Coyote Power Memories

By John Kraman

Over the past decade, the performance side of Ford Motor Company has developed and refined a very special V-8 engine package that was first introduced in the 2011 Ford Mustang GT as well as the F-150 truck in a slightly detuned version. Commonly referred to as the Coyote 5.0, it is now firmly established as the company’s standard bearer of efficiency, reliability and power output.

Back in August of 2010, I was very fortunate to be introduced to the Coyote in a most unlikely way. I had just landed in Los Angeles with the intention of driving the rest of the way up to the Mecum Monterey auction. I stopped at the Avis Rental Car center, and much to my delight, I was met by the facility manager, who happened to be a diehard Mecum viewer. He led me over to a sparkling new 2011 Mustang GT Premium Fastback in Red Candy Metallic with the new 5.0 fender badges in gleaming chrome. It had a mere 7 miles on the odometer, and the all-new 412 HP Coyote 5.0 was under the power bulge hood.

The prior-year 2010 Mustang GT engine was a well-proven 4.6L 315 HP V-8, so the Coyote was almost a 100 HP increase focused on disrupting the competition from both the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. The pony car wars were really heating up, much like what originally occurred back in the 1960s—a classic example of history repeating itself.

A twist of the key, and the resulting rumble was just a hint of the performance potential. After expressing my gratitude to the manager, I headed north to Monterey for my 6 hour journey to enjoy 325 miles of central California scenery. Plenty of both time and miles allowed for a proper break, in anticipation of some careful acceleration runs upon arrival. My first full-throttle blast was turning onto a highway that was clear of traffic. I will never forget the sound and fury that was unleashed as the Mustang screamed up to the speed limit almost instantly.

When I made my way to the auction venue, I sought out my TV colleague, floor reporter and professional racer Stephen Cox, who also happens to be a lifelong Mustang owner and fan. I handed over the keys, and off he went with his wife, Alice, onboard to experience this Coyote phenomenon. After 30 minutes, they were back, and not only were they astonished by the power but the overall handling as well.

Fast forward to early 2013, when I felt compelled to pursue ownership of a Coyote-powered fifth-generation Mustang, rated at 420 HP. So, I ordered a Black-with-Stone-interior 6-speed manual Fastback from Harvard Ford in Illinois and took delivery in April 2013 of the model- year 2014 car—the final year for the decidedly retro and still very popular S197 platform first seen in 2005. My Mustang currently has 25,000 miles on it and has never been driven in the rain. It’s all original, except for a new battery, oil and filter changes, plus a classic White Shelby shift knob. The original Pirelli P Zero tires are now ready for replacement, and I will install a fresh set for the sake of originality. This car is a keeper in my personal collection and, even today, delights all of my senses when I get behind the wheel.

A final thought is that Ford has recently announced a new seventh-generation Mustang to begin sales next summer for the 2024 model year, and the Coyote 5.0 will proudly remain in the lineup along with a 6-speed manual option. A top shelf Dark Horse-optioned Coyote- powered version is reported to be rated at a stout 500 HP without turbos or supercharging. This is a testament to the adaptability of this modern performance engine that will remain available and surprisingly relevant into the future.