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2005 Mustang Convertible Preview

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Khatir Soltani

Standard are P215/65R16 96T tires on 16 by 7-inch alloy wheels, with the GT getting 17-inch rims and P235/55ZR17 98W

Besides bigger wheels and tires, the GT also comes equipped with a sport-tuned suspension. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)
performance tires. The GT also comes equipped with a sport-tuned suspension featuring a 34 mm tubular front stabilizer bar upgrade from the stock 28.6 mm component, and the addition of an 18 mm stabilizer bar in the rear where none is present in V6 trim. Both suspension systems incorporate reverse-L independent MacPherson struts up front and a 3-link solid axle setup with coil springs and a Panhard rod in the rear.

Steering is power actuated rack-and-pinion, with a tight 2.83 turns lock-to-lock in the GT and 3.13 in the V6. The latter offers a slightly tighter turning radius, however, at 11.0 meters (36 feet) compared to 11.6 meters (38 feet) for the GT, making it more maneuverable in parking situations.

Ford has upgraded the Convertible's unibody for safety reasons, reinforced with the automaker's Personal Safety

Ford has upgraded the Convertible's unibody for safety reasons, reinforced with the automaker's Personal Safety System (PSS). (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)
System (PSS). The addition of standard 4-wheel vented disc brakes, 300 by 30 mm (11.8 by 1.2 inches) of swept area in front and rear in V6 trim, and 316 by 30 mm (12.4 by 1.2 inches) in front and 293 by 19 mm (11.4 by 0.8 inches) in the rear when upgraded to the GT, should make for controllable stops just as they did in coupe trim. All calipers are 43 mm and floating, with those in front twin-piston and aluminum and those out back single-piston and iron. ABS is an option, just like the coupe, and when chosen comes with traction control.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
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