The 2006 Mustang GT was named Best Muscle Car, beating out 71 other top sports cars vying for the title. This is the fifth time the Mustang has been named one of Car and Driver's Best and is certainly not the last. The power the Mustang GT displays is outrageous and has certainly turned heads all year long, not to mention made its competitors feel weak and wondering how to muscle up and really compete with the Mustang for the 2007 model year. However, with what Mustang has in store that seems unlikely. The 2006 Mustang GT boasts a 4.6 liter aluminum V-8 engine that has 320 pounds per foot of torque, 300 horsepower, and three valve heads. Also, the Ford Personal Safety System, which is designed for increased driver safety, comes standard on all Mustang models. Continue reading to find out what other models and amenities are included for the 2006 Mustangs!
What's New With Mustangs in 2006?
Safety
The amazing details of what makes the 2006 Mustang the powerful muscle car that it is are to follow, however before learning about what makes this car the racing machine that it is potential buyers and fans should check out the safety of this unbelievable vehicle. For years the myth has been circulating that fast sports cars are dangerous, and while this is not entirely true, Ford has stepped up the safety and security levels of the 2006 Mustang to ensure drivers and passengers are kept as safe as possible.
First of all, the Ford Personal Safety System is standard equipment on all models. This includes dual driver airbags as well as passenger airbags that deploy at the necessary speed for the situation at hand. The smart car also determines the situation before a crash occurs in order to crash as safely as possible. This sounds outrageous, but the Mustang has computer technology that allows it to read conditions for head on collisions and respond accordingly.
The air bags are smart, too. For instance, the passenger airbags only deploy in the event that a large enough individual is seated in the seat. If a child, bag of groceries, or simply a purse is in the passenger seat the passenger airbag will detect this and not deploy.
Drivers interested in the safety of their Mustang can also choose to purchase an additional anti theft package that protects the vehicle from break ins. The horn sounds and the battery powers an additional alarm that sounds longer than ever before. There are motion detectors as well on the lower portion of the car and inside to prevent tow always and break ins.
Mustang has really stepped up the level of safety and security of its models for the 2006 year and customers won't mind paying a premium for a vehicle they know will not only protect them, but also protect itself.
Powertrain and Chassis
Ask anyone who bought a '64 Mustang and they will rave about its power and muscle. However, times have changed and the 289 cubic inch small block V-8 engine found in the '64 Mustang is only half of the power that the 2006 brings. Now, when you increase the 4.6 liter aluminum V-8 engine's power by 50% with a 300 horsepower engine that has three valve heads then you have created a muscle machine like no other and that is exactly what Mustang has done for the 2006 model year.
The standard 2006 Mustang engine is not quite as powerful, but it still has plenty of muscle. Approximately 210 horsepower and 240 ppf of torque are produced by the V-6 4.0 Liter SOHC. This is more get up and go than the standard vehicle, and as much power as many drivers can handle.
Also standard are manual transmissions, however automatic transmissions are also available in the 2006 Mustang. Both of these options are great on fuel and offer plenty of get up and go. The standard gearbox in the V-6 is the Tremec T-5 and the V-8 comes with the ultra tough Tremec 3650.
The standard 2006 Mustang boasts the biggest rotors on the standard four discs breaks, not to mention the firmest calipers a standard Mustang has ever seen in its 40 plus year existence. The GT models are even more sophisticated and the aluminum calipers clamp the 12.4 inch front brake discs. The 2006 model really focuses on the brakes, calipers, and rotors so much that the back rotors are 12% larger than the same rotors on the 2004 models.
The front suspension has plenty to brag about as well and sports reverse "L" lower control arms that provide a luxurious ride that is oh so easy to control. A Panhard rod allows the driver to control the rear axle in situations where accurate control was once upon a time very difficult. Now, when cornering or maneuvering in hard driving conditions the three link rear suspension will allow for the control Mustang drivers have only dreamed of before now. With this vehicle all drivers will feel in control no matter the driving conditions, and this allows for better driving which is important to avoid collisions.
With all of these improvements Mustang drivers are pleased, but there is more. The brakes on the 2006 model are intelligent in their own right providing additional safety to the driver and assistance in maneuvering the vehicle. The conditions on the road are monitored while the vehicle is in action to determine if the surface is dry or slippery. Combined with the four channel anti lock braking system with traction control this Mustang will brake when it needs to brake and know what the conditions are when braking. Who would have guessed a muscle car could be so smart?
Body and Frame Design
2006 Mustang GT Convertible
The 2006 Mustang design is simply outstanding because it combines the past 40 years of design with technological advances that make this car have more muscle than ever. The short rear deck and long hood are traditional Mustang design qualities that also appear in the 2006 model not to mention the traditional running horse emblem and C scoops in the sides. This model is outrageously cool and boasts three element tail lamps and a pointy hood that has not been part of Mustang design since the late '60s. Even more cool design elements of the 2006 Mustang include the round headlights that have a trapezoid styled setting that really set off the entire body design not to mention a rake that complements the overhangs that visually ground the vehicle.
The Pony Package has some new and improved designs as well that really set it apart form the standard body design of 2006. The suspension has already been discussed, but it must be restated that the new back stabilizer bar in addition to a larger than ever front stabilizer bar with P235/55ZR17 tires that sport machined rims with center caps adorned by the famous Pony really makes this car a visual pleasure with an unmatched suspension. The grille is more customized than ever before and the Pony package Mustangs boast the biggest tires and wheels that a V-6 Mustang has ever seen in all its history. The lower doors increase the cool factor with tape stripes, a rear spoiler, badges on the front fender, and amazing traction control. These elements combined with four wheel disc brakes makes the Pony package really stand above the rest for just a small additional fee.
Interior
The 2006 Mustang's exterior is something to talk about, but the interior provides hot competition with its many luxuries and design aspects included with the driver in mind. One cool change buyers are sure to love is an instrument panel that allows the driver to choose between 125 different colors. This means the driver can change the car's background lighting at the touch of a button making the interior match one's personal style, the color of the car, or simply the driver's favorite color. Personalizing the interior of one's car for mood lighting or just for fun is a simple technological advance that Mustang fans of all ages are raving about.
The dash is equally stylish with air vents that are placed vertically along the dash and are rimmed with chrome adding additional class and style. The way the vents are aligned complements the gauges as they are lined up perfectly making the dash very pleasing to the eye to say the least. Bringing back a design element from the 1967 Mustang is the steering wheel that is created with a core adorned with the classic pony and tricolor logo that has three spokes extending to the outer rim of the steering wheel. This oversized wheel really gives the driver the power he is looking for when behind the wheel.
There are other outstanding interior design features that make drivers truly enjoy every moment spent driving. Power mirrors, windows, and locks offer the height of convenience in addition to keyless entry, speed control, air conditioning, interval wipers, CD player, and other fun features, too.
2006 Mustang Prices
Despite a powerful car, incredible design, and improved amenities the prices of the 2006 Mustang models are amazingly affordable. The standard package starts off with a dealer price of almost $17,000 and the premium convertible costing approximately $27,000. The Saleen models cost more and start as low as $42,000 and are as high as $60,000 plus. Prices range depending on options, models, and incentives so your final price will depend significantly on the 2006 Mustang of your dreams.
