To be sure, there won't be much on the latest version of the Ford Mustang convertible when it arrives in April that wasn't on the previous model or even the one before that.
But they were pretty competent and well-equipped cars in their own right, so it's not like they really needed anything added. And they do hold the positions of least-expensive V-6 and 300-hp convertibles (at $27,995 and $36,795, respectively), which should give them an edge with two different kinds of buyers.
What the new Mustang convertible does offer to potential buyers is a level of sophistication that surpasses anything the kicking horse brand has reached in the past.
As a result, the 2005 Mustang ragtop will be stiffer, quieter and generally less harsh than anything to come before. That may not sound very important if you've been wading through the snow and are dreaming of dropping the top on the first nice day in spring and heading out to catch some of Sol's warmth, but it will be important to you over the long haul.
The key attributes to this higher degree of sophistication are all the result of Ford re-engineering the venerable Mustang platform with an eye to ''reducing or eliminating compromises'' in this coupe-based convertible.
As a result, the body tends to twist less than the previous convertible did when the car encounters bumps, and the top fits better to reduce wind intrusion and noise, and roof flap.
More than that, Ford says the new convertible will also have improved air flow and that should reduce both noise and wind buffeting, which will make the experience of outdoor driving less wearing.
Overall, Ford claims that the new model, which is the first in a string of new ''specialty'' Mustangs, is the ''most solid, best-handling, and most refined open-air version yet of this American legend.''
The 2005 Mustang convertible was designed from the ground up to deliver a more rigid body structure without adding burdensome weight, says John Jelinek, Ford of Canada's vice-president of communications.
''This was accomplished by engineering it in tandem with the coupe,'' Jelinek explains. ''An added benefit of this process was that it provided the car with a cohesive, integrated look, not look like a coupe that has undergone reconstructive surgery to become a convertible.''
As well as sealing better than did those of previous models, the fabric top also affords superior rearward visibility, says Jelinek. ''Ford engineers designed an innovative z-fold top that gives the Mustang convertible a finished appearance even with the top down.''
Jelinek points out that the 2005 Mustang convertible ''shares the coupe's bold, aggressive look with the signature long hood, short deck and classic design cues. There's an unmistakable hint of Mustang notchbacks of yesteryear in the convertible's profile and stance -- with the same athletic proportions, save for today's bigger, wider wheels and tires -- that make it look as good at rest as it does at speed.''
As strong as he believes Mustang's exterior style to be, Jelinek is quick to make the point that the four-seat car also ''makes a statement with its dramatic interior that's quiet and comfortable.''
He says the ''smartly engineered convertible platform has more than twice the torsional stiffness of the previous version, helping make it the most quiet and solid drop-top Mustang ever produced. The squeaks, shakes and rattles -- common on cars without fixed metal roofs -- are startlingly missing from the 2005 Mustang convertible.''
Rearward visibility, a common issue with fabric tops, is also improved, Jelinek says. The 2005 Mustang convertible comes with a wide glass backlite (including a defroster), full quarter windows and slim C-pillars, all of which offer the driver a better view.
But they were pretty competent and well-equipped cars in their own right, so it's not like they really needed anything added. And they do hold the positions of least-expensive V-6 and 300-hp convertibles (at $27,995 and $36,795, respectively), which should give them an edge with two different kinds of buyers.
What the new Mustang convertible does offer to potential buyers is a level of sophistication that surpasses anything the kicking horse brand has reached in the past.
As a result, the 2005 Mustang ragtop will be stiffer, quieter and generally less harsh than anything to come before. That may not sound very important if you've been wading through the snow and are dreaming of dropping the top on the first nice day in spring and heading out to catch some of Sol's warmth, but it will be important to you over the long haul.
The key attributes to this higher degree of sophistication are all the result of Ford re-engineering the venerable Mustang platform with an eye to ''reducing or eliminating compromises'' in this coupe-based convertible.
As a result, the body tends to twist less than the previous convertible did when the car encounters bumps, and the top fits better to reduce wind intrusion and noise, and roof flap.
More than that, Ford says the new convertible will also have improved air flow and that should reduce both noise and wind buffeting, which will make the experience of outdoor driving less wearing.
Overall, Ford claims that the new model, which is the first in a string of new ''specialty'' Mustangs, is the ''most solid, best-handling, and most refined open-air version yet of this American legend.''
The 2005 Mustang convertible was designed from the ground up to deliver a more rigid body structure without adding burdensome weight, says John Jelinek, Ford of Canada's vice-president of communications.
''This was accomplished by engineering it in tandem with the coupe,'' Jelinek explains. ''An added benefit of this process was that it provided the car with a cohesive, integrated look, not look like a coupe that has undergone reconstructive surgery to become a convertible.''
As well as sealing better than did those of previous models, the fabric top also affords superior rearward visibility, says Jelinek. ''Ford engineers designed an innovative z-fold top that gives the Mustang convertible a finished appearance even with the top down.''
Jelinek points out that the 2005 Mustang convertible ''shares the coupe's bold, aggressive look with the signature long hood, short deck and classic design cues. There's an unmistakable hint of Mustang notchbacks of yesteryear in the convertible's profile and stance -- with the same athletic proportions, save for today's bigger, wider wheels and tires -- that make it look as good at rest as it does at speed.''
As strong as he believes Mustang's exterior style to be, Jelinek is quick to make the point that the four-seat car also ''makes a statement with its dramatic interior that's quiet and comfortable.''
He says the ''smartly engineered convertible platform has more than twice the torsional stiffness of the previous version, helping make it the most quiet and solid drop-top Mustang ever produced. The squeaks, shakes and rattles -- common on cars without fixed metal roofs -- are startlingly missing from the 2005 Mustang convertible.''
Rearward visibility, a common issue with fabric tops, is also improved, Jelinek says. The 2005 Mustang convertible comes with a wide glass backlite (including a defroster), full quarter windows and slim C-pillars, all of which offer the driver a better view.