Since its public unveiling last fall, the GT350 has been the source of plenty of speculation on both our part and every other automotive media outlet. Ford continued their pattern of not stating the exact horsepower and torque numbers for this car at the debut, instead saying “at least 500 hp and at least 400 lb-ft of torque”. We’ve seen numbers thrown all over the place since then.

This winter at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, we had the opportunity to see the engine up close and personal for the first time. While we were able to get a good look and many details from that model, we still had no new details about horsepower, until now.

Today Ford officially released the horsepower numbers for the GT350, the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in Ford’s history. Officially the GT350 makes 526 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. That’s 91 more horsepower than the Mustang GT. The 5.2 liter Voodoo engine makes 102 horsepower per liter.

This flat plane V8 is unlike anything ever before from Ford. Matched to the idea of the GT350, a lightweight, nimble, track ready version of the Mustang. “The Shelby GT350 program began with a clear objective – create the most balanced, nimble and exhilarating production Mustang yet,” said Jamal Hameedi, Ford Performance chief engineer. “Every change we made to this car was driven by the functional requirements of a powerful, responsive powerplant. The high-revving, naturally aspirated 5.2-liter flat-plane V8 delivers on every target we set – high horsepower, broad torque curve, aggressive throttle response and light weight.”

Peak power comes in at 7,500 RPM, and peak torque at 4,750 RPM. Ford says that 90 perecent of peak torque is available from approximately 3,450 RPM all the way to 7,500. That makes the car versatile for both the street and track.

We’ve heard numerous complaints from enthusiasts about the Mustang GT’s Getrag 6-speed manual transmission not tolerating high RPM shifts very well. Ford has worked closely with Tremec to develop a transmission specific to the Voodoo engine. An all new Tremec 3160 6-speed transmission features a host of special engineering features. This includes a lightweight gear set, a new cast aluminum case and clutch housing, and a light weight dual mass flywheel, as well as dual disc clutch.

We’re anxious to drive a GT350 press car, although Ford has yet to reveal when that will be, but you can expect a full review as soon as we get our hands on it.