The Boss is Back... 2012 BOSS 302

[GOTVENOMGT500]

 

 

 

Follow copy and pasted from this link

http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-detroit/the-boss-is-back-ford-rolls-out-the-2012-mustang-boss-302-2

 

Full Picture Gallery

 

We had an idea that today would be a big day for Ford Motor Company and the new 5.0-powered Mustangs when an announcer at a recent Grand Am raced slipped up and stated that Ford would debut the Boss 302 street version this week. A few minutes ago, Ford made it official the Boss is back and Ford intends for the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 to be the quickest, best-handling straight-production Mustang ever offered by Ford. In addition to the 2012 Boss 302, Ford is offering the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca package for those who want a more track-ready version of the new Boss 302.

 

The root of the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 is the same 5.0L V8 from the 2011 Mustang GT but some special modifications have upped the power to 440 horsepower and 380lb-ft of torque. First, the Boss 302 features an enlarged intake manifold that works in conjunction with more aggressive camshafts and a tune that optimizes power without hurting regular drivability. The engine air intake system has been designed to maximize air flow and the Boss features an exhaust system like no other production Mustang adding flow and sound like no other factory Mustang before.

 

The 5.0L feeds the exhaust flow through a quad-tipped system with two of those tips exiting at the rear of the car similar to the current 2011 Mustang GT but the 2012 Boss 302 includes an extra set of exhaust tips that exit in front of the rear wheels. These auxiliary tips along the side of the car include a set of discs to quiet the side-exit exhaust but if you want supreme sound from your stock 2012 Boss 302, those discs can be removed. Also, the side pipe portion of the Boss exhaust is sized to match up with cutouts that vent exhaust more easily along with adding a ton of sound to the new Boss Mustang. (this unique exhaust setup can be viewed in the gallery to the right)

 

Next, the 2012 Boss 302 comes equipped with a race-inspired clutch with improved friction materials (compared to the 2011 Mustang GT) mated with the close-ratio transmission; all controlled by a short-throw shifter. A limited slip 3.73 rear differential is standard in the 2012 Boss 302 and for those who want more grip a torque-sensing limited-slip differential is available for the new Boss Mustang.

 

The suspension of the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 has been refined to make this the best handling factory (non-SVT) Mustang ever offered. Higher rate springs have been added all around with stiffer suspension bushings and an enlarged rear stabilizer bar help the 2012 Boss 302 hammer through the turns as well as giving the Boss a more aggressive (lowered) stance than the 2011 Mustang GT. Most importantly, the 2012 Boss 302 comes with adjustable shocks and struts to optimize the track (and daily driving) experience. Unlike some suspension systems that use electronic controls to adjust the suspension, the 2012 Boss 302 uses the old-school method of adjustments atop the shock and strut mounts. These adjustable components need only a flat-head screwdriver to select between 1 through 5 for the stiffness settings. Along with the improved suspension components, the 2012 Boss 302 comes with revised traction control and electronic stability control systems, allowing both systems to provide assistance in daily driving situations yet adjust for high performance driving on a closed circuit.

 

Next, it was onto the wheels and braking system. The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 comes equipped with monster 14” vented rotors in the front wrapped in Brembo calipers and out back, the Boss standard Mustang GT rotors with high performance brake pads. These braking components are aided by an antilock braking system (ABS) tuned specifically for the 2012 Boss Mustang. This improved braking system is tucked under a set of black 19” lightweight alloy wheels with 9 wide wheels in the front and 9.5 out back. The combination of the improved suspension, brakes, wheels and increase horsepower make this the best performing Ford Mustang ever offered; yielding a top speed of 155mpg and allowing the 2012 Boss to reach beyond a full lateral G on the skidpad – a first for any non-SVT Mustang.

 

Ford wanted to make sure that the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 was the best performing factory Mustang ever offered but they also made sure that it would stand out in a crowd. The 2012 Boss is available in just five exterior colors - Competition Orange, Performance White, Kona Blue Metallic, Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat Metallic and Race Red with either a black or white C-stripe (which proudly displays the Boss 302 name) and roof panel. The aerodynamics of the Boss 302 are improved via a unique front fascia and grille featuring fog-light deletes and an aggressive lower splitter an item taken from the Boss 302R race models. This revised front fascia not only helps to improve the aerodynamics of the car, but also increases the air flow through the Boss’s unique cooling system. Out back, the 2012 Boss 302 has a unique spoiler that works with the front end alterations to optimize downforce at high speeds. Surprisingly, the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 street car does not feature a Shaker hood setup like the one from the original 1969 Boss Mustang.

 

Inside, the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 receives some subtle upgrades to set it apart from the standard Mustang GT. The package begins with a Boss steering wheel wrapped in Alcantra suede that matches the standard Boss cloth-and-suede seats. If you want more seating support from your 2012 Boss 302, a set of Recaro race buckets is available similar to those found in the 2011 SVT GT500. The interior finish of the 2012 Boss 302 features a dark metallic theme with silver accents, a theme seen in the pool-ball style shift knob and the bright Powered by Ford” door sill plates. Finally, the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 has had the sound deadening material removed so that the driver can really hear his or her new high performance Mustang while also knocking 11lbs off of the cars total weight.

[GOTVENOMGT500]

 

 

 

[rhlgt500]

Looks like Ford put together a decent standard Boss 302 package that slots in nicely between a GT with track pack and a GT500. Pricing looks good too, give up some luxury items in a Mustang GT Premium package for performance parts seems to be a fair tradeoff. Laguna Seca package looks a bit over the top for the street (that splitter in particular) but I do wish I could afford one and keep my GT500 as a daily driver.

 

Spec sheet has the manual LS version weighing in at 3636 lbs, the normal Boss 302 at 3631. So they are about 120 lbs less than the 2011 GT500. Nice, but not incredible.

 

The exhaust stuff seems a bit over done. If you want a free flowing exhaust, particularly cat back, it just isn't that hard or expensive of a mod.

 

I want the Laguna Seca rear seat delete and the 3 guage dash top package in my GT500 - any guesses on whether or not they show up in the Ford Racing Parts catalog.....

 

Will be interesting to see how the Boss 302 brakes compare to the GT500's.

[Grabber]

Pricing looks good too, give up some luxury items in a Mustang GT Premium package for performance parts seems to be a fair tradeoff.

 

How much are they ?

[davegt500]

How much are they ?

 

 

Hi, Grabber,

New Car Itchiness? 2007 is just sooo yesteryear? HeHe!!

(I am still waiting for at least a VIN on my May 15 Shelby order. If it ends up not happening well, now theres something else to consider!!)

[10random]

Notice how they keep saying non-SVT. I cannot wait to see what the 2012 SVT car holds for us :happy feet:

[rhlgt500]

My brother seems seriously interested in one and has been sending me a new link about every 10 minutes this morning. Just told him to stop so I could get back to work

 

Other than the Ford websites, C&D seems to have the best summary so far:

 

C&D estimates $36,000 for the base 302 and $40,000+ for the LS version. No official price announcement yet.

 

C&D Boss Article

[Burning Blue Star IV]

Looks like a nice Boss package that they put together...I was seriously worried that it was going to be much, much more powerful - somewhere a bit north of 500hp.

 

Thanks for the link Gotvenomgt500.

[SteelTownStang]

Nice. I'll take one in Grabber Blue. Watch out- insane ADMs on the horizon!

[Grabber]

Hi, Grabber,

New Car Itchiness? 2007 is just sooo yesteryear? HeHe!!

(I am still waiting for at least a VIN on my May 15 Shelby order. If it ends up not happening well, now theres something else to consider!!)

 

 

Not itching at all for a new car. Just curious on the cost. When I do get a itch...I get it off my mind by picking up a mod for my GT500.

 

The 2007 is still making me grin from ear to ear.

 

.....besides that, I don't want a car payment.

[Cdvision]

Ford Racing Boss 302 info

[AlloyDropTop]

The engine cover design makes it look like the new Boss engine is riding piggyback on the 5.0L underneath it.

[ASO544]

I can't believe they didn't incorporate the shaker hood

[whutever202]

I'm surprised that Grabber Blue isnt one of the available paints.

[jmn444]

that black LS version looks like a teenager had a can of red paint and was killing time to me.... is the other one shown the comp orange? It's better, but still not great... Looking like the blaze yellow will be the winning color combo to me.... too bad grabber blue isn't on the menu!

[mach 1 1970]

I really don't like the 69 stripe . Maybe the 70 design would look better . Just looks like a Saleen old design.

[Son of GT]

that black LS version looks like a teenager had a can of red paint and was killing time to me.... is the other one shown the comp orange? It's better, but still not great... Looking like the blaze yellow will be the winning color combo to me.... too bad grabber blue isn't on the menu!

 

Blaze yellow...

 

 

Nice color! With black C-stripes, graphics, and roof?

 

Winner-winner, chicken dinner IMO!!

[monsta]

They should have used a shaker hood...oh well. I'll take comp orange.

[Burning Blue Star IV]

that black LS version looks like a teenager had a can of red paint and was killing time to me.... is the other one shown the comp orange? It's better, but still not great... Looking like the blaze yellow will be the winning color combo to me.... too bad grabber blue isn't on the menu!

 

 

I'm thinking that white might be the best looking color to me. Not crazy about the other...Kona will be nice though.

 

I really don't like the 69 stripe . Maybe the 70 design would look better .

 

 

Agreed on the stripes too...not my favorite look.

[JWG223]

I like it a lot, but IRS would have been nice...

[theseeker]

Dear Ford,

 

I will take one in LS YELLOW and then cut me off!

[sprint200]

I like it a lot, but IRS would have been nice...

 

 

Trust me, it's not necessary with this car. The down sides far out-weigh the up's (especially cost & weight).

 

This car is everything I was hoping for and more! Well except for the LS paint schemes

[bpmurr]

Looks like a nice Boss package that they put together...I was seriously worried that it was going to be much, much more powerful - somewhere a bit north of 500hp.

 

Thanks for the link Gotvenomgt500.

 

 

From what I hear 500HP crank won't be too hard to get on these.

 

I'm seriously thinking about moving to a Boss when they become available.

[davegt500]

From what I hear 500HP crank won't be too hard to get on these.

 

I'm seriously thinking about moving to a Boss when they become available.

 

 

Add a FRPP blower kit when they become available and you will have possibly around 600 hp. I'm thinking about that if my 3 month material hold Shelby order don't happen.

[sprint200]

Adding a blower to these cars, IMO, would be crazy stupid. That's a huge liability for a reliable road course car. This is the same engine that in Grand Am is making around 550fwhp. It is just a tune away from that. According to the press releases, the rotating assembly is good for far more than 7,500 rpm. So the question is, "How brave are you, really?" :blink:

[davegt500]

Adding a blower to these cars, IMO, would be crazy stupid. That's a huge liability for a reliable road course car. This is the same engine that in Grand Am is making around 550fwhp. It is just a tune away from that. According to the press releases, the rotating assembly is good for far more than 7,500 rpm. So the question is, "How brave are you, really?" :blink:

 

 

Roush has a blower kit about three months out.

[JWG223]

Trust me, it's not necessary with this car. The down sides far out-weigh the up's (especially cost & weight).

 

This car is everything I was hoping for and more! Well except for the LS paint schemes

 

 

We already have a $55K mustang. Why not put an IRS in and make the price $40-45K for this one? It would fit right in the middle of the Premium GT and the GT500.

 

IRS done right doesn't have to be heavy. They just need to make it work better than they did on the 03/04 Cobra's is all.

 

What down-sides does a GOOD IRS setup have besides the fact that you don't want to pay $3-5K for it?

 

I think all it needs to be PERFECT and really shake up the Corvette/Porsche crowd is IRS and a sporty stance. It has the power and the grip, it just needs to be able to use it in the real world and not just the bump/irregularity-free tarmac. That's what people keep forgetting when they quote all these "test" numbers 1G+, etc. etc. How does it work in the REAL world? Even my little $22K 2002 Infinity G20 4-cylinder comes with at least a Watts Link type rear suspension. Did Ford do that here? I hope?

 

Then again, if it's going to be a trailered track car, you're right. It doesn't matter.

[mach 1 1970]

We already have a $55K mustang. Why not put an IRS in and make the price $40-45K for this one? It would fit right in the middle of the Premium GT and the GT500.

 

IRS done right doesn't have to be heavy. They just need to make it work better than they did on the 03/04 Cobra's is all.

 

What down-sides does a GOOD IRS setup have besides the fact that you don't want to pay $3-5K for it?

 

I think all it needs to be PERFECT and really shake up the Corvette/Porsche crowd is IRS and a sporty stance. It has the power and the grip, it just needs to be able to use it in the real world and not just the bump/irregularity-free tarmac. That's what people keep forgetting when they quote all these "test" numbers 1G+, etc. etc. How does it work in the REAL world? Even my little $22K 2002 Infinity G20 4-cylinder comes with at least a Watts Link type rear suspension. Did Ford do that here? I hope?

 

Then again, if it's going to be a trailered track car, you're right. It doesn't matter.

 

Your not going to get the 45-55 Porsche crowd to buy a teenage boy racer image car .Those stripes will not get you noticed but not by the Porsche crowd . At my age i would feel funny meeting my friends for dinner in that car . Sorry that's just the way it is.

[svttim]

Your not going to get the 45-55 Porsche crowd to buy a teenage boy racer image car .Those stripes will not get you noticed but not by the Porsche crowd . At my age i would feel funny meeting my friends for dinner in that car . Sorry that's just the way it is.

 

 

 

Bingo! Porsche drivers dont generally drive Mustangs, no matter what you do with it. I wold have no problems owing this car and may, maybe you need new friends.

[Grabber]

Your not going to get the 45-55 Porsche crowd to buy a teenage boy racer image car .Those stripes will not get you noticed but not by the Porsche crowd . At my age i would feel funny meeting my friends for dinner in that car . Sorry that's just the way it is.

 

 

Your making yourself sound like a old kodger!