Ford takes wraps off 2018 Mustang convertible

The 2018 Ford Mustang convertible will go on sale in the fall alongside its hardtop sibling, according to Ford Motor Co.

The Dearborn-based automaker on Friday released images of the topless two-door pony car — three days after the coupe version debuted during public days of the Detroit auto show.

The convertible features the same exterior styling changes and upgrades as the hardtop. They include standard LED lights, refreshed hood and new front and rear fascias. Inside, the Mustangs add a 12-inch digital instrument display that can be customized to the driver’s preference.

The 2018 Mustang convertible, which will be produced alongside the coupe about 20-25 miles southeast of Detroit at Flat Rock Assembly, is debuting Friday to the public at auto shows in South Carolina and Kentucky, before traveling to more than 50 other regional auto shows across the country. It is not on display for the North American International Auto Show.

A Ford spokesman, when asked about the decision to not bring the convertible to Detroit, said the debut of the coupe and F-150 were “reserved” for NAIAS, adding the company only has “a limited number of pre-production convertibles available for auto shows.”

For the first time since the 1994 model year, the Mustang’s engine lineup will not include a V-6. The automaker is dropping the option in exchange for a 310-horsepower, turbocharged Ecoboost 2.3-liter inline-4 that was first introduced as an option for the pony car in 2015. The muscle car’s signature 5.0-liter V-8 will also be offered.

Like the 2018 Ford F-150 pickup unveiled during the media preview at Detroit auto show, the Mustang’s engine lineup will now be mated to a quick-shifting, 10-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual with twin-disc clutch is also available.

The single-latch convertible system itself is unchanged from when it debuted on the 2015 Mustang. It features an insulated cloth roof and speed of about 10 seconds to lower. Unlike the Chevrolet Camaro convertible that can have the roof lowered up to 30 miles per hour, the Mustang can be lowered until about 3 mph.

Pricing for both the coupe and convertible will be announced closer to the vehicle arriving in showrooms.

mwayland@detroitnews.com

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Twitter: @MikeWayland