Ford Talks 2015 Mustang Convertible Design, Features

Described as a “fantastic way to escape the daily grind of life and hit the open road”, the 2015 Mustang Convertible isn’t just a fastback with its roof chopped off. Both cars were designed and engineered from the ground up and thus feature a range of subtle differences.

"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," explains Joel Piaskowski, exterior design director.

Besides the discreet styling modifications, the new Mustang Convertible also gained a full fabric outer layer for the roof and a full inner headliner to enclose the structure. That’s a first for the iconic pony, whose roof also features a 10mm thick insulation pad that helps reduce cabin noise when the top is up.

More compact when compared to the previous generation Mustang, the new roof, coupled with the independent rear suspension, allows for more trunk space - 11.4 cubic feet that can hold “two golf bags even with the premium audio system.”

Folding the top into the spacious trunk is easier than ever, according to Ford, who says it has fitted the car with a new center-mounted single latch that can be operated from the driver’s seat. When using the button mounted on the center console, the roof is being raised or lowered by a new electromechanical drive system that’s twice as fast then the one fitted on the previous model. And it’s much quieter too.

Moving over to some of the engineering that’s been put into this attractive summer ride, the Mustang Convertible was built using high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels, just like the fastback model. Torsion stiffness has been increased by 13 percent for a stable platform that provides a more refined ride quality and improved handling.

"This is the best convertible we've ever built with a one-of-a-kind design that is instantly recognizable as Mustang and an outstanding all-around driving experience,” concluded Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer.

The convertible version of the 2015 Ford Mustang will be offered with the same engines fitted in the fastback version. A base 3.7-liter V6 that will generate at least 300 hp and 270 lb-ft, a 2.3-liter EcoBoost that’s estimated to deliver more than 305 hp and 300 lb-ft, and a Coyote V8 that will produce more than 420 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.