2009 Glass Roofs..

The 2009 Ford Glass Roof Mustang, which is shipping to dealerships now, offers convertible-like sunbathed driving enjoyment without the need for sunscreen. That's because the best-selling sports car's panoramic glass roof - a factory-installed first in the segment - filters 90 percent of the sun's heat-generating infrared (IR) rays and 96 percent of burn-causing ultraviolet (UV) rays.

The UV-filtering capability of the new Mustang's fixed glass roof is comparable to sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of approximately 50, which exceeds the dermatologist-recommended sunscreen strength of at least SPF-15.

In addition, the glass roof's ability to filter IR rays reduces heat load in the cabin so that occupants remain comfortable while enjoying the sun. The reflective glass also reduces energy used by the vehicle's air conditioner system while protecting the interior fabric from fading and deteriorating.

"The Mustang's glass roof gives customers more of what they want, sunshine, while protecting them against the sun's harmful rays," said Chester Walawender, Ford's glass technical expert. "But if an occupant wants less sun or additional privacy, the Glass Roof Mustang comes standard with a retractable mesh sun shade."

To ensure a comfortable driving experience, the panoramic roof is made of tinted privacy glass which reduces both vehicle cool-down time and infrared energy. Measuring more than one square meter in total size, the glass roof consists of two layers of glass with a layer of transparent vinyl in between.

The outer ply of glass is clear while the inner side is treated with a silver pyrolytic coating to reflect some of the sunlight. A thick polyvinyl butyral layer filters harmful rays and has acoustic properties that muffle wind and traffic noise by as much as five decibels. The inner glass layer further limits light transmission by 20 percent, and the manually retractable mesh sun shade decreases it even further.

Sun-soaked cruising is the Glass Roof Mustang's top appeal factor. Scientific studies show that increased exposure to sunshine or bright light is therapeutic because it regulates the body's synthesis of melatonin, a mood-regulating hormone that modulates the circadian cycle of sleep and wakefulness. Sunshine also triggers the body's conversion to active vitamin D, considered to be an effective natural remedy for "the blues."

"I recommend light therapy - be it natural or artificial - to all of my patients, because it helps elevate mood and energy," said Dr. Douglas J. Arends, a psychiatrist practicing in Royal Oak, Mich. "Driving or riding in a convertible certainly is one way to enjoy the health benefits of sunshine."

"The Glass Roof Mustang maintains the brand's safety and quality reputation," said Paul Randle, chief nameplate engineer for Mustang. "Mustang owners have high expectations and we always want to meet them - with strong features like this glass roof option, plus quality and performance."

The idea of offering a glass roof was researched with Mustang customers beginning in 2005 to determine interest and pricing. Of those polled, 51 percent said the styling appealed to them and 42 percent said it would help make their car more unique. Ford dealer and marketing research indicate that about 20 percent of Mustang shoppers are likely to order the glass roof version, said Allison Revier, product marketing manager for Mustang. According to J.D. Power feature content research, 62 percent of buyers in the sports car segment wanted a sunroof/moon roof on their next vehicle.

The Glass Roof Mustang, which is available as a $1,995 option on both the V-6 model and the GT, is just one Ford model that features ample sunlight and generous views.

According to CSM Worldwide, more and more consumers are opting for vehicles with some type of glass roof, with multi-panel panoramic sunroofs expected to double in installation volume to more than 260,000 by 2011.

"They deliver what appears to be a more spacious and less confined interior and are being used primarily on luxury vehicles, providing easy brand differentiation for OEMs," said Manuela Dennis, market analyst, North American Supply Chain and Technology Forecasts, CSM Worldwide.

Dennis added that as design and technology becomes less complex and expensive, panoramic sunroofs will become a market trend as volumes increase due to lower pricing.

I guess if you couldn't get a convertible, this would be the next best thing. Not sure if it will help sales or not. I would have to drive one first, on a hot sunny day to say if I would buy one or not.

Below is the official press release courtesy of Ford Motor Company filled with information and specifications of the 2009 Ford Mustang. New additions include the first ever factory installed glass roof option, ambient lighting, satin aluminum intrument panel trim, and Sirius Satellite Radio.

Ford Mustang, the country's best-selling sports car for 22 consecutive years and one of the auto industry's most successful nameplates ever, celebrates its 45th anniversary with a new panoramic glass roof option that opens the world to pony-car enthusiasts from Maine to Maui and all points between. The segment first, factory-installed glass roof is available as a $1,995 option on Mustang V-6 and GT models.

"Our new panoramic glass roof will allow owners to enjoy the outdoors year-round from the comfort of their Mustang," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president for Global Product Development. "It's one more feature that sets Mustang apart from the competition."

Three Roof Choices - Top That!
The glass roof joins the coupe and convertible to give Mustang customers three roof choices. It also addresses the fact that 62 percent of buyers in the sports car segment are interested in a sunroof or moonroof on their next vehicle, according to J.D. Power and Associates research. Mustang's new roof allows customers to let the sun shine in for half the price of moving up from a coupe to a convertible.

While allowing occupants an unrestricted view of the world above and around them, the special tinted, reflective glass reduces energy used by the vehicle's air conditioning system by 20 percent and also protects the interior fabric from fading and deteriorating. A manually operated roller blind allows owners to block the light on bright days.

Noise, vibration and harshness are controlled in the cabin with a layer of sound absorbent vinyl sandwiched within the special glass. The glass-roof Mustang is built like the coupe and has been developed to maintain the structural integrity of the car. "We want to offer this feature to customers while maintaining the quality and safety of the vehicle that we've been recognized externally for," said Paul Randle, Mustang chief engineer.

More Standard Equipment
For 2009, Ford has also added more standard equipment to the popular "Premium" arrays offered on both the Mustang V-6 and GT, including SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, ambient lighting, satin aluminum instrument panel trim and upgraded interior trim.

A new, optional GT Security Package includes an active anti-theft system and wheel locking kit and Brilliant Silver clearcoat metallic joins the list of available Mustang exterior colors.

The Mustang V-6 coupe and convertible are equipped with a 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter SOHC 6-cylinder engine that is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic. The Mustang GT coupe and convertible are powered by a 300-horsepower, 4.6-liter 3V V-8 engine. The standard gearbox is 5-speed manual, with an available 5-speed automatic.

Other highlights include:
* Standard front-seat side air bags; dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags; safety-belt pretensioners; passenger seat sensing; crash severity sensing.
* Available High Intensity Discharge headlamps.
* 18-inch wheel offering on V-6 coupe.
* Available customizable instrument panel allowing mix-and-match lighting at the touch of a button.

Warriors in Pink
The 2009 model year also marks the return of the "Warriors in Pink" package, which was designed to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Ford doubled its contributions this year to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to $500 for each "Warriors in Pink" Mustang sold.

Available on the Mustang V-6 "Premium" coupe and convertible models, the "Warriors in Pink" package adds a pink ribbon and pony fender badge, pink Mustang rocker tape striping, charcoal leather trimmed seats with pink stitching, an aluminum-spoke steering wheel with pink stitching and charcoal floormats with pink ribbon and contrast stitching. Three body colors will be available: black, metallic silver and performance white.

The development of the "Warriors in Pink" package took on a special meaning for the entire Mustang Team as they watched one of their own battle breast cancer and survive. Mustang program manager Jackie Marshall DiMarco was diagnosed with breast cancer while working on the special model.

"Being on Team Mustang is a special experience because we are all enthusiasts at heart. And I was thrilled to be part of the Warriors in Pink project knowing that we would be contributing to the Cure," said DiMarco. "The shock of my own diagnosis while working on this project highlighted to me how any of us can be affected when we least expect it, and how important it is to work together to heighten awareness, support the courageous women fighting the disease, and ultimately find the Cure.

"I am blessed to be a survivor while so many are still being lost each year to breast cancer and I am proud to work for a company that is committed to my survival," she added.

Onboard with Bullitt
One of the most memorable modern sports cars - the Mustang Bullitt™ - returns to the stable for 2009.

Inspired by the 1968 film of the same name that featured one of the most memorable car chase scenes in cinematic history, the 2009 Mustang Bullitt™ is powered by a 4.6-liter V-8 with 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Both the engine and suspension are modified with Ford Racing Technology to make one of the best-sounding, best-handling Mustangs ever. The 2008-model Bullitt, introduced as a limited run of 7,700 units, continues as a 2009 model due to customer demand. An additional run of 3,000 units is planned.

Following are highlights and specifications for the 2009 Mustang Bullitt:
Exterior
* Highland Green (unique to Bullitt) or black exterior paint
* Modified 18-inch micro-machined Euro-flange Bullitt wheels
* Dark gray painted calipers
* Modified badging with unique satin finish and Bullitt nomenclature
* Unique 3.5-inch stainless steel packed exhaust tips

Interior
* Unique aluminum I/P finish panels with unique gunmetal engine turn pattern
* Aluminum accents throughout including an aluminum shifter ball unique to Bullitt
* Revised cluster with "gun sight" graphics and unique font
* Shelby GT500-style front seats
* Shelby GT500-style steering wheel with Bullitt logo
* Unique aluminum door scuff plate with Bullitt logo
* Serialization plate on strut tower brace

Powertrain
* 4.6-liter, 3-valve SOHC V-8
* Tremec TR-3650 5-speed manual transmission
* Signature Bullitt exhaust sound
* New open-element cold air induction system & hood blanket with AIS seal
* High performance calibration
*Dual knock strategy enabling the vehicle to run on either regular unleaded or premium (for improved performance)
*Crisper throttle response
*Revised cam timing at peak power
* Redline at 6500 RPM
* 3.73:1 axle ratio

Chassis
* Unique strut tower brace * Unique shock and strut tuning * Rear spring change that lowers vehicle ride height * Carbon metallic front brake pads for improved performance

The seats in Bullitt, and in all 2009 Mustangs, are made with foam comprised of 5 percent soy-derived materials in place of petroleum-based products. Earlier this year, Ford announced plans to push that figure to 40 percent in the near future for foam used in seats and head rests.

The 2009 Mustang, including Bullitt and Warriors in Pink models, will be built at AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Mich.

Sounds great!! sign me up for a new bullit

speedymom wrote:I guess if you couldn't get a convertible, this would be the next best thing. Not sure if it will help sales or not. I would have to drive one first, on a hot sunny day to say if I would buy one or not.

I think it would be awsome, and to think that you could feel like your in a convertable, and not mess up your hair!