2005 Ford Mustang Convertible Preview

The premium V6 model is priced at $25,320 and adds 16-inch machined aluminum wheels with chrome spinners, a Shaker 500 audio system with a six-disc CD changer and MP3 capability and a six-way power adjustable driver seat. Option and appearance packages available on all Mustang V6 models include an exterior sport appearance package, interior upgrade package, 5-speed automatic transmission, antilock brakes with all-speed traction control, side airbags, leather seating surfaces and an active anti-theft system.

GT Convertible buyers will get a 300-horsepower, 4.6-liter SOHC 3-valve V8 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission, four-wheel-disc brakes with four-channel antilock braking and all-speed traction control. Also standard is a stainless steel dual exhaust, front fog lamps, a rear spoiler, and a tilt steering wheel. The GT is also equipped with 17-inch painted cast aluminum wheels with Z-rated performance tires, air conditioning, dual power mirrors, rear window defroster, AM/FM stereo with CD player, power door locks with remote keyless entry, and power windows with driver and passenger one-touch up/down.

The GT Premium model is priced at $31,175. The Premium trim adds a Shaker 500 audio system with six-disc CD player and MP3 capability and Aberdeen leather-trimmed embossed sport bucket seats. Options available include an interior upgrade package, interior color enhancement package, 5-speed automatic transmission, side airbags, 17-inch bright-machined aluminum wheels, an active anti-theft system, and a Shaker 1000 audio system.

So the seat and the stereo on the premium model will move your backside in a multitude of directions. Nice. The look of all of 'em will move your feet and get your heart rapping out a tune, just as the Mustang coupe has for so many people. Even with a soft top, the profile of the vehicle remains similar -- and with the top down, the 2005 Mustang's striking design feels natural, as if it were always intended to be a convertible.

Ford maintains that the coupe was, indeed, designed with the convertible in mind, and it shows. According to Phil Martens, group vice president for product creation, the convertible version adds only 120 lbs. to the weight of the Mustang -- a manageable weight difference made possible by the already sturdy nature and stiffness of the coupe. Indeed, the 2005 Mustang convertible shares its suspension geometry and almost all of its suspension tuning with the coupe. The result is a convertible that is quiet on the road and suffers little by way of acceleration and performance