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Ford has chosen the LA Auto Show to debut its significantly more powerful 2011 Mustang V6. In fact, the new 3.7-liter V6 engine, which replaces the larger and older 4.0-liter mill makes almost as much power as the 2010 Mustang GT. Power is now rated at 305-hp, up 95 ponies from 210! Torque is up too, by 40 ticks to 280 ft-lbs. Full power comes on at 6500 rpm with full torque at 4250 rpm. Plus, Ford says the new engine will deliver 19/30 mpg (city/highway) with a six-speed automatic or 18/29 mpg with a six-speed manual. Yup, finally a six-speed for the Mustang.

And as though all this we're good enough, the all-aluminum block weighs less than the old 4.0-liter engine.

To achieve all these improvements, the motor uses Ford's Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT). Essentially, this is the same engine that Ford first used in the Lincoln MKS.

Perhaps most importantly, however, is the fact that this new engine trumps that found in the new Camaro – by 1-hp. That certainly isn't much, but by being able to make the claim is certain to help Ford win back some sales from Chevy. And in Ford's smaller and lighter package, performance will no doubt put the Mustang ahead of the Camaro.

Ford is expected to announce the return of the 5.0-liter Mustang GT, with 400-plus horsepower, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

More: LA 2009: First Live Photos of New 305-HP 2011 Ford Mustang (http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2009/12/la-2009-first-live-photos-of-new-305-hp-2011-ford-mustang.html) on AutoGuide.com

For more coverage of the 2009 LA Auto Show (http://www.autoguide.com/auto-shows/2009-la-auto-show-coverage-1223.html) visit AutoGuide.com

I'm glad the Mustang is getting more power for 2011, because it clearly needs it (excluding the GT500) when you compare the current model to it's rivals from Chevy and Dodge. I know that the Mustang has lost a great deal of market share to it's rivals because of a lack of HP. In fact, I've read that sales are actually behind the Camaro and Challenger and has been for several months. The HP increase will help gain back some market share and perhaps even a great deal, but in my opinion, another big factor that lead to the decline in market share is that the Mustang is flat out ugly, especially from the back, and the poor GT got hit with the ugly stick on both ends. Anyway, looks are a matter of perception and that's just the way I see things.