Boss 302 Shows its Performance Excellence
The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is kicking off the new year the same way it ended the last—by kicking the competition to the curb: The automaker’s CEO—Chief Excitement Object—recently received a Popular Mechanics Auto Excellence Award as the top 2012 choice in the performance car category. And why not, when writers for the prestigious publication reported that, “The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is the kind of fully realized, perfectly crafted performance car that comes along only once a decade.”
Such perfection didn’t happen by accident, either.
“The team at Ford wanted to offer their fellow Mustang enthusiasts something really special—a beautifully balanced factory-built race car that they could drive on the street,” explains Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “The Boss 302 isn’t something a Mustang GT owner can buy all the parts for out of a catalog or that a tuner can get by adding a chip. This is a front-to-back re-engineered Mustang with every system designed to make a good driver great and a great driver even better.”
This includes:
The Boss’ high-powered powertrain, which leverages an advanced V8 engine capable of 444 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a short-throw, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission that engages via a race-inspired clutch. A sophisticated suspension that the driver can easily tune for optimum performance on the track or on the road, with multiple settings for the car’s traction control and electronic stability control systems, adjustable dampers and shocks, and speed-sensitive electronic steering setup. Stopping power that comes courtesy of Brembo four-piston calipers putting the squeeze on 14-inch rotors up front, and unique, Boss-specific hi-po brake pads at the rear.Plus, as Popular Mechanics points out, the Boss is one Auto Excellence winner that’s also an excellent value, showcasing an MSRP of $40,310 while still being able to outrun cars that cost twice that much.
The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 is available now—in limited quantities—at Ford dealerships across the country.