Inside Look: Why the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 isn’t just a sticker and wheel package

Your Daily Source for Mustang News

Inside Look: Why the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 isn’t just a sticker and wheel package

19 November 2010 16,481 views No Comment

When Ford first revealed the initial details about the 2012 Boss 302, they assured the Mustang community that the car would be the real deal. “We were either going to do it right or not do it at all – no one on the team was going to let Boss become a sticker and wheel package,” said 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.”

So what exactly makes the Boss 302 different? Ford put together a display at the Los Angeles Auto Show to show those differences. We’ve highlighted all of the Boss 302′s unique features below, from the Recaro seats to the unique TracKey and everything in between:

The optional Recaro seats (standard on the Laguna Seca Package) were designed by Ford SVT in cooperation with Recaro exclusively for high-performance Mustang models. These eats are shared only between the Boss 302 and the Shelby GT500.	The Boss 302′s unique steering wheel is completely covered in supple Alcantara suede. The track-tuned speed-sensitive electronic steering system is also specially calibrated to maximize feedback and road feel to the driver.
A unique “Runners-in-the-box” intake manifold ensures exceptional air flow and engine breathing.	A heavy-duty flywheel and clutch assembly uses upgraded high-friction materials to transmit all 444 horsepower and 380 lb-ft torque.
A forged-steel crankshaft with race-specification main and rod bearings delivers exceptional high-speed durability and smooth performance across the entire RPM range.	Brembo 4-piston front calipers with high-performance pads act on 14-inch vented rotors with vented brake shields. A unique anti-lock brake system tuning delivers maximum control and rapid, fade-free on both the street and the track.
Boss-specific high-strength aluminum cylinder heads with precisely machined ports enhance high-RPM airflow without sacrificing low-speed torque.	The Boss 302 features forged aluminum pistons and upgraded sinter-forged connecting rods.
An available Torsen limited-slip differential (standard on Laguna Seca Package) features high-strength carbon plates delivers the 444 horsepower and 380 lb-ft torque to a standard 3.73 ratio rear axle.	The suspension features higher-rate coil springs and bushings at all four corners, individually adjustable front struts and rear shocks, and larger, stiffer anti-sway bars, allowing the Boss 302 to pull 1.0g on the skid pad.
Sticky Pirelli PZero tires, 255/40ZR-19 front and 285/35ZR-19 rear, are wrapped around lightweight 19″ racing wheels.	Boss 302 owners will have the option of purchasing a second key, called TracKey, from Ford Racing. This secondary key contains software that instantly adjusts the PCM to a full race calibration that allows for quicker acceleration, and crisper, more timely upshifts. The engine will also have a more aggressive idle and distinctive rumble through the quad exhaust system.