2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Basic Specs

Base Price $40,310
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3632
City (MPG) 17
Hwy (MPG) 26
Horsepower 444@7400
Torque (lb-ft) 380@4500
Wheelbase 107.1
Length (in.) 188.1
Width (in.) 73.9
Height (in.) 55.1

The Ford Mustang Boss 302 takes a standard Ford Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter V8 and adds an upgraded intake system and revised engine tuning to crank out 444 horsepower – an impressive jump over the standard GT’s 412 ponies. The Boss 302 also pumps out 380 lb-ft. of torque and is mated exclusively to an upgraded six-speed manual transmission.

A 3.73 rear axle uses carbon fiber plates in its limited slip differential to put the increased power to the rear wheels. A Torsen limited slip rear differential is available – coupled with unique Recaro-designed front seats in a special upgrade package.

Having already been thoroughly massaged during its transformation from a Mustang GT into the Mustang Boss 302 and Boss 302 Laguna Seca models for their initial launch, Ford felt no need to make changes to the engine for the minor refresh to these track-ready models, choosing instead to focus on features and paying homage to the car’s heritage.

We can think of no better way to pay homage to the original 1970 Boss 302 Trans-Am championship-winning car prepared by Bud Moore and driven by Parnelli Jones than to bring back School Bus Yellow to the color palette – which is exactly what Ford has done for the latest model year.

Other color changes for the Boss/Boss Laguna Seca include new Sterling Gray accents, vintage School Bus Yellow and black paint offerings, hockey stick stripes and a gray interior rear cross-brace. Sterling Gray is also used for the front grille, mirror caps and rear pedestal spoiler, while Laguna Seca rear badging and unique two-tone gray and silver wheels round out the exterior accents.

Interestingly, Ford has chosen not to feature colored accents for the roof for the latest Boss 302.

Aside from color changes, the style was revised to match the rest of the freshed Mustang lineup, with the Boss 302 cars gaining the heat extractors found on the Mustang GT hood, along with the new rear fascia treatment and color-matched rocker panels. The rear fascia differs from the V6 and GT models due to a gloss-black panel between the taillamps, along with a smoked lens housing and special Laguna Seca badging.

Up front, a more aggressive splitter and unique removal foglamp-delete upper grille set the Boss apart from its lesser counterparts. Wheels are also unique to the Boss, coming in two-tone gray and silver and measuring 18 inches in diameter, nine inches wide in the front, 9.5 in the rear.

Mean-sounding
The intake system has also been re-engineered to provide a throatier growl under hard acceleration, while a unique quad exhaust system made up of two standard Mustang GT outlets and two side pipes that exit on either side of the rear crossover.

The side pipes send the exhaust through a set of metal discs to create an extra growling exhaust sound.

Mean-handling
The Boss 302 takes the Mustang GT's standard suspension and adds higher-rate coil springs, stiffer bushings, adjustable shocks and springs and a larger diameter rear stabilizer bar. The body is lowered 11 mm up front and just 1 mm out big to give it a more raked stance designed to recall the original.

The shocks aren’t adjustable in the cabin; instead, Ford chose to stick with a simple race-style underhood adjustment built into the shock tower. To adjust the suspension, Ford says that drivers will only need to use a flat head screwdriver.

In addition, Ford modified the electric power steering for enhanced feedback and feel. Unlike other Mustangs, the Boss 302 allows drivers to select one of three steering settings in the instrument cluster menu – Comfort, Normal and Sport.

The standard Mustang traction and stability control programs have been altered with a new intermediate sport mode designed to allow for a little more flexibility on the track.

To go with all of the underbody improvements, Ford selected a set of unique 19-inch black-alloy racing wheels. Staggered at 9 inches wide up front and 9.5 inches out back, the wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tires.

Ford says that the tires and suspension upgrades help the Boss 302 achieve more than 1.0 g of lateral acceleration – the first in a non-SVT-modified Mustang.

Those new wheels wrap around 14-inch vented rotors and Brembo calipers up front and upgraded Mustang GT brakes with high performance pads out back. The ABS system has also been modified.

Mean-looking
Boss 302s will be available in Competition Orange, Performance White, Kona Blue Metallic, Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat Metallic and Race Red, all of which either offer a black or white roof panel coordinated to the C-stripe along the side.

“We approached this as curators of a legend,” said chief designer Darrell Behmer in a statement. “We’ve taken design cues from the ’69 Boss street car and the menacing Bud Moore/Parnelli Jones race cars and carefully updated them to give the 2012 the proper bad-boy attitude that is unmistakably a Boss Mustang.”

Blocked off fog lamp openings and a new front splitter definitely recall the original – and they improve cooling.

A special rear spoiler complements the look but also minimizes drag.

The aero package is almost entirely copied from the Boss 302R race car.

Inside, the Boss 302 gets Alcantara trim on a unique steering wheel, cloth and suede-like standard seats, a dark metallic instrument panel finish and a black pool cue-style shift lever. The aforementioned optional Recaro seats have been lifted from the GT500.

The Boss won’t be quite as quiet inside around town thanks to the reduced sound deadening; Ford removed 11 lbs. to reduce weight and to improve the interior aural experience.

Key competitors
The Mustang Boss models are really fairly unique, at least at their price point in the North American market in that there really aren't any direct competitors available in a turn-key form in their class.

Likely the closest competitor would be found in the BMW M3 - which the Boss 302 can lap faster at the track which gave the Laguna Seca its namesake.

Similar Cars

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    • General
    • Body Style: Coupe
    • Size: Midsize
    • Market Segment: Sports, Performance
    • Weight: 3632 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 188.1 in.
    • Width: 73.9 in.
    • Height: 55.1 in.
    • Wheelbase: 107.1 in.
    • Ground Clearance: TBD
    • Front Track: 61.9 in.
    • Rear Track: 62.5 in.
    • Weight Distribution: 55/45
    • Drag Coefficient: TBD
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 4
    • Passenger Volume: 83.3 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume: 13.4 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 42.4 in.
    • Head Room: 38.5 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 55.3 in.
    • Hip Room: 53.4 in.
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 29.8 in.
    • Head Room: 34.7 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 51.6 in.
    • Hip Room: 46.8 in.
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 5.0L V8
    • Power: 444 hp @ 7400 rpm
    • Torque: 380 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 26 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 17 mpg
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Rear Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Solid Axle
    • Wheels
    • Front: 19" Aluminum
    • Front Tires: 255/40R-19
    • Rear: 19" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires: 285/35R-19
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

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    Step 1 - Trim

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    Step 2 - Options

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    Exterior Options

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      3.73 Rear Axle Ratio

      • The 3.73 limited-slip rear axle is standard on the BOSS 302 and available on GT Coupe with manual transmission and on Shelby GT500 as part of the Performance Package.

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      Boss(R) 302 Accessory Package

      • The Boss 302 Accessory Package includes:
      • Boss 302 full vehicle cover
      • Boss 302 floor mats with gray embroidered Boss logo

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    Wheel Type

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      19" Machined Aluminum Wheels

      • The Laguna Seca Package, optional on the Boss 302 model, includes 19-inch front and rear premium painted wheels.

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      19" Premium Painted Wheels

      • The Boss 302 model features standard 19-inch front and rear machined aluminum wheels.

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    Accessory Wheels

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      20" Chromed Aluminum Wheels

      • That available set of four 20-inch Custom Accessories chromed aluminum wheels go through rigorous appearance, durability and corrosion-resistance testing to meet Ford standards for quality. Includes bright lug nuts. Does not include tires, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) or center caps.
      • Dealer accessories do not include paint or installation pricing. See additional disclosures.

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    Interior Packages

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      RECARO(R) Cloth Sport Seats and Helical Differential Package

      • Available on the BOSS 302, package includes:
      • RECARO cloth sport seats
      • TORSEN helical differential with 3.73:1 axle ratio

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    Radio Type

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      Premium AM/FM Stereo with Single-CD Player

      • A premium AM/FM stereo with a single-CD player and digital clock comes standard on 2012 Mustang V6 V6 Convertible, GT, GT Convertible and BOSS 302.

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    Seat Type

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      Unique Cloth Seats (BOSS)

      • The Boss 302 is designed for performance. So are its seats. They provide enhanced lateral support - something you'll appreciate when taking on aggressive tums.

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      RECARO(R) Sport Seats

      • These available race-inspired cloth seats are supportive and comfortable, even in the most severe lateral Gs. Seats included in the optional Laguna Seca Package feature a red logo, and a gray logo in the Boss 302.

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    Exterior Accessories

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      Full Vehicle Cover, NOAH(R) Style

      • Constructed of multilayer, non-woven breathable material, NOAH covers resist rain, snow, acid rain, and bird droppings, and protect your vehicle's finish from UV rays and door dings. Seams are double-stitched overlapped with elastic sewn into the front and rear hem to help hold cover in place. Non-scratch grommets can be used with a tie-down rope (included) or a cable and lock (not included).
      • Dealer accessories do not include paint or installation pricing. See additional disclosures.

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      Left Side Scoop

      • The available, stylish left side scoop was designed by Ford to complement the Mustang's styling. Constructed of durable ABS plastic, it comes primed and ready to paint. Easy to install with no drilling required.
      • Dealer accessories do not include paint or installation pricing. See additional disclosures.

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      Left Quarter Window Louver

      • The available, stylish left rear quarter window louver was designed by Ford to complement the Mustang's styling. Constructed of durable ABS plastic, they come primed and ready to paint. Easy to install - affixes directly to the rear quarter window using high strength adhesive tape included in each kit. Available for Coupe only.
      • Dealer accessories do not include paint or installation pricing. See additional disclosures.

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      Pedestal Decklid Spoiler

      • Take aggressive looks to the next level. This available, sporty rear spoiler enhances the arresting appeal of your Mustang. Available primed (ready to paint). Dealer installation recommended. Not compatible with rear camera.
      • Dealer accessories do not include paint or installation pricing. See additional disclosures.

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      V8 Rear Decklid Trim Panel

      • Set your Mustang GT apart from the rest with an available rear deck-lid trim panel. Molded in durable black ABS, it's easy to install with no drilling required. Available for GT models only.
      • Dealer accessories do not include paint or installation pricing. See additional disclosures.

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      V6/GT Dark Stainless Billet-Style Grille

      • Improve the front-end look of your Mustang V6 or GT with this available stylish painted Dark Stainless billet grille. This part is a direct replacement for all V6 vehicles and requires the use of the GT adapter to be installed into a Mustang GT front fascia. With this grille installed, the factory grille-located fog-lamps will be removed. For customers wishing to retain the use of fog-lamps, please see the replacement front lower fascia and fog-lamp kit for more details.
      • Dealer accessories do not include paint or installation pricing. See additional disclosures.

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      Rear Lower Fascia Diffuser

      • Replace your Mustang's rear lower fascia with this diffuser-style fascia. Designed by Ford, it adds an aggressive look to your Mustang and is easy to install with no drilling required. Available for V6 or GT models.
      • Dealer accessories do not include paint or installation pricing. See additional disclosures.

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      Front Lower Fascia for GT

      • Improve the looks and aerodynamics of your Mustang GT with this available, stylish front lower fascia. This piece replaces the factory front lower fascia and includes lower bezels with three-inch openings that can be used to house fog-lamps (kit sold separately). Maximize the appeal of your GT with the companion, race-inspired Front Lower Fascia Splitter. Dealer installation recommended.
      • Dealer accessories do not include paint or installation pricing. See additional disclosures.

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      Foglamp Kit for Use with Front Lower Fascia

      • This available kit for your Mustang GT includes spherical fog lamps for an infusion or light and race-inspired lower fascia. You can maximize this look with the companion, race-inspired Front Lower Fascia Splitter. Dealer installation recommended.
      • Dealer accessories do not include paint or installation pricing. See additional disclosures.

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      Side Window Deflectors

      • The available deflectors keep out snow or rain so you can crack open the window and let fresh air in. These durable, smoke-colored acrylic deflectors feature self-stick adhesive for easy installation. Available for Coupe only.
      • Dealer accessories do not include paint or installation pricing. See additional disclosures.

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      Right Side Scoop

      • The available, stylish right side scoop was designed by Ford to complement the Mustang's styling. Constructed of durable ABS plastic, it comes primed and ready to paint. Easy to install with no drilling required.
      • Dealer accessories do not include paint or installation pricing. See additional disclosures.

      Info
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      Right Quarter Window Louver

      • The available, stylish right rear quarter window louver was designed by Ford to complement the Mustang's styling. Constructed of durable ABS plastic, they come primed and ready to paint. Easy to install - affixes directly to the rear quarter window using high strength adhesive tape included in each kit. Available for Coupe only.
      • Dealer accessories do not include paint or installation pricing. See additional disclosures.

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    Interior Accessories

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      Illuminated Front Door Sills

      • Extra-special effects for your Mustang every time you enter and exit. The available brushed-stainless steel Illuminated door sill plates emit a white LED glow, spelling out the vehicle name. They shut off automatically when the doors close. Comes with two sills. Dealer installation recommended.
      • Dealer accessories do not include paint or installation pricing. See additional disclosures.

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      Cargo Area Protector

      • The available durable, lightweight polyethylene cargo area protector tray is molded to snugly fit the contours of the 2012 Mustang. Raised lip helps contain spills. Available in black with Pony logo for vehicles with and without a subwoofer. Installs and removes easily without tools. Trimming required for Convertible.
      • Dealer accessories do include paint or installation pricing. See additional disclosures.

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