***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

After Ford recently debuted the 2011 Mustang at the LA Auto Show with a vastly more powerful V6 motor, the V8 GT model is slated to bow in Detroit in just a few weeks time. Under the hood we expect to find the return of the iconic 5.0-liter V8, with at least 400-hp.

Rumors suggested Ford would unveil both the new V6 and V8 engines at the LA show, but it certainly makes more sense to deliver the high-powered GT in Ford’s home-town.

Currently the V8 model makes “just” 315-hp and 325 ft-lbs of torque. Those aren’t bad numbers but they are well below what the Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Chevy Camaro SS make. Plus, the new 3.7-liter V6 is rated at 305-hp and 280 ft-lbs of torque – making the V8 look almost obsolete. If the 5.0 does in fact return, we expected it to be offered with the choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. This should help it deliver a sub five second 0-60 mph time and, Ford hopes, win back many of the consumers who have been skipping on the Mustang for a Bumblebee Camaro.

We’ll be sure to bring you full details on the new 2011 Ford Mustang GT as soon as we can, with live coverage of the Detroit Auto Show starting January 11th.

***UPDATE*** Since posting this article, details about the 2011 Mustang GT have leaked, pointing out that it will in fact get a 5.0-Liter V8 with 412-hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque. For more info on the new car see here. ***UPDATE***

See our review of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT below:

2010 Ford Mustang GT Review

With the V8′s of both the Camaro and Challenger far out-pacing the one found under the hood of the 2010 Mustang GT, it’s no surprise that rumors have begun about the return of the 5.0.

Several months ago we reported on a story that Ford’s Australian branch had confirmed a 5.0-liter V8 (code named “Coyote”) was in development.

Now the folks over at Car & Driver have evidence to support the theory that the 5.0 will return for 2011. While out at GingerMan Raceway in Michigan the C&D folks came across Ford engineers testing a more serious Track Pack than the one currently offered by Ford, which included a set of Pirelli P Zero Corsa r-compound tires – a step above the Pirellis currently offered. This led them to surmise that the added grip might be needed due to all the added horsepower.

The Coyote 5.0 V8 is rumored to make as much as 400hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque, a significant increase from the current output of 315h and 325 ft-lbs of torque.

[Source: Car & Driver]

Few engines have received the iconic status of the Ford Mustang’s 5.0. The motor disappeared in 1996 but now appears to be ready to make a comeback.

News of the return comes out of Australia where Ford Australia product development boss Russell Christophers has confirmed a new 5.0-liter V8 is currently undergoing development in the U.S.

In Australia the new engine, code named “Coyote,”  will replace a larger 5.4-liter unit in the Falcon, but it could likely be used in an upcoming Mustang.

With new emissions regulations in 2010, we aren’t likely to see the the engine before that. Most likely it would debut in the next Mustang several years from now, but Ford did set a precedent in ’96 when they replace the 5.0 with the 4.6-liter block mid-cycle.

The engine is rumored to make 402hp and 398 ft-lbs of torque.

[Source: Drive]