The 2006 Ford Mustang GT delivers 300 horsepower at 5,750 RPM and 320 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM from its 4.6L V8 engine, representing a 40 horsepower increase over the previous generation and establishing it as a performance benchmark in American muscle car history.
What is the Horsepower of a 2006 Ford Mustang GT?
The 2006 Ford Mustang GT produces 300 horsepower at 5,750 RPM and 320 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM from its 4.6L V8 engine. This represented a substantial 40 horsepower increase over the previous generation Mustang GT, making it a compelling performance value when new and a sought-after used vehicle today.
What Engine Does the 2006 Mustang GT Have?
The 2006 Mustang GT features a 4.6L SOHC 3-valve Modular V8 engine with variable camshaft timing (VCT). Key specifications include:
- Displacement: 4,601 cc (280.8 cubic inches)
- Bore × Stroke: 3.552 in × 3.543 in (90.2 mm × 90.0 mm)
- Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
- Valvetrain: Single overhead cam (SOHC) with 3 valves per cylinder
- Fuel System: Electronic returnless sequential fuel injection
- Block Material: Aluminum (in Mustang GT application)
- Firing Order: 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
The engine featured Ford’s advanced Charge Motion Control Valve (CMCV) system that increased air velocity at low engine speeds, improving emissions and low-end torque.
How Does the 2006 Mustang GT Perform?
The 2006 Mustang GT delivers impressive performance metrics across various testing sources:
| Performance Metric | Result | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | 5.1 seconds | FastestLaps |
| 0-60 mph | 5.2 seconds | Automobile-Catalog |
| 0-60 mph | 4.9 seconds | Wikipedia |
| 0-60 mph | 5.4 seconds | AccelerationTimes |
| Quarter Mile | 13.5 seconds | FastestLaps |
| Quarter Mile | 13.8 seconds @ 103 mph | Automobile-Catalog |
| Quarter Mile | 13.7 seconds @ 103 mph | Wikipedia |
| Top Speed | 149 mph | AccelerationTimes |
The performance data shows slight variations between testing sources, likely due to different testing conditions, driver skill, and measurement methodologies.
2006 Mustang GT vs. Other Mustang Models
The 2006 Mustang GT sits in the middle of Ford’s performance hierarchy for that era:
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Mustang V6 | 4.0L SOHC V6 | 210 hp @ 5,300 rpm | 240 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 7.3 sec |
| 2006 Mustang GT | 4.6L SOHC 3V V8 | 300 hp @ 5,750 rpm | 320 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 5.1 sec |
| 2006 Shelby GT-H | 4.6L SOHC 3V V8 | 325 hp | 330 lb-ft @ 5,750 rpm | 5.0 sec |
| 2008-09 Mustang Bullitt | 4.6L SOHC 3V V8 | 315 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 325 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm | 5.0 sec |
| 2007-09 Shelby GT500 | 5.4L SC V8 | 500 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 480 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 4.5 sec |
The GT represented an excellent balance of performance and value within the Mustang lineup.
2006 Mustang GT vs. Previous Generation Mustangs
The 2006 Mustang GT showed significant performance improvements over its predecessors:
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999-2004 Mustang GT | 4.6L SOHC 2V V8 | 260 hp @ 5,250 rpm | 302 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 5.4 sec |
| 2001 Mustang Bullitt | 4.6L SOHC 2V V8 | 265 hp | 305 lb-ft | 5.6 sec |
| 2003-04 Mach 1 | 4.6L DOHC 4V V8 | 310 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 335 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm | 5.2 sec |
| 2003-04 SVT Cobra | 4.6L SC DOHC V8 | 390 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 390 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 4.7 sec |
| 2006 Mustang GT | 4.6L SOHC 3V V8 | 300 hp @ 5,750 rpm | 320 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 5.1 sec |
The 2006 GT’s 3-valve design represented a significant evolution from the previous 2-valve engine, delivering better breathing and increased power.
How Does the 2006 Mustang GT Compare to Competitors?
The 2006 Mustang GT faced strong competition from other American muscle cars:
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 mph | Base Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Mustang GT | 4.6L V8 | 300 hp | 320 lb-ft | 5.1 sec | $25,000 |
| 2006 Pontiac GTO | 6.0L V8 | 400 hp | 400 lb-ft | 4.7 sec | $31,500 |
| 2006 Dodge Charger R/T | 5.7L V8 | 340 hp | 390 lb-ft | 5.3 sec | $29,000 |
| 2006 Chrysler 300C | 5.7L V8 | 340 hp | 390 lb-ft | 5.3 sec | $33,000 |
While the Mustang GT had less horsepower than some competitors, it offered excellent value and benefited from lighter weight and a performance-oriented chassis.
What Transmission Options Were Available for the 2006 Mustang GT?
The 2006 Mustang GT came with two transmission options that significantly affected power delivery:
- 5-speed manual (Tremec TR-3650): The preferred choice for enthusiasts, featuring a 3.55:1 final drive ratio for quicker acceleration. Gear ratios: 3.38 (1st), 2.00 (2nd), 1.32 (3rd), 1.00 (4th), 0.68 (5th).
- 5-speed automatic (5R55S): Offered smoother shifts than the previous 4-speed automatic, with a 3.31:1 final drive ratio. This transmission provided more relaxed cruising but slightly slower acceleration.
The manual transmission delivered a more engaging driving experience and marginally better acceleration, while the automatic offered greater convenience for daily driving.
How Reliable is the 2006 Mustang GT Engine?
The 3-valve 4.6L V8 in the 2006 Mustang GT is generally considered very reliable, with many engines exceeding 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Common issues include:
- Timing chain guide failures (typically between 100,000-150,000 miles)
- Spark plug issues (breaking during removal due to long service intervals)
- Oil pressure problems (usually from oil pump or sending unit failures)
- Plastic intake manifold cracking (primarily in earlier 2-valve versions, less common in 3-valve engines)
Ford’s 4.6L Modular V8 earned an excellent reputation in commercial applications, with many Crown Victoria taxis reaching 300,000-400,000 miles. Regular maintenance, including more frequent spark plug changes (50,000-60,000 miles instead of Ford’s recommended 100,000 miles), can prevent many common issues.
Popular Horsepower Upgrades for the 2006 Mustang GT
The 2006 Mustang GT responds well to modifications, with popular upgrades including:
- Cold air intake systems (+15-25 hp)
- Performance exhaust systems (+10-20 hp)
- Tuners and power programmers (+10-25 hp)
- Underdrive pulleys (+5-10 hp)
- Throttle body upgrades (+5-15 hp)
- Camshafts (+20-40 hp)
- Forced induction (superchargers/turbochargers) (+100-200+ hp)
- Cylinder head porting and polishing (+15-30 hp)
- Headers (+10-20 hp)
- Higher compression pistons (+15-30 hp)
Complete power packages combining intake, exhaust, and tuning can yield approximately 35 horsepower and 26 lb-ft of torque gains for the 4.6L engine.
Is the 2006 Mustang GT’s Horsepower Underrated?
Evidence suggests Ford may have conservatively rated the 2006 Mustang GT’s horsepower. Dyno testing typically shows 260-270 rear-wheel horsepower, which translates to approximately 310-320 hp at the crankshaft when accounting for drivetrain losses. This indicates the factory 300 hp rating was likely accurate or slightly conservative.
The GT’s strong real-world performance—with some tests showing 0-60 times as quick as 4.9 seconds—further supports this theory. Ford had a history of conservative power ratings during this era, possibly for insurance or marketing reasons.
How Do Weather and Altitude Affect 2006 Mustang GT Horsepower?
The 2006 Mustang GT’s naturally aspirated V8 is significantly affected by environmental conditions:
- Temperature: Cooler air is denser, providing more oxygen for combustion. Performance typically improves by 1-2% for every 10°F drop in temperature.
- Humidity: Higher humidity reduces oxygen content in the air, decreasing power output by 1-3% in very humid conditions.
- Altitude: Power decreases approximately 3% per 1,000 feet of elevation gain due to thinner air.
- Barometric Pressure: Higher pressure correlates with better performance, with low-pressure weather systems reducing power by 1-3%.
These factors explain why the same car might feel noticeably more powerful on a cool, dry morning compared to a hot, humid afternoon.
Driving Impressions: How Does the 2006 Mustang GT’s Power Feel?
The 2006 Mustang GT delivers a visceral driving experience characterized by:
- Strong low-end torque that provides immediate throttle response
- Linear power delivery throughout the rev range
- A distinctive V8 exhaust note that enhances the driving experience
- Sufficient power for confident highway passing and spirited driving
- Balanced performance that doesn’t overwhelm the chassis
As one enthusiast noted, it’s “not just about getting from 0-60 mph quickly—it’s about the smile it puts on your face while doing it”. The GT strikes an excellent balance between raw power and everyday usability, making it an enduring favorite among muscle car enthusiasts.
People Also Ask:
How much horsepower can a stock 2006 Mustang GT engine handle?
The stock 2006 Mustang GT engine can reliably handle approximately 400-450 horsepower with no internal modifications. Beyond this point, upgraded connecting rods, pistons, and other internal components are recommended to ensure reliability.
What is the redline RPM on a 2006 Mustang GT?
The 2006 Mustang GT has a redline of 6,250 RPM, though the engine produces peak horsepower at 5,750 RPM.
How does the 2006 Mustang GT horsepower compare to the 2006 Mustang V6?
The 2006 Mustang GT (300 hp) has 90 more horsepower than the V6 model (210 hp), representing a 43% increase in power.
Did Ford change the Mustang GT horsepower during the 2005-2009 generation?
Yes, Ford increased the Mustang GT’s horsepower from 300 hp (2005-2009) to 315 hp for the 2010 model year, the final year of this generation.
What’s the difference between the 2006 Mustang GT engine and the 2006 Shelby GT500 engine?
The 2006 Mustang GT uses a naturally aspirated 4.6L 3-valve V8 producing 300 hp, while the 2007 Shelby GT500 features a supercharged 5.4L 4-valve V8 generating 500 hp—a 67% increase in power.
