5.0 Mustang Returns, with 412 HP

2010 Unleashed was the promotional campaign for the model year 2010 Mustang, but it looks like the real "unleashing" is going to be done in calender year 2010, when the new engines for the Mustang arrived.

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!