2006 Ford Mustang GT

Interior

The larger, roomier cabin is easily the best ever in a Mustang. "This is a $30,000 interior in a $20,000 car," Mustang Chief Designer Larry Erickson asserts. "The functional, contemporary look...and its precise execution set a new standard." The three-spoke steering wheel's black center hub proudly flaunts the running horse on a tri-color bar logo, echoing the '67 Mustang's. Chromed-ring air vents align with the gauges across the dash. The available Interior Color Accent Package—charcoal with red leather-trimmed seats, red door inserts and red floor mats—is a real jaw-dropper, available authentic aluminum accents are especially eye-catching and new available color-configurable instrument lighting is an innovative industry first. At the touch of a button, you can choose one of 125 different color backgrounds to suit your mood or outfit.


Thanks to efficient packaging, larger overall size and width and a substantial six-inch wheelbase gain over the 2004, all four occupants enjoy more room, especially taller drivers. There are more standard features than ever before, including one-touch up/down power windows, power mirrors, keyless entry and power locks, a heated rear window and interval wipers. Audio systems range from a standard CD player to a 1,000-watt, 10-speaker Audiophile system.


The new standard 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 generates a very respectable 210 hp and 240 lb.-ft. of torque, 17 more horses and 15 more lb.-ft. than the pushrod 3.8-liter it replaces. It's smoother and more compact and incorporates many of the V-8's advanced technologies, including low-profile heads and a composite intake manifold. That said, the 300-hp 4.6-liter V-8 provides the ultimate in instant gratification. Tickle the right pedal, and it leaps into action, sounding every bit as sweet as those emissions-unrestricted V-8s of old, especially in the delightfully decadent top-down convertible.

Performance

The purpose-built chassis is new from the ground up, with direct, accurate steering, powerful disc brakes, a state-of-the-art MacPherson-strut front suspension and precise, three-link rear configuration with Panhard rod. The relatively simple and inexpensive solid rear axle is robust, maintains constant track, toe-in and camber relative to the road surface and keeps body roll well under control. "We spent countless hours refining this car on development drives and at the track," says Vehicle Dynamics Supervisor Mark Rushbrook.


Responsive, precise controls, high levels of grip and the strongest brakes ever on a Mustang give more than enough controllability to turn an impending collision into just a close shave. But if a collision becomes unavoidable, Ford's Personal Safety System and available side airbags with head and chest coverage offers occupants enhanced protection. The patented Personal Safety System is designed to provide increased frontal protection by analyzing crash factors and determining the proper airbag response within milliseconds. It uses dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags capable of deploying at full or partial power, safety belt pretensioners and energy management retractors.