2016 Ford Mustang Convertible GT Premium: A High-Powered, Cool And Sexy Drop Top

Highlight: Ford’s iconic muscle car is built in Flat Rock, Michigan.

Test Vehicles MSRP: $48,575 (Base Convertible: $30,545)

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; and a tire pressure monitoring system; a wiper activated headlight system; automatic dimming rear mirrors; a rearview camera; a tire inflator and sealant kit; an electronic stability control system; an illuminated entry system; a remote keyless entry system; SOS post-crash alert system; and an anti-theft perimeter alarm

Standard Equipment (Base Model): 17-inch wheels; a 6-speed manual transmission; a power operated convertible top; high intensity headlights; LED taillights with turn signals; a manual operated a/c; illuminated visor vanity mirrors; a leather wrapped park brake handle; manually operated front seats; cloth seats; a leather wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a capless fuel filler door; a push-button ignition starter system; a 4.2-inch infotainment system (SYNC); and a 3:15 limited slip rear axle

 

Standard Equipment (GT Convertible): 18-inc wheels; a 5.0-liter V8 (435-horsepower) engine; an engine oil cooler; large brake rotors; a launch control for a manual transmission; side curtain airbags; power front seats; leather front seats; vinyl rear seats; an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen screen with a navigation system; a 9-speaker audio system with amplifier; satellite radio subscription; hood vents; decklid spoiler; LED foglights; heated mirrors with turn signals; pony projection lights; rear diffuser;3:31 limited-slip rear axle; an active noise cancellation system; a satin brush aluminum instrument panel; a dual zone automatic climate control system; illuminated door sill scuff plates and an electric line lock (for track use only)

Options: a 12-speaker Shaker Pro audio system; 19-inch tires; a 6-speed automatic transmission; a voice activated navigation system; and a California special package, which includes suede inserts, special floor mats, decklid spoiler, decals and more

Other Trim Levels:

EcoBoost
Shelby GT350 (fastback only)

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker with AM/FM/CD

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

 

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.7-liter, 6-cylinder turbo/300-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:

19-city/28-hwy

What’s New: The big news is that the Shelby GT350, which pumps out a whopping 526-horsepower, returns to the lineup, after a short break in fastback form only.

Besides this much anticipated addition, there are just a few packaging and content updates for the 2016 model year. GT trims now come with secondary turn signals integrated into the hood vents. Also the Mustang features an all-new easy-to-use SYNC infotainment system with voice recognition, a smartphone-like touchscreen and an intuitive graphical interface.

Why: Like with the fastback hardtop that was introduced last year, the rear-wheel drive, classic convertible, with the modern interior, is the best Pony ever. What makes it an even bigger splash, is that the convertible is drop dead gorgeous. Yes, this close to fully automated, easy-to-operate, cloth top convertible is available with a 4-cylinder turbo, a 6-cylinder or one of two eight cylinder engines that can be powered by a manual or an automatic transmission.

 

 

We were fortunate to get our hands on a GT trim, which was outfitted with an automatic transmission. The curb weight of the sports coupe/convertible is approximately 3,700 lbs. With the electric power assist system, the GT, which we reviewed, has a 16:1 steering ratio and a 37.8 ft. turning circle, curb-to-curb, when outfitted with the stout looking 19-inch wheels. And the GT rides on a double-ball joint independent MacPherson front suspension system and a rear integral-link independent suspension with coil springs and a solid stabilizer bar.

Through the mere touch of a button, the steering capabilities and the suspension system can be adjusted separately depending on the driver’s needs or his/her mood.

Thus, making this vehicle great as a daily driver or a weekend cruiser, especially on windy roads.

Now for those yearning to burn up the pavement, they should opt for a spirited manual transmission. With the automatic or manual, enthusiast can use the track Apps to measure lap times and the like. 

Furthermore, this high-tech dream machine can be steered by the latest optional advanced safety driving features. Some of those features include an adaptive radar-activated cruise system, which is paired with a collision mitigation system and a rain sensing wiper system. The sport car can also be outfitted with an optional audible reverse sensing system to compliment the rear camera.

Lastly, the convertible we reviewed has been transformed on the inside too, bringing with it a more polished and premium look, while maintaining its heritage. The head-turning Mustang convertible is now available with an easy-to-use 8-inch infotainment screen, which offers smartphone-like capabilities, with swiping and pinch-to-zoom capabilities. Yes, there is no doubt that this fuel efficient convertible is the best Mustang ever designed by Ford.

But: During the last day we had our hands on the convertible, the radio froze and wasn’t working. One of the major concerns with Ford’s vehicles is the infotainment system not working as expected.

Moreover, the cargo space, the rear shoulder room and the hip room are  reduced, when compared to the fastback. Its not a family car!

 

 

Verdict:  While convertible sales overall are at an all-time low, Ford has still managed to find a space in this segment. Ford offers both power and performance, with their economically priced, drop dead gorgeous muscle car. It’s no wonder why this current redesign has left the Camaro and the Camaro convertible in the dust in terms of new-vehicle sales.

Competition: 2016 Camaro Convertible