The engine is powerful and produces a deep, harsh rumble. The design is not exactly modern; actually, the lines are decidedly retro. Ride comfort prevails over pure handling performance and there’s a lack of finesse at high speeds. And it mostly appeals to baby-boomers.

Becoming a fan of the Ford Mustang GT Convertible means embracing both its refined and rustic attributes.

I’m not talking about a Harley-Davidson motorcycle but rather a convertible whose name has been captivating legions of die-hard fans since 1964. The Ford Mustang GT continues to fill with joy the hearts of sports car enthusiasts or, to be more accurate, American sports car enthusiasts. There’s indeed a big difference between a cruiser like the Mustang and a track-ready roadster like the sporty Honda S2000.

Essentially, it comes down to their respective treatment and driving dynamics. The American icon has many qualities but advanced technological refinement is not one of them. That sort of thing is left to more expensive cabriolets such as the Audi TT Roadster, Mercedes-Benz SLK and BMW Z4.

In fact, pricing is a big part of the equation, with Ford banking on affordable performance to attract wind-in-the-hair lovers. This philosophy is shared with direct rivals of the Mustang, including the Chrysler Sebring Cabriolet, Pontiac G6 Cabriolet and the American-wannabe Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.

Power to spare
A Mustang GT can be pretty fast. With 315 horsepower on tap (15 more than the old model), accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h are effortlessly completed in under 6 seconds… notwithstanding the disappointing fuel economy of about 14 L/100 km (as tested).

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox or, optionally, a 5-speed automatic. That’s right -- no 6-speed unit, even though the new Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger are available with one.

Who cares! The lower number of gears is absolutely no cause for concern since the transmission of the Mustang is a treat to manipulate. On the other hand, the lack of stability at high speeds is a real shame. Beyond 100 km/h, an expansion joint on a bridge is enough to unsettle the rear axle of the Mustang, almost as if it were a sad old Mercury Grand Marquis. The car jerks sideways and disturbs passengers… who make their complaints heard!

At least the Ford Mustang now comes standard with AdvanceTrac stability control. This system teams up with all-speed traction control and ABS brakes.

The new V8 engine produces 315 horsepower instead of 300.

New for 2010
The original pony car has been extensively revamped for 2010, starting with new lower fascias, fenders and grille as well as the raised hood that covers the headlights.

An American icon, the Mustang boasts a fresh new look for 2010.

The windshield washer sprayers and radio antenna have been repositioned. The goal was to make the body sleeker and, more importantly, reduce unwanted wind noise.

The flared fenders bring out the massive 19-inch alloy wheels of the GT model (17-inch wheels are found on base Mustangs). You know what this means: if you live in Quebec, where winter tires are mandatory, you should budget a significant amount of money to get your car ready for the cold season.

In the back, the prominent wedges in the bodywork don’t get unanimous approval from purists. A couple of them let me know about it more than once. The thing is, the Mustang has always been and will always be about passion, not reason!

The redesigned taillights incorporate a trio of LEDs. When you activate the turn signals, they light up successively from the inside out, a detail which reminded me of the 1965-1971 Ford Thunderbird and 1967-1973 Mercury Cougar my old uncle used to drive. A legend can’t ignore a tradition which appeals to baby-boomers. Ford knows it and beautifully plays that card.

On a more functional note, the 2010 Mustang innovates with an available back-up camera built in the rear spoiler. The image is displayed on the available navigation screen, allowing drivers to see what the high beltline otherwise prevents you from seeing -- objects or people hidden right behind the car. You wouldn’t want to hurt a kid or scratch your paint on a concrete barrier, would you?

In the back, the 2010 model stands out with prominent wedges in the bodywork and taillights that incorporate a trio of LEDs.

Revised cabin
The interior is also fresh for 2010. The revised dashboard still looks massive, but it’s all trimmed with a new soft-touch material. Satin aluminum accents work to create a link between past and present Mustangs.

The seats and armrests are wrapped in soft leather featuring delicate stitching. The front buckets are large but fail to provide adequate side support. As for the rear seats, access is fashionably complicated… unless you’re flexible like a gymnast or slim like a supermodel! Oh the things you’d do just to enjoy the sun in a Mustang Convertible!

Satin aluminum accents work to create a link between past and present Mustangs.

Ford’s SYNC multimedia technology is also included along with new functionalities like 911 Assist. Moreover, thanks to MyColour, drivers can create more than 125 background colour combinations for the full complement of six gauges. Totally nonessential but a definite conversation starter!

Soundproofing is certainly worth mentioning. The addition of sound-deadening materials successfully makes the interior quieter than ever. As a result, occupants can appreciate the fascinating growl of the V8 and the powerful audio system even more.

Ultimately, becoming a fan of the Ford Mustang GT Convertible means embracing both its refined and rustic attributes. After all, any drop-top will always be a combination of compromises. Thus, the design and construction of a Mustang GT don’t meet the same expectations and compromises as a Honda S2000. These two cars actually target very different types of drivers. If the former is too much compromises for you, well, go buy a run-of-the-mill sedan!