***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

According to a self-proclaimed insider posting on TheMustangsource.com, news of Ford’s power increases for the 2011 Mustang are true… but there’s more. Calling himself “TheInsider” this individual has revealed that the 2011 Mustang V6 will boast an output of 315hp and displace 3.7-liters. This would put it just slightly ahead of the 300-ish horsepower V6 in the Camaro.

As for the big V8, it will in fact see the return of the 5.0, with the new motor making 400hp. And possibly even better than that news is word of a six-speed manual transmission to replace the current five-speed unit.

All this almost sounds too good to be true, were it not for the fact that these aren’t exactly the first rumors we’re heard on the matter and that Ford is desperate keep the Mustang at the top of its game. While Ford’s other products are performing exceptionally in the marketplace, the Mustang has suffered as of late with, having been out-sold by the Camaro for three straight months.

Other bits of info that will be of interest to the Mustang faithful include news of a new track pack for 2011, an aluminum block for the 2011 Shelby GT500 and a special edition Boss model for 2012.

[Source: The Mustang Source]