Ford Drops the Top on Its 2018 Mustang, but Nothing Unexpected Happens

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

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]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • MrIcky MrIcky on Jan 20, 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.

  • Orenwolf Orenwolf on Jan 20, 2017

    I like the front at least. This current crop is definitely my favourite mustang lineage so far.

    • See 2 previous
    • MrIcky MrIcky on Jan 20, 2017

      @APaGttH 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.

  • Raph Raph on Jan 20, 2017

    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.

  • GeneralMalaise GeneralMalaise on Jan 21, 2017

    That is a great looking car.

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