The Livernois Motorsports Ford Mustang GT gets a series of suspension, exhaust and engine upgrades.

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

Courtesy of Autoweek.com