Review: why the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 kicks the BMW M3’s ass

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The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is a 444 horsepower that makes 380 lbs-feet of torque and can spin up to 7,500 rpm. The additional horsepower over the GT is due, in part, to the forged pistons, connecting rods, short-runner intake manifold, better cams and ported cylinder heads (CNC) among other tweaks. It loses some torque to the GT, but gains a free spinning powerhouse that throttles up like lightning.

The Boss 302’s lighter, adjustable and performance oriented suspension can go from street to track with the twist of a screwdriver. The steering is adjustable too. Simply select comfort, normal and sport and you’re on your way. 


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Ford teases me from time to time with the prospect of driving a 2012 Ford Mustang Boss. For one reason or another, I get very little overall wheel time. It must be my manly fragrance, sophisticated demeanor and resemblance to Magilla Gorilla. They simply will not allow the Rocky Mountain press any lengthy playtime. Sucks.

Most of my driving has comprised of track time in the base model Boss. I selected the $40,995 2012 Mustang Boss 302 base model as it is a freakin’ bargain, can be driven daily and will sell in the greatest numbers. The $47,990 Laguna Seca package is but a step away from a full blown race car. I haven’t driven it, so I can’t comment – yet. 

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Everything you wanted to do to an already fun-as-hell Mustang GT to improve handling and overall capability has been taken care of. Jump into a Boss after driving a GT and you’ll be dumbfounded. It is quite simply the most connected Mustang built. If you add the optional Recaros which comes in a packaged with the Torsen differential for $1,995 – you won’t be sorry.

Steering feel is excellent and steering effort is quite good too. I’m amazed that it feels so damn good. Usually, Ford’s electric powering steering saps lots of feel. Not in this case. It feels like there’s a direct connection from the steering wheel to the front wheels. Add to that a suspension setup that actually communicates through the seat of your pants and it’s no wonder Ford benchmarked the outstanding BMW M3 when building the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss.  

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According to Ford and many deep pocket publications, the Boss kicks the M3’s ass.

You have to hold the stability control button down for a 10 count in order to fully disable the traction control. When you do, prepare for your primary auditory cortex to be rewarded. I was tight against the seam when I slammed my fat foot down and heard this sound. Like the rest of the 2012 Mustang Boss, the sound is burly, beefy, angry and glorious.

I desperately needed a cigar to quench my most recent drive. It was positively post-coitus-like. Dirty man that I am; try the 2012 Mustang Boss 302, you’ll feel the same way. 

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There is a “track-key” that immediately tells the Boss that you want to get racy. Simply use the key and your Mustang Boss understands that new track settings are needed. Granted, I thought it was a bit of a gimmick, but it makes sense when you are truly a track enthusiast. Seriously, it becomes sharper and better handling than the monster Shelby GT500!

Even at idle the body twitches, exhaust burbles and old people will give the naughty Boss the stink-eye. Wanna’ really piss the geezers off? Launch the 2012 Ford Mustang 302 just right and hit 60 miles per hour in 4 seconds. That’s FAST. Despite being built for cornering, that type of power is spectacular. It allows excellent grunt out of a corner and I sincerely doubt ANY vehicle in its bracket can hope to catch it – especially on the track.

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So, do I like it? Naw, I love it! At least, I love it on a track. Many of my constituents have driven Boss 302s on the street and seem to be happy. I will reserve judgment until I get one for more than a few laps on a track. Until then, rest assured, this is the best track Mustang you have ever driven. 

It’s a great machine that necessitates a cold shower after flogging.

More to come!

Nathan Automotive media, racing, vehicle evaluation, wrecking yards, and car sales are just a part of Nathan Adlen’s vehicular past. He writes out of high octane passion! To read more reviews by Nathan Adlen or just to enjoy more of excellent writing please visit him on at his examiner.com page HERE.

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