2005 Ford Mustang Review

Specifications

California Special

For more reasons than merely the current chilly climate experienced in much of the U.S., I have fond memories of a trip I took last summer to Los Angeles. Spending time in the land of eternal sunshine (other than the torrential downpours and resultant flooding it has experienced this winter, of course) isnt anything new, but rolling through Hollywood in Fords hot new Mustang coupe with everyone gawking, pointing and giving their enthusiastic thumbs up, before tackling the legendary twists and turns of Mulholland Drive, was truly special.

Come to think of it, the only thing that could top it off would be doing the same in a ragtop. While I dont know if Ford will use the popular backdrop for the upcoming automotive press ride and drive of its 2005 Mustang Convertible, it wisely chose the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show to introduce its sporty drop-top to the press yesterday, and public when the event opens on Friday, January 7th.

If you were expecting something radically different from the new hardtop, such as the bright red Mustang GT concept convertible that debuted at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, youll need to wait for one of the many special editions Ford will without doubt offer in the years to come. The majority of new car buyers, however, will find the 2005 Mustang Convertible mighty desirable all on its own.

Of course, along with the many styling cues, the drop-top Mustang inherits the new coupes updated architecture, athletic V6 and V8 powertrains, stylish interior treatments, and all-American attitude.

Like the coupe, the V8-powered Mustang Convertible will get the GT designation, and also like the coupe both 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic versions will be available with either engine.

Both are good transmissions with my preference being the stick. Its smooth shifting, with intervals that match either engine ideally. I remember not even minding that only five forward gears were featured, as the 4.0L V6, with its impressive 210-horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 240 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, made optimal use of the cogs at hand. Incidentally, the new V6 is made in Cologne, Germany.

Obviously the 300-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 was even more entertaining, producing ample torque from just about anywhere in the rev range thanks to variable camshaft timing, with a total of 320 lb-ft peaking out at 4,500 rpm, well shy of the engines 6,250 rpm redline. Its high-rpm capability is sign enough of its overhead cam technology, this one using a singular system on each bank of cylinders rather than the dual overhead cam setup boasted by some of the Mustangs rivals.

Also, the V8 delivers an extra valve per cylinder over the V6, but still this might seem a bit shy of 4- or even 5-valve heads import buyers are used to. Nonetheless, 3-valve technology has proven to be a good compromise of performance and fuel economy, especially around town. The technicians in the crowd will be impressed with Fords use of cracked powdered metal connecting rods with floating wristpins in the V8, compared to forged steel connectors in the V6, and hypereutectic aluminum pistons in both.

I expect the new Convertible to be similar in driving feel to the coupe I tested last summer, despite losing its top in the conversion process. Ford says that both models were developed simultaneously, and through the process was able to make the torsional rigidity of the Convertibles underbody nearly double that of the coupe. That makes it the stiffest, quietest Mustang convertible every produced, while still weighing in less and costing less than its predecessor.

Ive spent a reasonable amount of time in the previous generation Mustang Convertible, and despite offering attractive styling and a fair bit of get up and go, it rattled, squeaked and twisted under the engines load during takeoff. This wont be a problem for the new car, while ride and handling will be the greatest payoff.

In typical Mustang fashion the front suspension is independent while the rear incorporates a live axle. Although seemingly archaic compared to the fully independent chassis that most rivals boast, the various Mustang coupes I drove during the launch were wonderfully nimble, controllable and even predictable at the limit.

Standard are P215/65R16 96T tires on 16 by 7-inch alloy wheels, with the GT getting 17-inch rims and P235/55ZR17 98W performance tires. The GT also comes equipped with a sport-tuned suspension featuring a 1.3 inch (34 mm) tubular front stabilizer bar upgrade from the stock 1.1 inch (28.6 mm) component, and the addition of an 0.7 inch (18 mm) stabilizer bar in the rear where none is present in V6 trim. Both suspension systems incorporate reverse-L independent MacPherson struts up front and a 3-link solid axle setup with coil springs and a Panhard rod in the rear.

Steering is power actuated rack-and-pinion, with a tight 2.83 turns lock-to-lock in the GT and 3.13 in the V6. The latter offers a slightly tighter turning radius, however, at 36 feet compared to 38 feet for the GT, making it more maneuverable in parking situations.

Ford has upgraded the Convertibles unibody for safety reasons, reinforced with the automakers Personal Safety System (PSS). The addition of standard 4-wheel vented disc brakes, 11.8 by 1.2 inches of swept area in front and rear in V6 trim, and 12.4 by 1.2 inches in front and 11.4 by 0.8 inches in the rear when upgraded to the GT, should make for controllable stops just as they did in coupe trim. All calipers are 1.7 inches (43 mm) and floating, with those in front twin-piston and aluminum and those out back single-piston and iron. ABS is an option, just like the coupe, and when chosen comes with traction control.

Joining the standard dual-stage frontal airbags are new optional seat-deployed driver and front-passenger side-impact airbags. Additionally, all seating positions get 3-way safety belts, with those up front getting height-adjustable lap and shoulder belts with load-limiting retractors and pyrotechnic pretensioners.

Of less critical significance, the new Convertible comes well equipped in base V6 trim. Standard features include a 4-speaker, AM/FM audio system with a single CD/MP3 player, power windows and door locks with remote access, air conditioning, tilt steering and more.

Options are a plenty, highlighted by leather seating surfaces, an active anti-theft system with perimeter alarm, separate alarm sounder, anti-tow sensor and ultrasonic interior motion sensor, plus two stereo upgrades, starting with a Shaker 100 system, incorporating an AM/FM radio and 6-disc in-dash CD/MP3 changer, or a more powerful Shaker 500 audio system with AM/FM radio, 6-disc in-dash CD/MP3 changer.

An interior upgrade package adds a bright-polished 6-gauge instrument cluster with Fords “My Color” feature that allows the driver to set multiple instrument background colors, just for fun. Also included, is a leather-wrapped shift knob and satin aluminum register vents, steering-wheel spokes, I/P, door latches and door scuff plate. The package also adds a message center, leather-wrapped steering wheel and Dark Charcoal Aberdeen pattern front door panel inserts.

I also like the Dark Charcoal paint scheme with the optional interior color accent package, which includes retro red leather seating surfaces, front door-trim inserts and floor mats.

Other interior colors include Medium Parchment and Light Graphite, while the exterior palette serves up Torch Red, Redfire Red, Screaming Yellow, Satin Silver, Sonic Blue, a personal favorite, Windveil Green, Legend Lime, another personal favorite, Mineral Grey, Performance White and Black.

An exterior sport appearance package dresses up the Mustang Convertible with a rear spoiler and sport tape stripe on the lower rocker panels.

Just like on premium drop-tops, the new Mustang Convertible comes equipped with “short-drop” door glass, that automatically drops downward a short distance to allow the door to be opened or closed, sealing tightly when it pops back upwards into position when shut. The entire new “floating” 5-bow power folding top is said to offer “a more robust sealing system”, which Ford says “provides a noticeable reduction in wind noise of the 2004 model”. It also should do a better job of keeping moisture outside of the cabin.

When folded, the roof design includes a black cloth “boot” to cover the fabric top and “Z” folding mechanisms. The Mustang Convertible also comes equipped with an optional, stored cover.

Personally, I like the design of the roof when in place as much as when its dropped. The rear window is glass, just like the old car, but there seems to be more of the clear stuff available, while rear quarter windows reduce the size of the C-pillar and therefore increase visibility as well.

While not immediately noticeable, the Convertible features a different windshield rake than the coupe, incorporating a flatter slope which optimizes airflow over driver and passengers, which according to Ford eliminates the necessity of a supplemental wind blocker - normally positioned in the rear seating area.

Ford also promises its new Mustang Convertible will be affordable, something it has been able to deliver on with the new coupe version.

The AutoAlliance International assembly facility in Flat Rock, Michigan, a joint venture between Ford and Mazda, will begin producing the new Mustang variant soon, before becoming available this spring.

To me, its the best looking convertible in its category for sure, and one of the most attractive drop-tops available at any price. With its poised undercarriage, athletic acceleration and solid construction, the 2005 Mustang Convertible looks like another winner from Ford.