2016 Ford Mustang California Special: V-8 convertible cruiser

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

The Ford Mustang is a surprisingly flexible sports car.

Caption by Antuan Goodwin / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

At the entry point, it can be very affordable. As a convertible, it can be remarkably comfortable. And in GT trim, it boasts quite good performance thrills.

Caption by Antuan Goodwin / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The convertible top raises and lowers at the touch of a button. It takes between 13 and 16 seconds to finish its Z-fold ballet.

Caption by Antuan Goodwin / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The convertible top leaves a bit of the hardware exposed when stowed. I don't think it's so bad, but Ford seems to dislike it enough that the automaker includes an awkward pair of covers for the ends.

Caption by Antuan Goodwin / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The GT is powered by a 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Torque is stated at 400 pound-feet and power at 435 horsies.

Caption by Antuan Goodwin / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The California Special edition features black trim, black wheels and GT-CS badging throughout.

Caption by Antuan Goodwin / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

This isn't my favorite color combo, but the orange is an imposing and eye-catching hue.

Caption by Antuan Goodwin / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The California Special package includes these 19-inch black design wheels.

Caption by Antuan Goodwin / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

It's powerful and makes a good sound, but the GT's 5.0-liter V-8 is also a pretty good-looking engine. Pop the hood and enjoy the view.

Caption by Antuan Goodwin / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

At first glance, the GT Premium's cabin looks pretty nice with its leather and suede seats. After you've been staring at the plastic dashboard for a week, it starts to look and feel like an economy car.

Caption by Antuan Goodwin / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

For 2016, the GT Mustang gets these retro-inspired turn signal repeaters on the hood. They're very cool additions that add a bit of style.

Caption by Antuan Goodwin / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The GT also comes standard with an electronic line-locker -- basically an instant burnout mode -- and launch control for models equipped with the manual transmission.

Caption by Antuan Goodwin / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special convertible

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