2005 Ford Mustang Convertible: Enthusiast
 "We are very proud of the new Mustang V-8. I think enthusiasts are going to be thrilled at how it takes the MOD V-8 to a new level, and brings 300 horsepower to the masses." – Terry Wagner, Manager, Ford Modular V-8 Engines |
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From a stiff chassis that responds precisely to a driver's
inputs, to powerful engines and smooth shifting manual or automatic
transmissions, right down to an advanced live axle rear suspension,
big brakes and beefy wheels and tires, the 2005 Mustang convertible
makes no compromises when it comes to honest Mustang
performance.
Better still – like the coupe – there's no
mistaking it's a Mustang through and through. The convertible takes
the same clean, muscular lines
from the fastback and – thanks to its striking roofline – adds the
kind of traditional profile and attitude that made the Mustang
"notchbacks" of yesteryear such a popular choice of enthusiasts.
POWER AND HANDLING IN A DESIRABLE DROP
TOP
The 2005 Mustang convertible is the most quiet,
best-performing and most solid Mustang convertible ever
built.
Driving enthusiasts know all too well that the vastly
increased weight and reduced structural integrity of some drop tops
over their hard top derivatives sometimes force manufacturers to
restrict performance capability. Often it's a matter of a detuned
engine, or the lack of a manual transmission, and even a softened
suspension or lower numeric final drive ratio – that one must suffer
for the sake of drivability or durability in convertible
models.
The culprit here is usually weight (some 300 pounds
or more) that is added during the conversion of a typical hardtop
into a drop top – much of it due to tacking on all types of
structural reinforcements to make up for the lack of roof
structure.
But because the 2005 Mustang convertible's body
structure was engineered from the beginning as both coupe and
convertible, there wasn't much need for large-scale added bracing
and reinforcing after the fact. Subsequently, weight-gain over the
coupe was kept to a minimum (only approximately 175 pounds), so the
new Mustang convertible doesn't have to make major compromises when
it comes to performance.
The improved body stiffness also
contributes to the 2005 Mustang convertible's enhanced driving
performance. While the coupe's body structure is 31 percent stiffer
in torsional rigidity, the convertible's is more than twice that. A
stiff chassis allows the suspensions to give better inputs to the
driver, which results in crisper handling at all speeds.
More
good news is that the 300-horsepower V-8 engine standard in the
Mustang GT coupe makes the same 300 horsepower in the Mustang GT
convertible. The same applies to the 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 in
the base coupe. And with the convertible's added weight kept to a
bare minimum, fewer suspension modifications are needed, meaning the
handling you experience driving a Mustang convertible will be far
closer to that of the coupe than ever before.
 Mustang convertible features the same three-link solid axle with coil springs and Panhard rod rear suspension architecture that debuted to positive reviews on the coupe model last fall. |
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Engineers opted for a three-link architecture with a Panhard rod that provides precise control over the rear axle. A central torque control arm is fastened to the upper front end of the differential, while trailing arms are located near each end of the axle.
The solid rear axle offers several other advantages that play to Mustang's strengths. It is robust, maintains constant track, toe-in and camber relative to the road surface, and it keeps body roll well under control – all important factors in the overall driving experience of a Mustang convertible.
In short, the Mustang's sophisticated rear geometry provides handling precision and performance worthy of a modern muscle car. But that doesn't mean all of the roadgoing fun has been dialed out of the new model. Keeping enthusiasts in mind, Ford chassis and powertrain engineers worked together to make sure owners of the new Mustang can still "chirp" the rear tires when the spirit moves them.
Up front, Mustang engineers decided on using a coil-over MacPherson suspension with reverse "L" lower control arms made of lightweight I-section steel. The result is better tire contact with the road surface for surefooted handling with increased ride comfort.
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 Front brakes on the 2005 Mustang convertible are 12.4-inch diameter vented discs, with twin-piston floating aluminum calipers. |
Bigger usually means better when it comes to brakes, but that's only part of the story behind the Mustang convertible's sophisticated standard four-wheel-disc brake system.
Along with the Mustang GT's biggest-ever rotors and stiffest calipers comes a new, 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS). Standard on GT convertible and optional on V-6, it enhances braking performance and helps prevent wheel lock-up thanks to electronic brake force distribution (EBD), which distributes the braking forces to the corners where it is needed most.
The available traction control (standard on GT models) enhances all-weather performance, but this system is tuned a bit different: On dry pavement, the system allows more wheel slip under acceleration so you can still get a "squak" when spirited driving begins. In slippery conditions, the system acts more aggressively to help maintain greater stability. And total deactivation comes with a push of a button.
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 The exhaust system for the 2005 Mustang convertible features true 2.5-inch-diameter dual pipes with stainless steel tips. |