Carsales Staff•28 Mar 2014
NEWS
Ford lifts lid on Mustang Convertible
Full details now disclosed for soft-top pony car first unveiled in Sydney last yearThe convertible has always been a small but indispensable element of the Mustang range, as Ford is quick to tell you.
"Convertible tops and iconic sports cars like Mustang have always been a great pairing," says Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer.
"This is the best convertible we've ever built with a one-of-a-kind design that is instantly recognisable as Mustang and an outstanding all-around driving experience," boasted Pericak.
Based on the new generation (2015) Mustang coupe, the convertible was first revealed in Sydney late last year, at Ford's global promotional event.
Ford has now released further information about the drop-top model, which features an electro-mechanical system to raise or lower the fabric roof. Operated manually from a centrally-located handle and latch, the roof folds back in half the time required by the system in the previous (current) model, Ford claims.
The roof itself features a fabric outer layer, with additional lining inside to insulate against heat and noise. Ford has developed the roof to occupy less space in the boot when folded down, and, along with the new independent rear suspension, frees up 19 per cent more space for luggage – enough for two golf bags, according to the manufacturer.
Both the convertible and coupe body styles were developed in parallel, says Joel Piaskowski, exterior design director, but the convertible's styling has not been compromised.
"From the start, we committed to giving Mustang convertible a unique look from the fastback with the clean, cohesive design it deserved," Piaskowski was quoted saying in a press release.
"From the raised and straightened muscle line on the rear haunches to the recontoured trunklid, the new Mustang convertible has a more linear quality whether the top is up or down, giving the car its own distinct presence on the road."
"A great deal of effort went into details such as the shape of the rear quarter windows so that they could drop completely out of sight when the top is down," said Piaskowski. "The top system was carefully refined to prevent unsightly folds or 'ears' at the rear corners of the roof when it's up."
Importantly, however, the convertible's torsional rigidity is improved by 13 per cent, for better crash safety and dynamic ability.
Like the coupe, the convertible will be powered by a 2.3-litre (EcoBoost) four-cylinder or a 5.0-litre V8. As with all Mustangs since the car's introduction back in 1964, the new model drives to the rear wheels – but in 2015 it's via the medium of six-speed transmissions, either manual or auto.
The EcoBoost engine delivers performance akin to a much larger engine, but with reduced fuel use overall. It's just one measure Ford has adopted to keep fuel consumption low. Styling is another measure, with Ford engineers fine-tuning the Mustang's front end for optimal aerodynamic efficiency, which also benefits handling and roadholding.
"The best part is that they met the challenge of creating the sleekest Mustang yet without resorting to a characterless teardrop shape," says Pericak.
Reducing aerodynamic drag around the front wheels without employing skirts called for an innovative solution, which presented itself in the form of 'aero curtains'. Vertical slots either end of the front apron direct high-speed airflow through the front wheel arches and across outer face of each wheel, generating an aerodynamic buffer for each wheel, just like a skirt but without being a material fixture.
Airflow through the grille is also managed carefully, with an active shutter to direct only as much air as the engine needs for cooling into the engine bay. While active grille shutters have been a feature of other Fords in the recent past, it remains a novel development in a rear-wheel drive car from the blue oval brand.
Tags
Ford
Mustang
Car News
Sedan
Performance Cars
Written byCarsales Staff
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
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