DEARBORN, Mich. -

Ford believes a winning branding idea will come from its Ford Mustang Facebook community that now consists of more than 940,000 members.

The automaker is asking these Facebook fans to submit their thoughts for the best name of new Ford Mustang V6 Performance Package, which is set to roll out for 2012. The campaign runs through mid-December with the winner walking away with a two-year lease on a new 2012 Ford Mustang V6 with the Performance Package that the individual helped to name.

Facebook fans can suggest a name on the Mustang Facebook page and reach out to their friends in the social media world to help propel their pick to the top five choices. Then, a gallery on the Facebook page can let visitors see all of the choices that are up for a final vote.

After the five most-voted names have been selected, Ford said it will choose the name that best shows off the personality of the package.

Visitors to the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show also can get in on the fun by stopping at the Ford stand to submit their idea for the fast and fun package.

The OEM highlighted what is included in this new version of the Mustang.

“The Performance Package takes advantage of the new 2011 Mustang 305-horsepower all-aluminum Ti-VCT V6 engine’s lightweight and high-revving nature to deliver a nimble performance car equally at home on a road course or a road trip,” company executives mentioned.

Among some of the specific features, Ford pointed out the vehicle’s slimmed-down curb weight of less than 3,500 pounds also includes:

—A 3.31 rear axle ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration

—Mustang GT coupe front and rear stabilizer bars

—Mustang GT front struts and rear shocks/springs

—Shelby GT500 rear lower control arm

—Unique 19-inch wheels

—Pirelli performance tires for improved grip

—Mustang GT front and rear brake calipers with Performance Friction pads

—A strut tower brace for increased body rigidity

—Unique electronic stability control calibration with sport mode for performance driving

—Unique badging

“The V6 Performance Package is a great example of what’s at the core of Mustang — fun, fast and affordable,” explained Amy Marentic, Ford group marketing manager.

“It makes sense for us to continue the accessibility of the package by having our fans help name it, and it’s a fun and unique way to engage enthusiasts,” Marentic added.

Brian McClary, Ford’s social and emerging media specialist, elaborated about why this campaign hinges around the automaker’s Mustang Facebook page.

“We’re utilizing the power of social media to not only talk about what a fantastic package this is, but to also let Mustang fans across the country share a piece of it,” McClary stressed.

“It’s a nontraditional approach to naming a piece of brand that millions of people identify with,” he concluded.