With the Camaro outselling the Mustang over the past few months, Ford had to up its game with the Mustang. The new 305 horsepower, 30 miles per gallon (impressive) Mustang V-6 was released at the beginning of the month for the LA Auto Show. With the V-6 only 10 ponies under the Mustang GT, it was clear the V-8 was due for an upgrade.

It has gotten that – a bit earlier than expected too. Thanks to the power of the internet, details of the new powerplant leaked out on Facebook, a little less than a month before it’s supposed official launch at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The new engine marks the return of the 5.0-liter designation, and reports saying it will be put on the car’s fender once again for the 2011 model year.

Horsepower is bumped up significantly, to 412 – a bump of just under 100 horsepower. That puts it competitive with the heavier Camaro SS V-8′s 422 horsepower. The images shown are still for the V-6 model – the embargo hasn’t been broken yet on the 2011 GT. At this rate though, it shouldn’t be long!