Glass roof Ford Mustang returns for 2010
2010 Ford Mustang Glass Roof - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Unsurprisingly, FoMoCo has added a glass roof option to the 2010 Ford Mustang, offering sun worshipers with an aversion to cowl shake a panoramic view of the skies. The glass top cuts out 90% of UV rays, shielding occupants from the blinding sun while reducing cabin temperatures, limiting the energy required of the air conditioning, protecting the interior from fade and deterioration and reducing the amount of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) inside the cabin. The glass roof is available on both the V6 and 4.6-liter V8-powered GT for $1,995, and if history is any indication, around 10% of all new Mustang owners will opt for the glass top with a manually operated roller blind. Make the jump for all the details.
Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang Glass Roof
PRESS RELEASE
READY FOR SUMMER: MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE GOOD FOR THE SOUL, GLASS ROOF PROTECTS FROM HARMFUL RAYS
Panoramic glass used on the 2010 Ford Glass Roof Mustang filters almost all of the sun's harmful rays and reduces cool-down time and wind noise while offering a convertible-like driving experience
Scientific studies show increased exposure to sunshine or bright light – like that provided in the convertible and Glass Roof Mustang – is therapeutic because it regulates the body's mood-regulating hormone and circadian cycle of sleep and wakefulness; also triggers a natural remedy for "the blues"
Panoramic sunroofs have doubled in popularity during the past five years; tilt/slide type sunroofs will remain dominant, followed by panoramic and spoiler types through 2011
The 2010 Mustang – including Glass Roof and convertible versions – builds on the safety success of the 2008 Mustang – the first sports car and first convertible to earn five-star ratings in U.S. government frontal crash, side impact and rollover tests
CONTEXT / BACKGROUND:
The 2010 Ford Glass Roof Mustang and Mustang GT convertible, which are arriving in dealerships now, offer consumers sun-soaked driving and top-rated safety heritage. Fans of open-air motoring have made the Mustang convertible a perennial bestseller. Those who love the sun but want to cut back on sunscreen use can choose the pony car with the panoramic glass roof, which filters nearly all of the sun's harmful rays.
DETAILS:
The 2010 Mustang builds on the safety success of the 2008 Mustang, which became the first sports car and the first convertible to earn five-stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for frontal crash, side impact and rollover tests.
The Mustang's considerable body stiffness contributes to its driving performance and has an added benefit in accident protection. While the coupe's body structure is 31 percent stiffer in torsional rigidity than its predecessor, the convertible's is more than twice as stiff – creating a "safety cage" that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion during an impact.
The front structure is designed to absorb and help dissipate it before it can reach the passenger compartment. The Mustang's front rails have an octagonal shape designed to spread forces evenly at the firewall and progressively deform for increased protection in offset frontal crashes.
Protective sun-drenched driving
The 2010 Ford Glass Roof Mustang offers consumers convertible-like driving without the need for sunscreen, because its factory-installed panoramic glass roof 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.
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.
Good for the soul
Sun-soaked cruising is the convertible and 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."
Health experts caution that cool breezes in convertibles can misleadingly mask the sun's harmful rays as occupants may not feel as hot as when they're stationary under the sun. Therefore, dermatologists recommend the use of sun-block lotion or moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher prior for top-down drives.
Roof glass popularity rising
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. Since its introduction in 2008, the Glass Roof Mustang – which is available as a $1,995 option on both the V-6 model and the GT – has accounted for 10 percent of all Mustang sales. The convertible accounts for 25 percent of Mustang sales, and sell most strongly in California, Florida, Texas and Georgia.
Mustang is just one Ford model that features ample sunlight and generous views. The 2010 Lincoln MKS and 2009 Ford Flex, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX also offer sun-splashed driving enjoyment with an optional panoramic roof glass that is privacy tinted for the occupants' comfort and protection.
According to CSM Worldwide, over the last five years panoramic sunroofs have doubled in the popularity in North America. The installation of tilt/slide type sunroofs will remain dominant, followed by panoramic and spoiler types throughout 2011.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Tomac 9:30AM (6/18/2009)
I'd prefer this to a convertible, though I think the price is far to steep. I'm guessing it would look pretty cool paired with white paint.
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ale 3:03PM (6/18/2009)
also, i wonder how long before the FDA jumps in:
"those sound like medical claims, boy"
"where be the test that prove such a fact"
oh and im sure the AAD will love to hear the fact that "you dont need sunscreen, the glass has an equivalent SPF of 50"
Carlos 9:31AM (6/18/2009)
How about an optional carbon fiber roof panel instead?
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Jsams4131 10:54AM (6/18/2009)
I like your thinking...I have a car with a glass roof and now It's the one thing I hate most. too heavy
DayShifter 1:02PM (6/18/2009)
I agree, I like the different material panels idea, make the panels interchangable....glass, fiberglass or carbon fiber...etc.
JDM Life 9:31AM (6/18/2009)
Nice lil touch. But im sure it adds more weigh,
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Drew_s 9:39AM (6/18/2009)
This is news? I've had a 2010 Mustang GT with a glass roof sitting in the showroom next to me for over a month now allready.
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jay tee 10:12AM (6/18/2009)
Also, I believe the roof section of the car is a carryover from the 05-09. So I don't see why it wouldn't have carried over.
Likewise, $2k is a lot for a big sunroof that doesn't open. It looks pretty cool, but a proper sunroof wouldn't be much smaller and would be much preferred (and cheaper).
inline6 5:09PM (6/18/2009)
My thoughts exactly.
I love the facelifted Mustang. It looks fantastic. But to pay $2k for a glass roof that doesn't open, or $5k for the convertible to get ANY open air above me is a little ridiculous.
If the Mustang had a sunroof and the power/economy/IRS that the Camaro does, I'd find a way to buy a V6 manual.
As it stands, only the Camaro gives me what I want on that front, since the Challenger V6 only comes as an automatic. If only I liked the Camaro's styling as much as I like the Mustang's.
Oh well. I bought a new car only 6 months ago...I've got time to warm further (and save) to the Camaro's styling. In 2 years, they'll be dealing on 'em anyway.
anthonypbhs 9:51AM (6/18/2009)
I'd be pissed if I bought an '09 with the glass roof. I was shopping '09 Mustangs and Ford made it seem as if the glass roof was going to be offered only in '09, probably to entice people on the fence to buy the '09 as opposed to waiting for the '10.
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Mez Jr 12:56PM (6/18/2009)
This is not uncommon, its typical to try to make something be more rare than it is.
David 9:53AM (6/18/2009)
10%? Really? That's a much higher rate than I would have expected.
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Polly Prissy Pants 10:13AM (6/18/2009)
That's what I was thinking. $2000 for an unopenable piece of glass in the roof? No thanks, not in Texas anyway.
Steve_S 10:03AM (6/18/2009)
It's a nice option for those who want it. Makes a cramped interior feel more open and airy without any of the drawbacks (and some benefits) of a convertible.
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EXP Jawa 10:07AM (6/18/2009)
Multiple reviews of the '10 Mustang mentioned that the only body panel NOT changed over the previous car was the roof - so that the glass roof could be carried over. So why is this news now?
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mjhind 2:37PM (6/19/2009)
When are they going to bring back the T tops? That the option I want.
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Mr.Oak 10:27AM (6/18/2009)
That car gives me wood. Can't wait for the 2011 5.0 liter version. I seriously think Ford is coming really close to perfecting the Mustang.
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BoxerFanatic 12:05PM (6/18/2009)
I can think of a few things to add...
IRS
liftback hatch, like the 2004 concept was.
I like the glass roof, but it would be even COOLER if it were the slatted, opening type, like the Pontiac G6 was offered with.
A less dorky rear end treatment. 05-09 looks better than the very odd '10 rear end.
With updated engines, and 6-speed gearboxes next year, It is at least an improvement.
It still isn't as cool and desirable to me as the Fox body was in it's day.
Mr.Oak 12:30PM (6/18/2009)
Boxer: I prefer the '10 to the 05 - 09 version of the 'Stang. It is more refined in appearance. IRS, I would love it, but Ford has done a masterful job with what they have. Word is, this car actually handles better than the more "sophisticated" Camaro.
Ligor 12:44PM (6/18/2009)
the 2010 is better in everyway to the 05-09, looks and eveything
engine options on the other had will become superior once 3.7L V6 & 5.0L V8 come out
til this one i woudl have not considered a mustang for a purchase, not I think I will wnat the 5.0L when it comes out to sit in my gagage on day one. too bad I need 4 doors and Ford has no RWD 4door version of this, too bad.