(Photos by Jim Dunne/Popular Mechanics)
Exploring its Options: 2006 Ford Explorer gets new face and an optional Mustang V8
BOB GRITZINGER/AUTOWEEK
When you see this new face on the 2006 Ford Explorer this fall, remember to look behind the grille for what’s really important: a new, higher-output 4.6-liter V8. Like its Mercury Mountaineer sibling that debuted at the Chicago auto show in February, the new-look Explorer gets an optional V8 lifted directly from the 2005 Mustang.
Variable valve timing and three valves per cylinder boost the 4.6-liter’s output to 292 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, up from 239 hp and 282 lb-ft in the two-valve V8 it replaces. The V8 Explorer also gets a new six-speed automatic transmission.
For those who don’t like change, the base Explorer will still come with the same 4.0-liter, 210-hp, 254-lb-ft V6 and five-speed automatic.
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Stacy94PGT
My first car was a 67 Mustang Coupe, 2nd one was a 67 Cougar XR-7, 3rd one was a 66 Mustang Coupe. Why did I get rid of these cars for ? I know why, because I'm stupid, stupid, stupid.
My next Ford.....