"The foundation for the new Mustang convertible is a high-strength steel bodyshell that's safe and secure but, best of all, the vehicle's confident driving dynamics can help drivers avoid accidents in the first place." – Keith Knudsen, Mustang Package Supervisor

Common sense recognizes that the most survivable accident is the accident avoided. With its all-new structure, suspension and braking systems, the 2005 Ford Mustang convertible helps drivers become more capable in this important first phase of safety. Responsive, precise handling, coupled with high levels of overall grip and the strongest brakes ever fitted to a regular production Mustang, help give the driver the control that can turn an impending collision into just a close shave.

A STRONG SAFETY SHELL

The dramatic leap in body stiffness that contribute to the 2005 Mustang convertible's driving performance has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the coupe's body structure is 31 percent stiffer in torsional rigidity, the convertible's is more than twice as stiff as its predecessor.

Engineering a body with such a high degree of torsional stiffness creates a passenger "safety cage" that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion during an impact.

The front structure is designed to absorb energy in a controlled manner and help dissipate it before it can reach the passenger compartment. The 2005 Mustang's front rails have an octagonal shape designed to spread forces evenly at the firewall and progressively deform for increased protection in demanding, offset frontal crashes.

Combine a stiffer chassis with features such as optional all-speed traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Ford's Personal Safety System™ and overall safety is enhanced. Add in optional driver and front passenger side-impact air bags and Mustang provides a comprehensive safety package in a convertible with performance to match.

BACKED BY FORD'S PERSONAL SAFETY SYSTEM™

The 2005 Ford Mustang convertible comes standard with Ford's Personal Safety System™, a comprehensive safety technology package. The system provides increased protection in frontal crashes by analyzing crash factors and determining the proper response within milliseconds of an impact. The Personal Safety System™ utilizes dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags – capable of deploying at full or partial power – as well as safety belt pre-tensioners and energy management retractors.

Standard front passenger classification sensing builds on the strength of the Personal Safety System™ to tailor deployment of the front-passenger air bag. If the passenger seat sensor detects no weight – or very little weight, like a briefcase or purse – the passenger air bag is automatically deactivated. If more weight is detected on the seat, such as that of a small child, the air bag remains deactivated and an instrument panel light alerts the driver. If an adult is in the passenger seat, the air bag automatically switches on.

FIVE WAYS TO KEEP A MUSTANG IN YOUR STABLE

Driving an American icon has its benefits, one of them being the attention it brings. However, being the center of attention has a downside when thieves want your car. Mustang convertible's optional active anti-theft package is aimed at not only combating theft, it's also targeted at high-performance car insurance premiums.

1. Separate Alarm Sounder
Car thieves often begin by disabling the vehicle's horn to disarm the alarm system. So Mustang employs a separate, remotely located alarm sounder that makes it harder for thieves to disable the system and make off with the car or its contents.

2. Anti-Tow Sensor
To guard against the growing trend of tow-away theft, an inclination-sensing module records the vehicle's angle of inclination when the anti-theft system is armed. If the sensor detects a change in vehicle inclination, it sends a signal to the alarm system, which triggers a separate alarm sounder and flashes the car's lights to help guard against tow-away theft. This sensor can also detect whether one corner or side of the vehicle has been jacked up, to help guard against theft of tires and wheels.

3. Ultrasonic Interior Motion Sensor
To detect "smash-and-grab" break-ins, an ultrasonic interior motion sensor determines if glass has been broken or if someone has placed a hand or other object inside the car. If an intrusion is detected, the alarm sounder is activated and the exterior lights flash to help deter would-be thieves.

4. Perimeter Anti-Theft Protection
Perimeter anti-theft sensors also detect the opening of the hood, doors or trunk when the anti-theft system is armed. If the vehicle is parked and the window is rolled down, for example, the alarm is sounded if a would-be-thief tries to open the door to gain access.

5. High-Capacity Battery
A 60-ampere-hour battery is capable of sounding the alarm longer. This more powerful battery lends an extra measure of authority to the active anti-theft system and helps prevent battery run-down if the Mustang convertible's powerful audio system is used while the engine is off.