In the heart of every automobile enthusiast, there is a special place in everyone’s heart for muscle cars, whether they like to admit it or not. And one of the most pronounced names in the world of muscle is the Mustang! It is an icon of not just design, but also of performance and heritage. It has earned respect for it’s individuality in a world of everyone trying to be like everybody else. So, what does the 2012 avatar bring forward?
The Mustang range begins with a 3.7L V6, there’s the GT series powered by a 5.0L V8, and then there is the Boss! A model resurrected with classic lines and an all-new power plant. Let’s take a closer look at the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302.
Exterior
The most distinct feature is undoubtedly the new grille, which wears a badge bearing the original colors and the trademark Mustang logo proudly in the center. The same iconic logo is also a part of the rear, sitting between the LED tail lamps. Specially designed 19″ machined aluminum alloy wheels and unique “reverse C stripe” body graphics incorporating the Boss 302 moniker proudly proclaim that this is no ordinary Mustang.
Interior
On the inside of the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302, your attention is first drawn toward the console which features a dark aluminum one-piece instrument panel with blue backlight, and the steering wheel wrapped in alcantara with aluminum spokes. A lot of buttons find their way on the inside, with steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control. The front features premium fabric bucket seats that are not only comfortable, but also hold you in place effectively.
Safety
The Mustang may be a horse made of American iron, but Ford packs in even more safety features into the Boss 302. Dual front and side impact airbags are standard, as are the AdvanceTrac with electronic stability control and Ford’s Personal Safety System. Brembo brakes and calipers handle stopping duties, with additional brake cooling ducts available with the optional Laguna Seca package. It also is equipped with remote keyless entry and SecuriLock passive anti-theft system.
Performance
Powering the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is a high-revving 5.0L V8 that makes 440 horsepower at a screaming 7500 rpm, with the engine pronounced by Ford as stable even at over 8000 rpm! A traditional 6-speed manual transmission lets you harness the entire stretch of the power band, and with 380 lb/ft of torque, acceleration is seamless and continuous.
With prices starting from just over $40,000, you do get a good list of equipment as standard. Weighing just over 3600 lbs, the Boss 302 delivers an EPA-estimated economy of 17 mpg city / 26 mpg highway; a fantastic package overall.