2011 Livernois Motorsports Ford Mustang GT: What I drove last night:
Ford Mustang enthusiasts heartily cheered the return of the 5.0-liter V8 earlier this year, with its 412 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Who was more excited? Aftermarket tuners, who polished their socket sets in anticipation.
This 2011 Grabber Blue Mustang GT was sent to us by Livernois Motorsports in Dearborn, Mich., with what could be called the “autocrosser’s special” package. It includes a laundry list of aftermarket parts aimed at scooting the pony car around the tight, coned courses that pop up in parking lots on weekends.
Well, look out, autocross world. The upgraded power from the Steeda cold-air intake, Corsa exhaust and Livernois engine tuning makes this Mustang jump off the line with as much wheelspin as you want to give it. The guys at Livernois say that trio of upgrades gets you a dyno-tested 40-hp increase at the rear wheels.
The suspension gains parts from Ford Racing, Steeda and Rehagen. The ride height is lowered by 1.5 inches. The car stays billiard-table flat through turns, and it’s easy to move the back end around corners with the throttle. Where the stock Mustang GT feels powerful but a tad heavy-handed, this car feels downright nimble.
The Livernois-prepped Mustang isn’t just for the track. Let’s face it, five days per week are filled with more mundane tasks, such as working and shopping.
The powertrain is still a thrill under normal driving, and the exhaust sound is simply intoxicating. Any expressway ramp or tunnel is an invitation to dip into the engine’s wild side.
You won’t get that headache-inducing drone from these pipes, as Corsa uses sound-canceling technology to virtually mute exhaust noise when cruising. That leaves just the hum of the 19-inch Goodyears to compete with the fine sounds from the audio system.
The factory fitted this Mustang with a navigation system, the Brembo brake package and the 3.73 rear axle with the limited-slip differential–which Livernois left undisturbed.
The price before the modifications was a slightly breathtaking $40,035. A smooth talker with less of an affinity for comfort could sneak out of the dealership for about five grand less.
The power and handling upgrades from Livernois add less than $6,000 to the bottom line. That’s not a bad price for a ride that keeps you comfy during the week and puts you in the running for taking trophies home on the weekends.
The 2011 Mustang GT could end up being one of the most modified factory cars in its history. That’s a tip of the hat to the Ford engineers who made it so robust. The upgrades on this car were made without even removing the engine cover.
Orange cones at the stadium parking lot, you’ve been warned.
2011 Livernois Ford Mustang GT
Base Price: $33,695
As Tested: $40,035
Drivetrain: 5.0-liter V8; RWD, six-speed manual
Output: 415 hp @ 6,500 rpm, 372 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,605 lb
Fuel Economy (city/highway): 17/26 mpg
Modifications
Steeda cold-air intake
Corsa extreme exhaust
Livernois Motorsports dyno tune
Ford Racing 1.5-inch drop springs
Ford Racing adjustable dampers
Steeda adjustable front sway bar
Maximum Motorsports caster/camber plate
Steeda bump steer kit
Rehagen Racing brake ducts
Steeda adjustable panhard bar
Rehagen Racing chrome moly rear lower control arms
Motol RBF 600 brake fluid
Performance Friction PFC-01 brake pads-front-track
Hawk Blue 9012 brake pads-rear-track
Mustang GT/CS rear spoiler
Mustang RTR 19×9.5 wheels-street
Goodyear Eagle F1-D3 275/40-19-street
Cost: $5,999
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