Driving Sports

Ford seems determined to make me like the new Mustang. First, it spruced up the design, which I thought was a good thing. Next, it dropped in powerful, yet surprisingly efficient powerplants. Now, they've upped their proverbial ante by dropping a full-on production model Boss model for the 2012 model year. (Yes, a model revision nearly a year-and-a-half before it's due.) Optionally, you can also have it in limited edition race-spec 302R, but that was announced earlier. Today, we're just going to talk about the new production version, the Boss 302.

So what makes this production Boss so, well, boss? Under the hood is a dual overhead cam 5.0 liter V8, similar to the plant found in the Mustang GT. But this time it's packing 440-horsepower and 380 peak lb.-ft of torque. (That's 28 more horsepower, but a reduction of 10 lb.-ft of torque.) We don't have any idea on how the power curves compare, and that may very well be a bigger story.

Power is delivered to a 3.73 ratio rear axle using carbon fiber plates in the limited-slip differential, which Ford claims will improve torque handling and longevity. For those serious about track duties, a torque-sensing limited-slip differential is available on the option sheet.

Ford points out clearly that this Boss 302 isn't just a collection of body panels or an aftermarket exhaust (we've seen that trick too many times). It is, in fact "a balanced re-engineering of the Mustang GT focused on offering dedicated Mustang customers a track-ready package that could be driven home after the race." Okay, Blue Oval, you have our attention.

The devil's in the details. So, here are some of the major changes of the Boss versus the already potent GT, as specifically called out by Ford:

• Rear spoiler
• Quad-pipe exhaust
• Available Recaro seats
• Unique Boss steering wheel (yawn)
• Fully defeatable traction control system (0kay, getting better)
• Low-compression brake lines
• Comfort/Normal/Sport power steering modes
• Short-throw, close-ratio, six-speed transmission
• Boss-specific motor (detailed above)
• Aggressive front splitter
• Pirelli PZero summer tires (255/40ZR-19 front, 285/35ZR-19 rear)
• 14-inch vented front rotors with Brembo four-pot calipers
• Firmer suspension setup
• Manually-adjustable shocks and struts
• Lighweight 19-inch black-alloy racing wheels
• Boss-specific rear pad compound
• Bigger rear-stabilizer bar

All in all, that sounds like a rollicking good time on any track. We hope to have full driving impressions as the cars make their way to dealerships.

Regarding pricing and availability, we pulled this nugget from the NY Times:

According to Robert Parker, a Ford spokesman, the 2012 Boss 302 will be available next spring. Mr. Parker did not disclose the price but said it would be between that of the current Mustang GT ($30,495, including destination) and the GT 500 ($49,495).

Maybe about $39,000? Do you think that a fair value for a track-savvy but street-smart Mustang Boss 302? Leave your comments below...