The 2006 Ford Mustang GT specifications feature a 4.6-liter SOHC V8 engine that produces 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 13.7 seconds, the Mustang GT delivers impressive performance while maintaining a reasonable fuel economy of 14 MPG city / 21 MPG highway.
The 2006 Ford Mustang GT holds a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. It represents a modern interpretation of the classic muscle car, blending traditional American design with contemporary performance. Released as part of the fifth generation of the Mustang, this car brought many notable changes, particularly in terms of its performance and handling. For those who crave the rumble of a V8 engine and the unmistakable presence of a Mustang on the road, the 2006 Ford Mustang GT delivers a compelling package.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the 2006 Ford Mustang GT specifications in detail, covering everything from engine performance to safety features, design elements, and interior amenities.
Contents
- 1 Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Mustang GT
- 2 Transmission and Drivetrain: Responsive and Engaging
- 3 Dimensions and Weight: Agility Meets Power
- 4 Fuel Economy: Efficient Performance
- 5 Suspension and Handling: Built for the Road
- 6 Exterior and Interior Design: Classic Meets Contemporary
- 7 Safety Features: Keeping You Secure
- 8 Pricing and Market Position
- 9 Comparison with Other Muscle Cars
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions
- 11 Conclusion
Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Mustang GT
The 2006 Ford Mustang GT’s powertrain is one of the highlights of this model. The 4.6-liter SOHC 3-valve V8 engine provides the muscle car with the right combination of power, torque, and acceleration. It’s a modern take on the classic V8 engine, bringing a blend of efficiency and performance.
- Engine Type: 4.6-liter SOHC 3-valve V8
- Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,750 rpm
- Torque: 320 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
- Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
- Fuel System: Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
- Fuel Type: Regular unleaded gasoline
The 2006 Mustang GT’s V8 engine offers an exciting driving experience with a substantial increase in horsepower from the previous models. This increase in power ensures the car delivers strong acceleration and an exhilarating driving experience. With 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, the Mustang GT can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, while the quarter-mile time is about 13.7 seconds at 103 mph .
Transmission and Drivetrain: Responsive and Engaging
The 2006 Ford Mustang GT is designed with performance in mind, and its transmission options reflect this. The vehicle is available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission, allowing buyers to choose the driving experience that best suits their needs.
- Transmission Options:
- 5-Speed Manual: Standard on the base model, offering an engaging driving experience for those who want to shift through the gears themselves.
- 5-Speed Automatic: Available as an option, this automatic transmission offers convenience without compromising too much on performance.
Both transmission options are paired with a rear-wheel-drive layout, a hallmark of the Mustang’s performance DNA. The rear-wheel-drive configuration ensures balanced handling, providing a responsive and agile driving experience, whether you’re on a winding back road or cruising down the highway .
Dimensions and Weight: Agility Meets Power
The 2006 Mustang GT offers a muscular yet approachable stance on the road. Its dimensions ensure a combination of aggressive road presence while maintaining maneuverability and handling agility.
- Length: 188.0 inches (4,775 mm)
- Width: 73.9 inches (1,876 mm)
- Height: 55.7 inches (1,415 mm)
- Wheelbase: 107.1 inches (2,719 mm)
- Curb Weight: 3,614 lbs (1,640 kg)
The Mustang’s weight and dimensions contribute to its muscle car persona while providing enough agility to maintain an enjoyable driving experience. The relatively compact wheelbase helps improve maneuverability, particularly during tight cornering and handling. Despite the V8 engine, the weight distribution is quite balanced, ensuring that the Mustang GT is responsive and poised on the road .
Fuel Economy: Efficient Performance
While the Mustang GT is designed for performance, Ford also took steps to make the car more fuel-efficient than its predecessors. The 2006 model year brought improvements in fuel economy, allowing owners to enjoy performance without sacrificing too much at the pump.
- Fuel Economy (EPA Ratings):
- Manual Transmission: 14 MPG city / 21 MPG highway
- Automatic Transmission: 15 MPG city / 23 MPG highway
For a V8-powered muscle car, these fuel efficiency figures are respectable. While performance remains the primary focus, the Mustang GT is not as thirsty as some might expect, making it suitable for both daily driving and weekend adventures. Read more about Ford Mustang GT Fuel Capacity.
Suspension and Handling: Built for the Road
One of the key aspects that make the 2006 Mustang GT such a thrilling car to drive is its suspension system, which is specifically designed for enhanced handling and ride comfort. The Mustang GT uses a combination of independent front and rear suspensions that balance comfort with sporty handling.
- Front Suspension: Independent strut with coil springs
- Rear Suspension: 3-bar link with coil springs
- Brakes: 12.4-inch front disc brakes, ventilated and solid rotors
The suspension setup ensures that the Mustang GT is capable of delivering a smooth ride while still maintaining the stability and control required during spirited driving. The combination of performance tires, 18-inch wheels, and strong braking performance further enhances the handling dynamics .
Exterior and Interior Design: Classic Meets Contemporary
The 2006 Ford Mustang GT carries a design that effortlessly blends the iconic styling of classic Mustangs with modern touches, creating an unmistakable road presence.
Exterior Design:
- Aggressive Front Grille: The Mustang GT features a bold grille with a prominent chrome surround, giving it a commanding look from the front.
- Sculpted Hood: The hood of the Mustang GT is slightly raised, accentuating its muscular look while also enhancing aerodynamics.
- Sequential Tail Lights: The Mustang GT features the signature sequential tail lights that have become a hallmark of Mustang styling.
Interior Design:
- Seating: The standard seating features high-quality cloth upholstery, with optional leather-trimmed seats for those seeking a more luxurious interior.
- Infotainment System: The 2006 Mustang GT comes equipped with an AM/FM radio, CD player, and optional Shaker 500 or 1000 audio system for high-quality sound.
- Instrument Cluster: The instrument cluster includes easy-to-read analog gauges, with options for a trip computer that provides essential information to the driver.
The interior design of the Mustang GT offers a blend of comfort and performance, with driver-focused features and materials that reflect the car’s sporty character .
Safety Features: Keeping You Secure
Safety is always a priority in Ford’s designs, and the 2006 Mustang GT comes equipped with a range of safety features to ensure both driver and passenger protection.
- Dual Front Airbags: Standard dual-stage airbags for both driver and passenger.
- Side-Impact Airbags: Added protection for the front-seat occupants in the event of a side collision.
- Traction Control System (TCS): Helps maintain control during acceleration on slippery surfaces.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Improves braking performance during emergency stops, preventing wheel lockup.
These features combined with a solid build quality ensure that the 2006 Mustang GT is a safe vehicle to drive, despite its performance capabilities .
Pricing and Market Position
When it was released in 2006, the Mustang GT had a base price of around $25,000, which made it an affordable option in the muscle car market. Given the amount of power and performance it offered at this price point, the 2006 Mustang GT was an attractive alternative to higher-priced performance cars like the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Charger .
Comparison with Other Muscle Cars
When compared to its contemporaries, the 2006 Ford Mustang GT performed admirably, especially considering its affordability. Here’s how it stacks up against some of the competitors of the time:
| Model | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0-60 mph | Quarter Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Mustang GT | 300 hp | 320 lb-ft | 5.1 sec | 13.7 sec |
| 2006 Dodge Charger R/T | 340 hp | 390 lb-ft | 5.3 sec | 14.0 sec |
| 2006 Pontiac GTO | 400 hp | 400 lb-ft | 4.7 sec | 13.0 sec |
The Mustang GT offers a balanced combination of horsepower and torque, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both a thrilling driving experience and a reasonable price .
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about 2006 Ford Mustang GT specs –
1. What engine does the 2006 Ford Mustang GT have?
The 2006 Ford Mustang GT is powered by a 4.6-liter SOHC 3-valve V8 engine, producing 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.
2. How fast is the 2006 Mustang GT?
The 2006 Mustang GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, and it completes a quarter mile in 13.7 seconds.
3. What is the fuel economy of the 2006 Mustang GT?
The 2006 Mustang GT achieves 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway with the manual transmission, and 15 MPG city / 23 MPG highway with the automatic.
4. What safety features does the 2006 Mustang GT have?
The 2006 Mustang GT comes with dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, ABS, and a traction control system.
5. How does the 2006 Mustang GT compare to other muscle cars?
The 2006 Mustang GT offers strong performance with 300 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds, competing favorably with cars like the Dodge Charger R/T and Pontiac GTO.
Conclusion
The 2006 Ford Mustang GT remains a standout in the world of muscle cars. Its combination of classic styling, powerful V8 performance, and a reasonable price point makes it an attractive option for those who want a piece of American muscle car history.
Whether you’re cruising down the highway or taking it to the track, the Mustang GT continues to deliver an exciting and engaging driving experience. Its legacy as one of the most iconic muscle cars is well-deserved, and it continues to be a beloved choice among car enthusiasts.