The 2008 Ford Mustang GT packs a 4.6L V8 with 300 hp and 320 lb-ft, weighs 3,483 lbs, and delivers 15 city / 23 highway MPG.
The 300-horsepower 4.6L V8 under the hood of the 2008 Mustang GT wasn’t the biggest engine Ford offered that year, but it hit a sweet spot between power and daily usability that made the GT the volume leader of the lineup. Here’s everything the 08 Mustang GT specs sheet includes: 300 hp at 5,750 rpm, 320 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm, a standard 5-speed manual transmission, a curb weight of 3,483 lbs, and EPA ratings of 15 city / 23 highway MPG.
What Engine Does the 2008 Mustang GT Use?
The 2008 Mustang GT uses a 4.6L SOHC 3-valve V8 with an all-aluminum block, 24 valves, and sequential electronic fuel injection. It runs on regular unleaded fuel and produces 300 horsepower at 5,750 rpm with 320 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. The standard transmission is a 5-speed manual (TR-3650), with an optional 5-speed automatic available. Car and Driver’s 2008 Mustang GT specs page confirms the standard final drive ratio is 3.31:1 for 2008, down from the 3.55:1 used in 2005–2006 models; the 3.55:1 was optional from the factory.
The front suspension is independent with a solid rear axle — classic Mustang architecture. Standard safety features include front-seat side airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control, with the NHTSA awarding the 2008 Mustang 5 stars in frontal crash tests. Tires are P235/50R18 on 18-inch alloy wheels standard, with P235/55R17 on 17-inch wheels optional.
2008 Mustang GT Specs: Dimensions and Fuel Economy
The 2008 Mustang GT coupe measures 187.6 inches long, 73.9 inches wide, and 55.4 inches tall on a 107.1-inch wheelbase. Curb weight is 3,483 lbs for the coupe, cargo space is 13.0 cubic feet, and seating accommodates four passengers. The fuel tank holds 16.0 gallons (16.6 on some variants).
EPA fuel economy rates at 15 MPG city, 23 MPG highway, and 18 MPG combined — typical for a high-performance V8 muscle car of this era. Range works out to about 240 miles in the city or 368 miles on the highway.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.6L SOHC 3-valve V8 |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,750 rpm |
| Torque | 320 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual (TR-3650) / optional 5-speed auto |
| Curb Weight | 3,483 lbs (coupe) |
| Fuel Economy | 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.0 gal |
| Final Drive | 3.31:1 standard (3.55:1 optional) |
Trims, Packages, and Common Mistakes
The 2008 Mustang GT came in GT Deluxe and GT Premium trims. The GT Premium added leather interior, dual power heated seats, and upgraded audio. The GT Deluxe coupe started at $27,035 MSRP, with the GT convertible typically running $2,000–$3,000 more. If you’re shopping for one today, our top picks for the 08 Mustang GT can help you find the best options.
Several special packages were available. The Bullitt package boosted output to 315 hp and 325 lb-ft, available in Dark Highland Green or Black. The California Special was another GT-based appearance package. Higher-performance variants included the Shelby GT at 319 hp and the Shelby GT500 with a 5.4L supercharged V8 rated at 500 hp; the GT500KR topped the lineup at 540 hp.
New for 2008: a GT Appearance Package with non-functional hood scoop, rolled chrome exhaust tips, and a decorative engine cover. The Warriors in Pink package donated $500 per sale to breast cancer research. An auxiliary audio input jack became standard across all models for the first time that year.
Common mistakes to avoid: the 2008 GT uses a 4.6L V8, not the 5.0L Coyote introduced in 2011, and not the 5.4L Shelby engine. The manual is a 5-speed TR-3650, not the 6-speed TR-6060 found in the Shelby GT500. The standard final drive is 3.31:1, not the 3.55:1 used in earlier model years.
FAQs
GT vs Bullitt Difference
The Bullitt is a GT-based package with a higher-output version of the 4.6L V8 rated at 315 hp and 325 lb-ft, available only in Dark Highland Green or Black with unique badging. It’s one of several special GT variants for 2008 alongside the California Special and Shelby GT.
Fuel Requirements for the GT
No, the 4.6L V8 in the 2008 Mustang GT runs on regular unleaded fuel — no premium required. The higher-performance Shelby variants have different requirements, but the standard GT is designed for everyday regular gas without any power loss.
Transmission Options
The standard transmission is a 5-speed manual (TR-3650), with a 5-speed automatic as the only factory option. The Shelby GT500 uses a heavier-duty 6-speed manual (TR-6060), but the standard GT and Bullitt both use the 5-speed TR-3650.
References & Sources
- Car and Driver. “2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT Coupe Specs.” Confirms engine specifications, transmission options, and final drive ratio for the 2008 Mustang GT.