heads are made of aluminum, allowing the Coyote to remain relatively lightweight. Entirely dressed aside from AC components and an alternator, the Coyote V8 weighs in at 445 pounds

As delivered, the 2020 Coyote 5.0 V8 makes 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. This comes courtesy of many things, including its high-flowing composite intake manifold, 80mm throttle body, high-pressure direct-injection system, and, of course, its 12.0:1 compression ratio.

Despite its high compression ratio, the Coyote 5.0 is very capable of additional power if that is what you are after. Inside the engine, you’ll find a forged steel crankshaft, steel connecting rods, and Hypereutectic aluminum pistons-pistons made of an aluminum alloy with a much higher melting point than typical aluminum. It is not uncommon to see stock bottom-end Coyote engines produce over 700 horsepower with the addition of forced induction.

2020 Mustang 5.0 Engine: Technological Marvel

Overall, it is not hard to be impressed by these remarkable engines. Emissions regulations get more rigid and more challenging every year. That is a fact that is tough to deal with for many automotive enthusiasts. However, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Ford engineers have repeatedly proved themselves to be tough in that right, with constant technological developments and forward progress.

Of course, with things like the Ecoboost four-cylinder Mustang and the Mustang Mach E available, it is clear as day that Ford is willing to accept what the future holds. However, the constant evolution of engine efficiency, technology, and emissions control has kept the V8 engine alive for us all to sigh a relieved breath.

The monumental horsepower developments are just the icing on the cake. Put quite simply; the 2020 Ford Mustang Coyote V8 allows you to indulge in all your growling V8 Mustang fantasies without any of the guilt one might think should be associated with them.

ALSO SEE: Ford Tech Reference:2011-2019 5.0L Coyote Improvements

Photos: Ford Media