2012 Mustang Boss 302 pictures

August 16, 2010 By Greg Mombert

Check out pictures of Ford’s new 2012 Mustang Boss 302, the first Boss since 1969.

After 42 years, Ford has announced that it will once again introduce a Mustang Boss into its lineup. The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 hopes to follow in the footsteps of the classic 1969 Mustang Boss 302, which inspired the exterior of the new model. Styling differences between the two are subtle, but noticeable, with an emphasis on giving the new vehicle a more contemporary look that still evokes the 1969 Boss. The race-inspired 2012 Boss is powered by a retooled 5.0-liter V8 engine that pumps out 440 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft of torque.

Ford also unveiled that it is releasing a limited number of Boss 302 Laguna Seca models, which are aimed at racers. They offer increased body stiffness, a firmer chassis set-up, and an aerodynamics package taken from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.

Here are more details from Ford:

The Boss returns! Limited production 2012 Mustang Boss 302 set to become the quickest, best-handling straight-production Mustang ever offered by Ford, based on the world-class foundation provided by the 2011 Mustang GT
Boss upgraded in nearly every vehicle system; engine output, brakes, suspension, interior and exterior all examined to optimize weight, aerodynamics and track performance
Full Mustang team effort results in a comprehensive re-engineering available only through the factory; new Boss is not a package that can be purchased out of a catalog or achieved through tuning or aftermarket parts
Limited-production track-oriented Boss 302 Laguna Seca model expands on Boss racing aspirations, deleting rear seat and adding race-ready suspension and aerodynamic treatments

Showing 84 comments

Boss Guy at 9:26pm 22nd December 2010 you can find alot more info about the Boss 302 at the 2012 Boss 302 Forum
PhotoRick at 9:39pm 21st December 2010 I hope the Ford designers decide to make some serious color and graphics changes to the actual production Boss 302 LS. The gaudy elements are not in keeping with the 69 and 70 Boss 302.
Arfane Faneea at 3:00am 15th November 2010 If nothing else, maybe this will shut people up about the use of a live axle in an affordable sports car. I know they are going IRS next generation, but I'm tired of people saying that a live axle CAN'T handle well. Fact is, as long as you know what you're doing you can make a live axle plenty nimble in the twisties. You just have to know what you are doing, then actually do it.Ask Mr. Stranos if the live axle in his F-Body can handle. I dare ya :) Anyways, I look forward to hunting down Bosses on the road and track. car prices
Blake at 6:58am 12th November 2010 I have read alot about the new Boss 302 and the Camaro Z28. Note that I will be getting both when I get back from my deployment coming up next year. I will probably drive the Boss more. I am a fan of the American Sport Cars. I had a 2003 Mustang GT and I miss the fact I had to get rid of it for a family car. So excited about the Boss coming out.
2012 BOSS FAN at 8:33pm 3rd November 2010 very nice, great post this new mustang is going to be the best yet, there is a good site to discuss it and check out info, its all about the 2012 boss try it out: www.2012boss.com
Eric at 8:44am 1st November 2010 Well done Ford. This Boss is clean, mean and to the point!
Greg c Newman at 7:34pm 12th September 2010 I am a notchback body mustang fan because you could ride your family and friends around in the backseat. From 1994 to the present day ford has made the mustang fastback design which a family man wont buy because the back passenger room stinks. I have to have a car that can double as a fast car and a good passenger car.The first mustang was a notchback and it could double as a people mover for the family man and could move fast when it had a V8 under it's hood. this was perfect balance car because a family man could have a fast fun car and a family car at the same time. today's mustang is a track sports car that's alright for fast car people but the family has lost his beloved Mustang
harold smith at 12:42pm 22nd August 2010 if you are going back to the old model mutang boss,why not the old colors///candy apple red,metalflake blue or jade green///will it come with standard trans
Oscar at 4:06pm 19th August 2010 Agree with some earlier post, I am a chevy fan. Glad to see american muscle is making a true comeback. So sick and tired of the these tuner imports. A good looking car. Will be a good challenge for chevy.
Terry at 11:14am 18th August 2010 read per insideline.com... 2012 Boss 302 "We're talking roughly between $34,950 and $49,995 (MSRP)". Got to get one! Still have my '73 Gran Torino Sport.
70 Boss 302 owner at 9:02am 18th August 2010 Having bought my 1970 Boss 302 new in August of 1970, I am extremely happy that Ford is bringing back the concept. In the 176,000 miles I have put on my Boss over the last 40 years all I can say is it's been a great ride and a lot more fun than the $3949.00 I paid for it back then. The only suggestion I have, is to allow buyers the option to select the 1970 stripe package over the current 1969 style shown. As to the current rear end treatment, while I know styling changes are inevitable and the current rear end was deemed more stylish in some committee's mind; however, I didn't buy a 1969 Boss 302 because I thought the tail light treatment was ugly. When the rear lights were changed on the '70's I was in "love/debt" as soon as I turned 21.. The current rear end won't stop me from buying, but perfection for me would be a move to a more 1970 look to match the 1970 stripes I'm hoping for sometime soon. Thanks for allowing me my .02 worth.
jim doe at 7:53pm 17th August 2010 don't care for the roof colors/stickers , don't remove sound materal , ( I use blue tooth and nav all the time for work) I want to use daily . Extra weight of the exaust not needed, would like to see the Boss engine option for the GT without all the other stuff, keep cost down and keep the sleeper image . Love the car and new peformance . Engine internals look great .I buy lots of cars & I will be coming back to Ford some day soon I just need to see the right mix . 90% ready to buy American again
1. Guest at 1:55pm 18th August 2010 Given the state of the U.S. auto industry & the uncovering of Toyota's lack of customer concern, I would think all Amercians should have a new attitude .......but that's a whole different animal. The sound deadening needs to go. It's not a work car unless you're sponsored to rip around a race track. Making any of the BOSS options available on the GT depreciates the unique identity of what this vehicle is to be and shouldn't even be considered. While the US standards for emissions allow this new pony, I say make it loud, make it proud, and make it another chapter of an American legend! And if the blue tooth is a must, I understand the new Taurus SHO is something you may want to look into.
Guest at 3:44pm 17th August 2010 From a purist point of view I can't understand the quad exit exhaust. Just with the previous Cobra R models, isn't the point of a track contender to be as light as possible? Don't get me wrong, it's cool for bragging, but a side exit *and* rear exit at the same time? It's dead weight .........I suppose if the final cut hasn't yet been made, can we suggest the quad exhause be an option in the interest of reducing srung weight?
doc at 12:40pm 17th August 2010 I love it!
Death From Above at 11:16am 17th August 2010 The back of the new Mustang is as ugly as it gets. I have a 2007 and because of the rear design I will not trade it.
1. Guest at 11:19am 17th August 2010 As ugly as it gets? It took a bit to grow on me, but I see the new rear of the Mustang as more favorable than the 05-09. It actually has style & isn't the vanilla bland that the first few years were ...sorry, I have to disagree.
ken at 9:36am 17th August 2010 Guess Ole Ford ain't worried at all about GAS prices and Tightening of FEDERAL FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS the next few years!! Thinking this new Pony car will get about say 12-15 mpg overall?
1. Guest at 10:53am 17th August 2010 Depends on your driving habits. The 305HP v6 (which is almost click for click as fast as the 2010 GT) will yield very impressive mileage. And to that end, Ford has gone beyond responsible with a Fusion Hybrid achieving 41MPG city & the forthcoming Lincoln MKZ hybrid which will achieve the same. Neither Toyota or Honda can match that. And lets not forget the Transit Connect that the city of Boston has bought for taxi service running on pure electric or the forth coming Focus all electric. ...reading is a powerful thing / give it a shot sometime
2. Guest at 11:09am 17th August 2010 If you're getting MPG that low you're thrashing your vehicle. And if you're worried about MPG over all, you're looking at the wrong car. Tne 2011 V6 will dole out performance that is almost click for click the kind you'll get in the 2010 GT. And Ford doesnt' worry about MPG? Tell me about the Fusion hybrid or upcoming Lincoln MKZ hybrid (41MPG city). Or maybe why the Transic Connect is being sold for fleet use in it's upcoming electric only trim or the upcoming Focus electric. Reading is a powerful tool / read before you speak.
Lame in Monterey at 9:09am 17th August 2010 Hey, I know this is going to offend 90% of the fans, but someone slightly disabled--like me--is it possible to get this with an auto? (It's the only way I could enjoy a Boss 302)
1. Guest at 10:49am 17th August 2010 Collaborations of the SVT Cobra have been modified for wounded veterans with an automatic. Of course the cars are built for the masses, but if Ford does not build it, it can be done and it would be an honor to see anyone without the ability to shift still enjoy an American legend.
jon at 9:07am 17th August 2010 Ford is right on the money with all models across the board. I believe they have all other car manufacturers in their sights and are pulling the trigger. I don't mean just GM and Chrysler but everyone. No one can really dispute that this company got it's head out of it's ass and back on the right track. You can have your personal opinions that are good or bad but this company seems to be doing everything right from bringing the Fiesta over from europe to manufacturing hybrids to collaborating with Shelby American again. They stand on their own two feet (or 4 tires), make the tough business decisions and are manufacturing high quality vehicles that people want and are buying.
NotTellinYou at 8:47am 17th August 2010 Nothing better to do with your time than troll the web looking for things you hate? You need to seriously seek some help.
noone really at 8:33am 17th August 2010 Why call it a 302 though, if it has 440 horsepower. Kinda dumb. I would have rather had it called The 440 Ford Mustang Boss, or even Mustang Boss 440. With models form cadillac and other companies coming in with over 500 horsepower, the number 302 just seem's weak and pointless. The Mustang Boss 440! Get your's today!
1. NotTellinYou at 8:55am 17th August 2010 The numbers, have at times been the CU of the engine, 302, 351, 429, etc., at other times, meant NOTHING, GT350 (number of steps from Shelby's office to the shop) or GT500. The current Shelby 07-09 GT500 was the only car with the same HP as the name but it was coincidental. For example the GT500KR had 540hp.
2. Guest at 10:45am 17th August 2010 I'll second that point; the 302 is simply a displacement of the engine. And to those who think of classic Detroit iron, the "440" only brings back memories of the likes of the Road Runner & other iconic Mopars of the past. Certainly not what Ford PR want people thinking of with this heavily invested retoling. And the price of those Cadillacs you mentions ......prepair to shell out whtat will likely be twice the amount this new BOSS will cost (about 90 large)
/// M3 at 6:54am 17th August 2010 The Mustang is a great car if done right. I hope the guys at Ford dont put out a watered down version that you can pick up at Walmart I saw so much of in the 90s. That just kills the brand. The Mustang shouldn't be for everyone, it should be something to aspire to. ... oh, great body and shitty rims on the pics above. They really need to get more aggressive on the rims and make them look better. This car looks good, but it could "pop" with better rims.
1. Guest at 10:42am 17th August 2010 The rims pictured above are the closesest retro I've seen on a Stang yet. Due to the chiassis configurations today, an old school deep dish wheel just isn't practical. But if you look into Mini-lite, they've been doing after market wheels just like the designe you see in these pics since the 1960's
KathyB at 1:12am 17th August 2010 I've loved the Boss since grade school-- I used to have to stay in from recess for sketching Mustangs in the margins of my schoolwork. :) I am going to have to do some serious budget rearranging so that the Boss will be in my garage!
brian at 10:38pm 16th August 2010 OOOH! YeahH! I love it! I just need some heavy duty chrome bumpers and I would be in Mustang Heaven!
Hooligan at 10:28pm 16th August 2010 Meh, the rear end still looks like some retarded smile. I think I will buy a 08-09 instead and save myself 35k. Could do way more upgrades with that kinda cheddar than are on this model.
dave at 10:09pm 16th August 2010 why doesnt ford have a sun roof on the mustangs?
old school 1971 at 10:07pm 16th August 2010 well u could at least work on the old ones and not have to have someone else change the oil or anything else for that matter.i have had 2 2000 mustangs and a 65.and the 65 was a much easyer one to do anything to.anyone thats owned a old car knows what i am talking about.someone that hasnt dont have a clue.just try and fix the new ones and see how fare u get.
Elmo C at 10:05pm 16th August 2010 I can remember the sound of one of the old BOSS302's. Makes the hair stand up on you arm. The New Boss 302 should do the same. Its BAD TO THE BONE.
Singlehand at 10:03pm 16th August 2010 Bring on the BOSS 429. also the fast back, and also the Super Corba Jet.
whatever at 10:01pm 16th August 2010 the previous years nailed the retro look yet lacked the power to make the car remarkable.....now they amped up the power, great job!!!!.... but why make the car look so boxy and bloated looking?????? sigh...
Squanto at 9:56pm 16th August 2010 Crap - I wish they wouldn't have done that. Now I'm gonna have to have one. This is gonna cost me!!!
old school 1971 at 9:53pm 16th August 2010 i just wish they looked more like the original versions.dont get me wrong they are very nice but all this computer crap they put in them now and big wheels makes me not want any of the newer cars.would rather have the original ones.its not about speed for me its the looks and how they where built way back then..
W. Craig Aulenbach at 9:48pm 16th August 2010 The Mustang Boss is back for 2012
Big K at 9:28pm 16th August 2010 Some things never change...The Camaro and Corvette were way cooler than the Mustang in the 60s and 70s and they are way cooler in the 2000s too. Sorry ford people, but you know it's true. I do like Ford trucks, but Chevy kicks a$$ with performance cars.
1. Jimmyjet at 9:54pm 16th August 2010 Whatever you call it, it's still a Mustang. I'll stick with my Crossfires, thank you.
  1. WhoMe at 8:49am 17th August 2010 LOL....Crossfire? It's not even in the same class! Gee I think I'll go find a Crossfire article to post some bile to! Troll!
  2. Guest at 10:36am 17th August 2010 Hysterical ........a now debunk Crossfilre who's only good credits are due to being built off of the Mercedes SLK platform? ....nice choice, I'll laugh about that one for a loooong time (clown)
2. NotTellinYou at 8:52am 17th August 2010 Slow day at the Chevy news sites? PLEASE explain to me the desire to troll articles of products you don't like? I seriously don't get the thrill of this! I can't imagine going to a Chevy article and posting how much I hate Chevy, which I don't, to people that don't give a $#! what I think. I really don't get it!
3. Guest at 10:34am 17th August 2010 Stock, my 2003 Mach 1 beat a C5 to 140 and has done the same to an 01 & 03 SS Camaro. The new GT beats the SS (3 out of 4 magazine comparos) ..... aside from the astronomical price of the Vette vs. Stang, your comparrison is askew to say the least. Want a Camaro it's because of loyalty, if you have no loyalties, smart money buys a blue oval (nuff said).
96GT at 9:26pm 16th August 2010 440HP out of a 302ci? Naturally Aspirated? That is AMAZING!! Love the side strips.
No to Gov't Motors at 9:25pm 16th August 2010 Wow, you must be really jealous. My guess is you bought a bloated new Camaro with an interior I wouldn't accept in a rental car and are now embarassed that a new Mustang V6 will outrun it on a road course. Suck it up and by a Mustang, hater.
Frank H. at 9:19pm 16th August 2010 Okay.....I think Ford done themselves good when they brought back the old style of Mustangs. What I wished they'd do...is bring back the old style of pickups...especially the late 70's models...77, 78, 79.
1. Guest at 10:17am 17th August 2010 Frank I kind of agree, but the 79 was identical to a 1980 (both of which I liked much better than the previous years) ....... that new Raptor is real easy on the eyes if you haven't seen it.
Dakota Stang at 9:11pm 16th August 2010 I noticed even the so called haters go to the sites to look at the videos because cool is cool and power is power and this has both and will outhandle the other pony car wana be vehicles.
Ford sucks at 8:58pm 16th August 2010 Wow ford is getting very creative. It looks just like all the other mustangs I see at every stop light.
1. 96GT at 9:20pm 16th August 2010 Drive one, but drive it like you stole it. These cars are fun to drive, not the V6 you see at every stoplight, but the V8 monsters on the road.
2. Built Ford Tough at 9:51pm 16th August 2010 it is more about what is under the hood, that is if you know anything about cars!
3. Guest at 10:15am 17th August 2010 You must have spend hours on your sign on. You may have been better rewarded actually reading about the company. Aside from winning more awards over all than just about any other name plate (take your pick), they are also the highest rated by those that purchase it ...........all of that aside (from a 3 time Stang owner); you either have no eye what so ever for detail or in dire need of glasses. Bag some where else, you're out of place here.
Todd at 8:37pm 16th August 2010 What's up with the split off of the exhaust, a factory cut out for track time? Pretty cool ride, would buy in(stead of) a heartbeat :o)
ldp at 8:36pm 16th August 2010 Way to go FORD. It's time you some hp. under the hood.
MLS at 8:14pm 16th August 2010 I own a 70 Boss 302 and its a fun car! Not bad to look at either. The new Boss looks like it fills the shoes just fine. Would be nice to drive a car that you weren't a little worried about every time you had it on the street.
kimi at 8:07pm 16th August 2010 I would have to get rid of my husband to have this, but ... it's a thought! Awesome looking vehicle with all the power to back it up! Go BossStang!!!!
noel at 8:02pm 16th August 2010 ford is the boss, u go ford.
Guest at 7:54pm 16th August 2010 Then don't look ......but considering you're taking jabs at Ford's quality (I assume) it's clear you aren't reading either (JD Power awards, MotorTrend C.O.T.Y for 2010 Fusion, and on and on). Looks are subjective of course, but awards are well earned. Think before you speak (it's an age old adage & still holds true today)
luis at 7:53pm 16th August 2010 Boy... If I could trade my wife for one, She's Gone!!!!!
G Lew at 7:50pm 16th August 2010 Wow!!!!!
1. 96GT at 9:23pm 16th August 2010 Must be 4-Door Acura owner with a 5 foot spoiler on the back.
  1. Guest at 10:09am 17th August 2010 HA HA HA ........excellent call
epinoc at 7:46pm 16th August 2010 yeah but its still ugly, and its still a Ford...
Dex at 7:27pm 16th August 2010 Bout time they revived one of the most iconic motors ever. I hope that they have a good run of it and eventually put it back in the line up full time and possibly replace the GT. I still wonder which is faster the Cobra or the BOSS.
Lkyduk at 5:08pm 16th August 2010 Way to be a good guy. I have both a Camaro and a few mustangs and i love all the American muscle. Glad to hear others are not haters as well.
1. 96GT at 9:16pm 16th August 2010 Long live the Mustang, Camaro and the Challenger. These three cars are the most beautiful on the road, and the raw power you feel when you press that gas pedal is invigorating! Much better experience than Jap sedans with bolt on "flair" that sounds like a fart. How can you race in a four door, and put a spoiler on it?
kolz28 at 4:44pm 16th August 2010 I am a Camaro fan but gotta give props to Team Mustang on this bad boy. Great looks and if it meets published/expected perfomance numbers it will be one really wicked pony. Thumbs up from a Camaro guy. Can not wait to see what my team answers with when the Z/28 is unleashed. Good times for us all!!!
Guest at 4:31pm 16th August 2010 Looking for a confirmation or possible Ford rep. rebuttal, I can't help but question one mention of the fastest non-SVT statement. Owning a 2003 Mach 1 & knowing of a well kept secret about the Vortech limited edition Mach 1 (non-SVT), can this not be considered the fastest, or is it considered a collaboration Mustang such as Saleen or Roush? .......food for thought, would love feedback & (without question) this new BOSS may just be the one to replace my Mach 1 / homerun Ford!
1. Deeks at 9:22pm 16th August 2010 Technically, the fastest production Mustang ever available through a Ford dealer is a 2010 Roush 540RH. As far as the fastest from Ford, I would bet a 2011 Track Pkg GT500 would still be faster in a straight line. GT500 now is similar in wieght to a GT (and, therefore, the new Boss) but packs an extra 110 horsepower over a new Boss. With the track pkg it also has the same 3.73 rear end ratio. As far as lap times, my money goes to the new Boss 302 Laguna Seca. It will be scary fast around the course!
2. NotTellinYou at 8:46am 17th August 2010 We're talking here about a NA engine not a engine with a blower strapped on. That it gets the HP it gets NA is pretty damn cool!
aubrey at 4:25pm 16th August 2010 how much???????
Guest at 4:00pm 16th August 2010 Ample power, the best chassis on any street Mustang yet, and clear heritage looks? Can't think of a single reason I won't have one in my garage ........simply amazing
Cindy at 3:33pm 16th August 2010 OMG!! I love it! I have wanted one of these cars since I got my permit way back when I was 16! It is so sharp.
1. vINCENT at 3:37pm 16th August 2010 Please tell me it's NOT an AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION!!!!!
  1. Kevin at 3:54pm 16th August 2010 The photo's definately show three pedals and the shift knob shows a manual pattern. Looks like a winner to me :)
  2. jo'smo at 12:55pm 17th August 2010 I am with you on that. These types of cars should not ever have automatic transmission.
    Guest at 3:54pm 17th August 2010 Ordinarilly I would agree with Vincent & 'smo, but not having considered the possibility of a driver who may be disabled (until having read another post here), that particular option can only be good in that respect. It would be great to see a veteran or other without the ability to shift a manual still join in on the annual Mustang road tours & help beautify the U.S. roadways.
Greg at 3:06pm 16th August 2010 A definate move in the right direction for us Ford loving people. Ample horsepower and not bad to look at either!
mary at 2:56pm 16th August 2010 I think the new Boss looks great, although I wish it had the louvers on the rear window. Maybe this is an option for Ford. The intro looks good. We owned a Boos 302 and it was wonderful. My husband sold it and hates himself everyday for doing so. Maybe now he can buy a 2012 and be happy.
1. Guest at 7:57pm 16th August 2010 Mary, the 2010 & 2011 are both optional with the louvers. If that's all that's holding you back, I'm sure a local Ford dealer would be happy to get you some from the accessories catalog.
2. Whits at 9:13am 21st August 2010 Yes, THAT'S why he's not happy.