Okay, it certainly wasn’t hard to imagine the upcoming 2018 Mustang sans roof, but here it is.
No, there’s no retractable hardtop or innovative Mazda MX-3-esque retractable fastback to be found on the upcoming convertible, as that might be a little too high-minded for the Blue Oval. As well, lower price points are a pony car tradition.
Like the hardtop Mustang that debuted earlier this week in Detroit, the convertible makes do with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that Ford engineers reworked to produce more torque, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission or new 10-speed automatic.
The same transmissions are available with the 5.0-liter V8 GT model. The eight-cylinder unit sees the addition of a dual port- and direct-injection system that should improve efficiency and power at all engine speeds. Available MagneRide suspension and an active-valve exhaust system that allows drivers to crank up the volume round top the model’s performance options.
Unfortunately, Ford hasn’t been forthcoming with extra information. Power figures remain a mystery, but the folks at Dearborn clearly want to keep fans on the edge of their seats, wanting more.
Both convertible and hardtop 2018 Mustangs go on sale this fall, by which time we’ll have all memorized the vehicle’s specifications.
[Image: Ford Motor Company]
I am getting strong Charger + XK vibes from that shot.
I saw one 4 days ago. Nice.
Ragtops rule, but give me a yellow Camaro. I can see out of it (when the top is down).
The Camaro looks a whole lot better as a convertible, I’d say.
Was not a fan of the Zeta platform Camaro convertible. Definitely great looking when the top is down and visibility sins are resolved.
I know a number of issues on the Alpha version were addressed like the Rube-Goldberg roof (it was horrid).
The flaw in the Zeta based Camaro (haven’t driven an Alpha) is you have to drive it past 6/10th to find the real joy. It would be an outstanding track car. It would be an outstanding car if you lived in a rural, low traffic area with lots of twisties. As a daily driver in a suburban/urban setting, just an absolutely horrible, awful car.
Rumour has it the “MX-3 retractable fastback” will be the centrepiece of this weekend’s auctions. A true one-off.
I’ve also heard great things about the Miata RF’s 1.8L V6.
Mustang this, Mustang that. When is it ever going to end?
Nobody mentions the SVT convertible Ranger anymore.
thank you for not pulling a Jalopnik and stating the power and torque figures are unchanged from 2017.
Besides the heat release vents, I can’t really tell a difference? Refreshes are cool and all I guess. Oh ya, it was announced on a Tuesday. Remarkable.
I like the front at least. This current crop is definitely my favourite mustang lineage so far.
I think we’re in the minority – I like it also, very attractive. I guess there is a lot of negative commentary on the front.
On the current model, I think the front end is sort of meh- I don’t like the droop on the front. But…just the changes they made to the GT350 make that one gorgeous to my eyes.
But I don’t think you’re in the minority, I think I am by not being a big fan of the regular mustang front. And I can hardly tell a difference with the current vs the upcoming.
I’m also a fan. I like the styling inside and out better than the 2015, and I really like the substantive changes (MRC, new panel, doubling down on the Coyote’s rev-happy nature). Wait until sometime in spring 2018 and you’ll probably be able to get one of these for $5k+ off. A loaded Performance Package GT coupe for under $40k is a compelling value.
Torque is going to be at least 430 pound feet if not more ( my guess 450 hp/ 430 tq). The Shelby uses a twin disc clutch and dual mass flywheel and it’s rated at 429 pound feet.
If Ford has managed to hold the line on weight then it would take about 475 horsepower to run with the Camaro so you never know? But a 475 hp could be in the offing if Ford wants to keep the heat on the 6th gen and keep the sales crown.
The 2018 will go on sale in the fall so I suppose mid to late summer is when specs and articles will roll out.
That is a great looking car.