Mustang Convertible Receives 5 Stars!!

by Guest Tue Jun 10, 2008 9:57 pm

There are a number of reasons why the Ford Mustang convertible is so popular. Of course, it outsold the competition last year, and this year the topless steed is expected to do the same. But not just because of its aesthetics.

The 2008 Ford Mustang GT recently received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), making it the first convertible to ever receive top markings from the organization.

The ratings come from frontal crash, side impact and rollover tests. The Mustang convertible also earned the highest performance rating in its side impact test from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

That its body appears sturdy and well-mounted to the road is no illusion—the 2008 Ford Mustang GT’s body is one of the rigid on the road. While its stiffness holds performance value, it also aids in accident protection. Its torso has been called a “safety cage” that prevents deformation during impact.

Look to the front of the vehicle for more safety features, including octagonal front rails, designed to spread any intrusive force evenly at the firewall, eventually absorbing the energy and dissipating the force before they can reach the passenger compartment.

Air bag placement is always essential in safety, and Ford was sure to go with the latest dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags. Add to that the convertible’s safety belt pretensioners, all-speed traction control and anti-lock brakes.

Included in the Personal Safety System, which is designed to customize the vehicle’s response to the severity of the impact, is a new technology Ford has invested in: Beltminder®. This technology is installed in over 20 million vehicles and, fitting to its name, reminds the driver and front-passenger to buckle up.