2017 Ford Mustang Convertible

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Ford Media Center

For 2017, the Ford Mustang Convertible offers high performance with a sleek design and innovative technologies.

Performance
The way Mustang Convertible looks, drives and sounds is key to the visceral experience that makes drivers just want to get in the driver’s seat and hit the road. The 2017 Mustang offers four, six, and eight-cylinder engines that each produce at least 300 horsepower.

Enthusiast customers will continue to enjoy the original pony car’s range of powerful engines. The standard 3.7-liter V6 offers up 300 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, while the available 2.3-liter EcoBoost puts out 310 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter V8 engine kicks out 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. All Mustang models come with a dual exhaust system.

The Mustang’s EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver plenty of usable performance across a broad RPM range. A unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect with 310 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque.

Mustang GT continues with the throaty 5.0-liter V8, now featuring an upgraded valve train and cylinder heads that help boost output to 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. A new intake manifold features charge motion control valves to partially close off port flow at lower engine speeds. This increases the air charge tumble and swirl for improved air-fuel
mixing resulting in improved efficiency and idle stability.

With 300 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque on tap from the standard 3.7-liter V6, even the most accessible Mustang delivers the performance customers expect. Drivers will appreciate smoother shifts from the updated manual gearbox, while a reworked automatic transmission features new steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for drivers who want the choice between convenience and control.

Exterior and Interior
The clean-sheet design of the Mustang Convertible evokes the essential character of the brand, retaining key design elements, including the long-sculpted hood and short rear deck with contemporary execution. Modeled after the classic Convertible, the 2017 Ford Mustang has a sleek, sporty, aerodynamic look, standard HID headlamps, and tri-bar LED taillamps with sequential turn signals

Several key design features define the 2017 Mustang, including, a lower, wider stance, wider rear fenders and track, three-dimensional, tri-bar tail-lamps with sequential turn signals and a contemporary execution of the signature shark-bite front fascia and trapezoidal grille.

The information and controls an active driver needs are all readily accessible in the aviation-inspired cockpit, which is executed with the highest degree of craftsmanship ever found in a Mustang. Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomier cabin, while improved ergonomics and tactile switches and knobs provide better control.

Carving up the curves
The 2017 Mustang chassis features an integral link independent rear suspension that helps minimize body roll and isolate road imperfections for a responsive ride and precise handling. At the front, a perimeter sub frame helps to stiffen the structure while reducing mass, providing a better foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits steering and ride.

The double-ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of larger, more powerful brakes. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for this high-performance application. Aluminum rear knuckles help reduce un-sprung mass for improved ride and handling.

Smarter than your average pony
The Mustang features a significant amount of innovative technologies providing drivers with enhanced information, control and connectivity when they want it. From Intelligent Access with push-button start to SYNC and MyKey in every Mustang built, plus standard Track Apps, MyColor gauges and a Shaker Pro Audio System, drivers will be able to customize their time behind the wheel.

The feeling of freedom and confidence Mustang instills in its drivers is amplified when they can take control of how the car behaves. On a twisty back road or a weekend track day, the driver can tap the toggle switches on the console to quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings using the available Selectable Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time.

The advanced Ford-developed stability control system is tuned to maximize Mustang’s dynamic capabilities. When the time comes to turn up the wick at the track, Mustang GT includes standard launch control on manual-transmission models that enables drivers to achieve smooth, consistent starts every time.

When it’s time to back off and relax for the drive home, available advanced driver-assist features including Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control can help ease the load, while SYNC AppLink lets drivers control their smartphone apps to listen to their favorite form of entertainment.

Summary
Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car; the visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonates with people, even if they’ve never driven on. The clean-sheet design of the Mustang fastback evokes the essential character of the brand, retaining key design elements including the long-sculpted hood and short rear deck with contemporary execution.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $35,695.00 for the 2017 Ford Mustang Convertible Premium, the EcoBoost’s 2.3-liter direct-injected and turbocharged engine produced 310 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, and can be paired to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The automatic equipped I tested is EPA rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Ford.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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