Refreshed 2018 Ford Mustang Convertible breaks cover

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Hot on the heels of unveiling the updated 2018 Mustang coupe, Ford has released the first images of its drop-top sibling today.

As it appears in the front quarter view image, the front of the new facelifted Mustang Convertible gets the same visual updates as the coupe. These include a new lower bonnet with air vents, a wider grille, revised all-LED headlights, and a restyled front bumper with larger centre air intake.

While we don’t get to see the rear of the car just yet, from the coupe we know the rear of the convertible will also be updated with revised LED taillamps and a new bumper with redesigned diffuser. We are not too sure, however, that if the optional fixed rear spoiler available for the GT coupe will also be offered for the convertible.

Just like the coupe, dual-tip exhaust will be standard for EcoBoost version, while V8-powered GT will get quad-tip exhaust as standard.

It’s not all just a styling exercise as we expect the Convertible to also feature the updated engines announced for the coupe. Ford says the 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine has been recalibrated for increased torque, while the 5.0-litre V8 has been heavily reworked with the first application of Ford’s new dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection, delivering more power, stronger low-end torque and improved fuel efficiency.

At this stage, Ford has not disclosed power gains over the existing engines, which stands at 233kW/432Nm for the EcoBoost and 303kW/525Nm for the V8.

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The manual transmission for both engine options has been upgraded for optimal torque, says Ford. For the V8, the manual transmission has been totally redesigned to include a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel to increase torque capability and deliver more efficient clutch modulation.

A new 10-speed automatic transmission, available with both EcoBoost and V8 engines, is said to be the best automatic Mustang has ever offered. With a wide-ratio span and optimized gear spacing, this all-new gearbox promises improved responsiveness and performance.

Compared to the previous six-speed, Ford says the new 10-speed transmission has quicker shift times, better low-speed tip-in response and significantly reduced friction losses. The all-new electronic control system includes unique tunes for different drive modes and features real-time adaptive shift scheduling to ensure the right gear at the right time.

Ford has tweaked the Mustang coupe’s chassis for improved dynamics, so we can only expect the same for the convertible. There are new shock absorbers that promise better ride control, while a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension is said to increase lateral stiffness. For keener drivers, MagneRide variable damper technology is a new option with the Mustang Performance Package to optimise ride and handling in all situations.

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Ford’s first 12-inch digital LCD instrumentation panel debut in the coupe will likely make it to the convertible. This all-new customisable instrument promises new level of personalisation, offering three separate views. Customers can personalise the displays for normal, sport and track mode. All-new Mustang MyMode with memory function allows customers to save their favorite drive settings, including suspension and steering preferences.

Ford says the new Mustang is so customisable that even its engine note can be adjusted. An all-new active valve exhaust system is optional on the V8-powered Mustang GT, with a fully variable soundtrack to match the entire acceleration range.

The 2018 Ford Mustang coupe and convertible range is expected to arrive into Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year.

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