Ford Mustang Convertible with soft-top by Webasto-Edscha
The Ford Mustang epitomizes the “American way of life” as nothing else other than perhaps the Statue of Liberty and Route 66. The car is an American legend – immortalized in pathos-laden songs by Blues and Soul singers and the secret star in more than 500 film and television productions. Webasto-Edscha, Webasto’s convertible business unit is proactively helping to keep this legend alive. In creating the top for the new Ford Mustang convertible, Webasto combined the design elements typical of the muscle car icon with a state-of-the-art, high-grade convertible soft-top.
US-Americans have already been driving the new model since the end of last year, and this summer the imported convertible will also be making its debut on the European market. Those who want to feel like a latter-day Steve McQueen in the legendary box-office hit “Bullitt” (1968) should always have their sunglasses handy. For thanks to cutting-edge convertible top technology, the roof opens quickly. Two electric motors open and stow the soft-top within ten seconds. In so doing, the e-drive fully utilizes its advantage over the previous model’s hydraulic drive, and is six seconds faster. Moreover, due to the switch of drives, the roof is lighter in weight and more compact overall.
© Ford
Whisper-quiet convertible top drive for undiluted driving enjoyment
For many, the experience of hearing the full-bodied roar of the engine of the Ford Mustang is at least as important as actually driving it. That is why Webasto made sure that nothing would interfere with the pleasure of driving this car: The e-motors of the convertible top drive are whisper-quiet when in action. This is the first time that an American car manufacturer has had the control units integrated into the motors. The multi-layer insulation integrated into the cover of the soft-top ensures that even when the roof is closed, as few noises as possible can make their way into the vehicle interior. In addition, the glass rear window is flush with the fabric of the soft-top, which minimizes wind turbulence and at the same time fits harmoniously into the sleekly modern roof system.
New locking system for maximum comfort
Its operation also provides for maximum comfort and convenience. The Webasto-Edscha development team has reduced the opening and closing of the roof to two easy moves by the driver. One quick twist and a simple touch of a button are all it takes to transform the Mustang into an open-air festival. The modern single-hand lock of the newly constructed system is located at the center of the windshield cowl. The associated switch for automatic opening of the roof is positioned very close by.
Perfect design from top to bottom
“The Ford Mustang has a large and loyal fan community, whose members are certain to carefully scrutinize our work”, says Walter Pecho, Managing Director of Webasto-Edscha. “When we’re dealing with a legend on wheels as is the case with this convertible, we are aware of the fact that we are bound by tradition. That is why we worked in close coordination with our Ford customer, placing great importance on applying the highest standards with regard to comfort and design.” Classic design features such as the flowing roof line and the fabric soft-top in elegant black were deliberately retained. To ensure that the vehicle also cuts a fine figure when open, Webasto saw to it that the top folds flat when it opens, inserting itself deep down into the car. In order to also execute the flat roof line with the soft-top, the developers utilized new roof kinematics with an additional intermediate roof bow.
What’s more, the desire for freedom is not at all constrained by the trunk capacity. With 322 liters – both in the open and closed positions – there’s plenty of room to allow for taking this wild horse on spontaneous weekend rides.
