While the hardtop muscle car race might be heating up again for the first time in years â€' both Dodge and Chevrolet have reintroduce ponycar icons â€' Ford stands alone with an available softop variant of its offering. Upgraded for model year 2010 onward, the Mustang convertible features a revised look inside and out, as well as a number of new standard and optional features.

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The look mimics the 1969-70 Mustang, with more muscular haunches, a narrower front face and a cleaner tail that features tail lamps inspired by the high-performance Shelby Mustangs of the marque's first heyday. Three vertical tail lamps on each side light up in sequence when the turn signal is engaged, making the Mustang's rear stand out in any light.

Step inside and you'll find things looking familiar, yet faintly different nonetheless. A new dash looks much like the old model, but is made of simpler construction and higher-quality materials. The Mustang convertible's center stack is composed of parts-bin switchgear sourced from other Ford products, but everything is the Blue Oval's latest and greatest, meaning it won't look familiar to anyone who hasn't driven a Ford lately.

Ford's Sync system, co-developed with Microsoft, makes an appearance on the Mustang and, from 2010 on, it offers 911 Assist and can deliver a vehicle health report to owners concerned with upkeep. Sync includes Bluetooth connectivity and voice activation, as well as digital media player connectivity.

Two trim levels of Mustang convertible are on offer, each with a choice of V6 or V8 power. Base V6 and V6 Premium are both powered by a 4.0-liter V6 that pumps out 210 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 240 lb-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. GT and GT Premium are powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that cranks out 315 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 325 lb-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm. Either engine mates to a choice of five-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Though Mustang only offers a five-speed manual, compared to the six-speeds common in its competitors, the shift linkage has been revised for 2010 to provide a smoother feel and the clutch has been lightened for better drivability.

The GT's engine is essentially identical to last year's optional Bullitt powertrain, meaning it offers a 15 horse and 5 lb-ft. upgrade over the outgoing V8, not to mention an induction system that pipes rumbling audio into the cabin for a true high-performance soundtrack, even with the cloth top folded.

That fully-insulated cloth top, with a glass rear window, is power-operated and can tumble away in about 16 seconds behind the rear seats. Trunk space is 9.6 cubic feet, regardless of whether the top is erected.

Though Mustang retains its solid rear axle â€' Ford says it's to enhance straight-line performance â€' the suspension has been revised to deliver a smoother, better controlled ride, flatter handling and improved steering feel.

Standard equipment now includes 17-inch alloy wheels on V6s and 18-inch alloy wheels on GTs, with size-up wheels optional on both trim levels. Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability control is newly standard across the lineup, and it joins traction control, front and seat-mounted side airbags and antilock brakes on the Mustang's roster of passive and active safety features.

Premium models add leather seat and steering wheel trim, Sync, Sirius satellite radio and a Shaker 500 audio system, among other cosmetic upgrades.

For 2010, Mustang offers a few all-new options for Premium models, including a navigation system, a rearview camera built into the rear spoiler and, later in the model year, high-intensity discharge headlamps.

GTs also offer a new Track Package, aimed at road course users, which includes a 3.73 rear axle ratio, upgraded brakes and revisions to the stability control programming to allow for more tail-out fun.