2006 Mustang Convertible Road and Track Test

And while on the track it gave me comfort to know that Ford had upgraded the Convertible's unibody for safety reasons,

The new Mustang is not only one of the best looking soft-tops on the market, but one of the best to drive as well, even in base six-cylinder guise. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

reinforced with the automaker's Personal Safety System (PSS). The addition of standard 4-wheel vented disc brakes made for controllable stops on the road and track, exactly as they did in coupe trim. I was surprised, actually, that the brakes stood up as well as they did considering the punishing journalists were putting them through, all day at the track. The only car to experience any problems was a modified Saleen S281, which was moving along at a much faster pace than the regular GTs due to a 440-horsepower supercharged engine upgrade - I'll do a special report on this car later. At the end of a long, hot day, I couldn't help but appreciate what Ford has managed to accomplish. The new car is not only one of the best looking soft-tops on the market, but one of the best to drive as well, even in base six-cylinder guise. And at this price, the only four-seat ragtop that comes cheaper is the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible. What about two-seat roadsters? The new Pontiac Solstice will be less expensive, but Mazda's MX-5 Miata is exactly the same price, meaning some import buyers will no doubt be swayed by the bigger American's value proposition, and cool as Steve McQueen image enhancement capabilities. I know I am.

Specifications:

• Price Range (V6 - GT): $27,995 - $42,845
• Body Type: 2-door convertible
• Layout: front engine, RWD
• Base Engine: 210-hp, 240 lb-ft of torque, 4.0L, 12-valve, SOHC V6
• Optional Engine: 300-hp, 320 lb-ft of torque, 4.6L, 24-valve, SOHC V8
• Transmission: 5-spd manual (optional electronic-overdrive equipped 5-spd auto)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc (optional ABS)
• Curb Weight: 1,577 - 1,659 kg (3,476 - 3,658 lbs)
• Acceleration (estimated 0 - 100 km/h): 5.0 seconds (GT)
• Top Speed (GT): 230 km/h (143 mph)
• Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,775 / 1,877 / 1,415 / 2,720 mm (188.0 / 73.9 / 55.7 / 107.1 in)
• Seating Capacity: 4
• Cargo Volume: 275 L
• Fuel Economy (estimated V6 manual city/hwy): 12.4 / 8.4 L/100 km
• Fuel Economy (estimated V6 auto city/hwy): 12.4 / 9.4 L/100 km
• Fuel Economy (estimated V8 manual city/hwy): 13.8 / 9.4 L/100 km
• Fuel Economy (estimated V8 auto city/hwy): 13.1 / 10.2 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, Pontiac G6 Convertible, Toyota Solara Convertible
• Web Site: www.ford.ca