2015 Ford Mustang Convertible

ALL-NEW FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE – SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR MAXIMUM TOP-DOWN ENJOYMENT

◾All-new Ford Mustang convertible gets a unique design with a clean, cohesive shape that stands on its own
◾2015 Mustang convertible roof uses a new electromechanical drive and single-handle center latch to lower in half the time of the current car
◾Roof features a standard fabric outer layer and is fully lined and insulated for quieter ride
◾More compact roof and independent suspension contribute to segment-leading trunk space that can hold two golf bags - even with the premium audio system
Mar 26, 2014 | Dearborn, Mich. -- Designed from the wheels up to deliver maximum drop-top enjoyment, the all-new Ford Mustang convertible is a fantastic way to escape the daily grind of life and hit the open road. With its distinct style and a completely redesigned top system, drivers can enjoy the shining sun or sparkling stars quicker with all of the performance and character expected of Mustang.




Creating the new Mustang convertible involved far more than just slicing the top off the fastback. The two cars were designed and engineered from the ground up, incorporating an array of visually subtle, but important, changes to make sure each stood on its own while meeting increased standards of quality, performance and refinement.

'From the start, we committed to giving Mustang convertible a unique look from the fastback with the clean, cohesive design it deserved ,' said Joel Piaskowski, exterior design director. '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.'

Lowering the roof is easier than ever. A new center-mounted single latch offers quick one-handed operation right from the driver's seat. The new electromechanical drive system raises or lowers the roof in half the time required previously with just a press of a button on the center console. The electric drive system is also much quieter than the previous electro-hydraulic design.

'When you're sitting in the driveway or at a traffic light and you decide you want to enjoy some sunshine, you shouldn't have to wait around for the top to lower,' said Pericak. 'Our team worked to engineer a retractable roof that gets out of the way or closes up quickly and quietly.'

The combination of a more compact mechanism and lower beltline for the new Mustang means the Z-fold roof is flatter and tucked further out of the way than before. The highest point of the folded stack is now 6.7 inches lower than the outgoing Mustang, contributing to the sleeker and more sophisticated looking profile and better rear visibility for the driver.

A well-engineered top and dramatically upgraded cabin are just part of making a great convertible sports car. Like the fastback, Mustang convertible features significantly increased use of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels throughout the body structure.

Torsional stiffness of the convertible body has been increased by 13 percent to produce a more stable platform to better take advantage of the new fully independent suspension. The result is more refined ride quality over any road surface and significantly improved handling when pressed into the curves.

Mustang convertible inspires drivers to put the top down and hit the road, so having usable cargo space is a big plus. The more compact roof and flat load floor enabled by the new suspension boost trunk volume by 19 percent to a class-leading 11.4 cubic feet, big enough to swallow two large golf bags, even with the available premium audio subwoofer. The lower liftover height also makes it easier load up the trunk.

For 50 years, Mustang has combined sports-car performance with the ability to bring some friends along for the ride, and the new convertible makes this even easier. The wider rear of the new Mustang and the new top design contribute to more shoulder and hip room for rear-seat passengers.

2015 Ford Mustang
The all-new Mustang is the most advanced version yet of the iconic pony car. The sleek new design of Mustang fastback and convertible is backed up by world-class performance from a range of available engines including a new turbocharged EcoBoost® 2.3-liter and an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 with more than 420 horsepower and manual or automatic six-speed transmissions.

In addition to state-of-the-art connectivity systems, Mustang features available advanced driver-assist systems, track apps, launch control and more.

Source - Ford

When Ford launched their all-new Mustang, they had no idea what they had created. With an original annual sales projection of 100,000 units, Ford received over 22,000 orders the first day! Within two years, sales would approach 1.5 million, making the Ford Mustang one of the most successful launches ever. Ford had created an entirely new market segment. In addition to surpassing management, it left General Motors and Chrysler in the dust.

Reacting quickly to Ford's wildly popular Mustang, Chrysler would release the Valiant-based Barracuda, while General Motors would make an attempt to grab some attention with the Corvair. Neither approached the success of the Mustang.

The Mustang would face competitors that included the new Chevrolet Camaro, the Pontiac Firebird, the Dodge Challenger and even the American Motors Javelin. Each would enjoy some success, but none rivaling that of the Mustang. Eventually, each of these competitors would fade away. Although several have been resurrected, none have survived for 50 years of nonstop production.