Autoblog

Chevy Camaro to get Boss 302-rivaling 1LE trim for 2013 [UPDATE]

Zach Bowman — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Chevrolet

General Motors struck back at the mighty Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 with the similarly brawny Camaro ZL1, and now it looks like GM has taken aim at the Mustang Boss 302 as well.

According to posts on the Camaro5.com forums, a dealer reference guide has revealed buyers will be able to opt for a new performance track package for the 2013 Camaro. The 1LE pack includes a number of aerodynamic tweaks, including an aggressive front splitter and unique rear spoiler, both painted in smoke gray. Red Brembo brake calipers, a hood wrapped in matte black vinyl and 20-inch wheels shod in Goodyear Eagle Supercar tires are all part of the party. Those big rollers are actually borrowed from the ZL1.

Larger sway bars front and rear as well as stronger axle half shafts help the vehicle withstand track abuse. A Tremec six-speed manual gearbox with a higher 3.91 final drive and a liquid cooling system is also standard. Finally, the report says the Camaro 1LE will feature an optional dual-mode exhaust similar to what's found on the Chevrolet Corvette.

Will the hardware be enough to help the Camaro fend off the road-race ready Boss 302? Given the sublime driving experience the tweaked Mustang offers its buyers and the heady 444 horsepower on hand, it seems unlikely. That doesn't mean we'd be averse to putting the two head to head on a track, however.

UPDATE: General Motors has now released official information on the 1LE. The model will land at under $40,000 and and be able to pull up to 1g on the skid pad. According to Al Oppenheiser, Camaro Chief Engineer, the vehicle was able to best the three-minute lap time at Virginia International Raceway, and GM is currently seeking approval from SCCA to allow the package to be used in the Touring Class competition.

In addition to borrowing the dual-mode exhaust from the ZL1, the 1LE will also feature the same variable-effort power steering. Other changes include a strut tower brace, ZL1 wheel bearings, toe links and shock mounts as well as a ZL1 high-capacity fuel pump and pickups for consistent fuel delivery during hard cornering. Even if the 1LE can't keep pace with the Boss 302, it should make for an impressive on-track machine. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Chevy Camaro to get Boss 302-rivaling 1LE trim for 2013 [UPDATE]

Chevy Camaro to get Boss 302-rivaling 1LE trim for 2013 [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gotta Have It Green 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 snapped getting comfy in Detroit [w/poll]

Chris Paukert — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Design/Style

You've heard us gush about the Ford Mustang Boss 302 before, calling this 444-horsepower coupe "The pony car's best ambassador." Sadly, we have yet to drive the updated 2013 model, which includes, among other things, a reworked front fascia, improved front-end cooling, a more assertive front splitter and new paint and graphics options.

Among those new color choices is Gotta Have It Green, which reminds us somewhat of Porsche Emerald Green popularized on 911 models in the 1970s, albeit a bit flatter. Photographed here being jockeyed into place at Ford's Detroit Auto Show stand this morning, this is actually the second look we're giving you at Gotta Have It, though these photos are markedly clearer (and more numerous) than the ones we showed you back in November. We like the new reflective 'hockey stick' side graphic that replaces the boomerang U-shaped treatment of the 2012 model, but if we're being honest, we're on the fence about the pastel-like paint finish.

If you don't (like) Gotta Have It, there's also a new Impact Blue paint choice, along with School Bus Yellow and last year's Black, Ingot Silver, Race Red and Performance White. Unfortunately, we didn't spy either of the other new colors on Ford's Cobo Hall show stand while we were there for a preview this morning, but they could still make the scene before press days get underway next week.

Speaking of high-performance Mustang models, Autoblog has learned that rumors of the 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible debuting in Motown are 100-percent false (as if to reinforce that fact, we spotted a 2012 model on a display stand). The most-powerful 'Stang droptop will debut this auto show season, though Ford wouldn't officially say at which show (we're thinking Chicago Auto Show).

So, now that you have a better look at Gotta Have It Green, does it live up to its name? Take our second-chance poll below and let us know what you think in Comments.

View Poll

Gotta Have It Green 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 snapped getting comfy in Detroit [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Racing quietly shows off Mustang Boss 302SX

Chris Shunk — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Ford

We can't get enough of the Boss Mustang 302, and it appears Ford Racing can't, either. Mustang Daily reports that Ford unleashed the newest member of the Boss family at the PRI show in Florida; the Boss 302SX. The Boss 302 concept is called the ultimate track car, and its stats tell the story.

The SX package delivers the updated looks of the 2013 model, and adds a bit more kick under the hood. The overhauled 5.0-liter V8 will reportedly crank out over 500 horsepower due to changes that include the same intake manifold as the 2013 Mustang Cobra Jet.

Mechanical upgrades also include an improved oil cooler, fuel system, adjustable coilover suspension and Ford Racing mufflers. Team Ford also made changes at all four corners with lightweight 18x9.5-inch wheels mated to racing slicks. And of course, Brembo brakes have been added all around and the interior features an FIA-spec six-point roll cage to protect whoever sits in the single Recaro seat behind the wheel.

Keep in mind that the Boss 302SX is just a concept for now, but all we can see is a serious track star that is begging for production.

Ford Racing quietly shows off Mustang Boss 302SX originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car and Driver reveals its 2012 10Best cars [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Hatchback, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Porsche, Volkswagen

Each year, the scribes at Car and Driver go through every new vehicle on sale and pick the ten best cars available here in the United States. And while some major automotive awards are only shelled out to vehicles that are all-new or significantly updated for a certain model year, C/D's approach is to look at the full scope of cars currently on sale. After all, there are some cars that are simply perennial favorites, even if they haven't changed year over year.

For 2012, the Chevrolet Volt and Hyundai Sonata have fallen off the list to make room for the Audi A6/A7 and Ford Focus. The other eight vehicles that round out the 10Best list have carried over from the 2011 winners, but we can't say we're surprised. These ten cars indeed represent some of the best vehicles on sale today.

The 2012 Car and Driver 10Best winners are:

Head over to Car and Driver to read the full 10Best roundup, and follow the jump to see a video of this year's winning fleet, then check in to Comments to share your thoughts on C/D's list.

Continue reading Car and Driver reveals its 2012 10Best cars [w/video]

Car and Driver reveals its 2012 10Best cars [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Do you gotta have the Mustang in new Gotta Have It Green?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, Design/Style

Gotta have a new Ford Mustang? Gotta have the Boss 302 package? Gotta have it green? If that's the case, we've got good news. Ford's latest performance pony gets two new colors for the 2013 model year, and while we saw the rather self-explanatory School Bus Yellow at the 2011 LA Auto Show, Gotta Have It Green has yet to make an official appearance.

There's no doubt that these two new colors are going to be polarizing, having been inspired by the muscle car heydays of the 1970s, which makes us wonder what you think about Gotta Have It Green? Make your voice heard in our informal poll below.

View Poll

Do you gotta have the Mustang in new Gotta Have It Green? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford Mustang and Boss 302 nose into LA Convention Center

Zach Bowman — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Ford has officially unveiled the 2013 Mustang at the 2011 LA Auto Show, complete with its new nose. The design incorporates a more upright, prominent grille with redesigned fenders and a hood to match. Speaking of the hood, GT models feature functional heat extractors to keep the engine bay as cool as possible. That's a good thing considering that the 5.0-liter V8 now produces 420 horsepower in the GT and 444 horsepower in the Boss 302. Inside, drivers can take advantage of the new TrackApp technology to keep an eye on quarter-mile times and the like, and those buyers who opt for the automatic can now select their own gears through a new rocker-switch on the shifter (we still want paddles, guys). There's also a set of trick new LED taillamps out back.

The 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302, meanwhile, also receives a new hood with heat extractors and a more aggressive front splitter. The Boss also rocks SYNC for the first time, and new reflective hockey-stick graphics are are also available. Boss 302 buyers will also be able to choose a new Parnelli-Jones-approved School Bus Yellow paint scheme. We like it. Expect to see the 2013 Ford Mustang land on dealer lots in the spring of 2012. Hit the jump for the full press releases.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Mustang and Boss 302 nose into LA Convention Center

2013 Ford Mustang and Boss 302 nose into LA Convention Center originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VBH thrashes Ford Mustang Boss 302 at Le Mans for Fifth Gear

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Ford, UK

Just a few days ago, we brought you footage of Fifth Gear hostess Vicki Butler-Henderson flogging the Ferrari 458 Spider along the hills outside Maranello. Epic, to be sure, but is Ferrari the only show in town? Of course not.

Many have challenged the legendary Italian marque over the years, but among the proudest moments - for Americans, at least - was when Ford, still reeling from a snubbed takeover deal with old man Enzo himself, took to Le Mans to take on Ferrari.

The showdown went down in the books as one of the most grueling battles in motorsport history. And now Vicki has relived the experience by taking one of Ford's latest performance machines - the Mustang Boss 302 - down to La Sarthe to take on a few Prancing Horses of her own. She may cite some tired chapter and verse from The Standard List of British Complaints About American Cars, but Butler-Henderson still seems to enjoy herself a great deal. Follow the jump to watch the segment.

Continue reading VBH thrashes Ford Mustang Boss 302 at Le Mans for Fifth Gear

VBH thrashes Ford Mustang Boss 302 at Le Mans for Fifth Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford Mustang and Boss 302 get styling, packaging updates

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

The 2011 model year brought big powertrain upgrades for the Ford Mustang - that's when the 5.0-liter V8 and 3.7-liter V6 were introduced - and for 2013, Ford's Pony Car is getting some updated style, tech and packaging to make it a more competitive offering in the segment.

Up front, all Mustangs get a new front fascia with revised lower air intakes and a new splitter. High-intensity discharge headlamps are also now standard across the board, and GT models get a new hood with functional air extractors, as well as optional HID foglamps. New body-colored rocker panels flank both sides, and new 17-, 18- and 19-inch wheels are also available. Around back, there's now a high-gloss black panel that connects the slightly redesigned taillamps, and the side mirrors have a pretty cool gee-whiz feature: there are LED lamps in them that project Ford's legendary pony logo onto the ground when the doors are unlocked. New colors including Gotta Have It Green and Deep Impact Blue are also available.

Other changes to the 2013 Mustang include a Recaro seat option for both V6 and GT models, an available SelectShift function on automatic-equipped V8 cars, a GT Track Pack with a Torsen differential from the Boss 302 and Brembo brakes (only available on cars with the 3.73 axle and a manual transmission) and the availability of the V6 Performance Pack on automatic-equipped cars. There's also a Track Apps function inside the instrument cluster that shows a whole host of performance stats. Speaking of performance, the 5.0-liter V8 now makes 420 horsepower for 2013, up from 402 and still six shy of the current Chevrolet Camaro.

The Mustang Boss 302 (above, right) may have just been introduced for the 2012 model year, but it also receives some small tweaks for the new model year. Specifically, a new hockey stick graphic with reflective stripes has been added to the sides of the Boss, paying homage to the 1970 Boss 302. Both the standard and Laguna Seca models are now available in School Bus Yellow, and the updated front fascia from the base Mustangs has been fitted to the 444-horsepower Boss, as well. The foglamp covers in the grille are now removable for 2013, and Ford says this will improve cooling during longer stints of high-performance driving.

Ford will officially debut the 2013 Mustang lineup at the LA Auto Show this week, with the first cars hitting showrooms early next year. Follow the jump to read Ford's official press release.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Mustang and Boss 302 get styling, packaging updates

2013 Ford Mustang and Boss 302 get styling, packaging updates originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Chris Paukert — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, New Car Reviews

The Pony Car's Best Ambassador

Despite extolling their many carnal virtues for years, we know that there's still a sizable group of enthusiasts who have never managed to wrap their heads around the idea of owning a pony car. We've heard all the excuses before, from complaints about refinement, Jurassic underpinnings and muscle-straining inputs to shopworn stereotypes about the people who drive them. Thing is, if we're being honest, many of these same notions have troubled us as well - even those of us who have triumphed over our prejudices and actually bought one of the things.

Well, boys and girls, Ford finally has a four-wheeled answer for the naysayers and skeptics: The Mustang Boss 302. Just as bacon is the gateway meat for wayward vegetarians, the orange crush seen here is the four-wheeled, applewood-smoked come-on for pony car doubters. Better still, unlike that tasty bit of swine dining, it's nearly guilt-free.

The 2012 Boss 302 may carry the namesake of Ford's legendary 1969 competition car, and it might work a treat on racetracks, but Ford has made sure it's an honest-to-Detroit everyday proposition, not just a weekend warrior for waxing overconfident BMW M and Mercedes-Benz AMG preeners.

Continue reading 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford designer creates special Parnelli Jones Mustang Boss 302 for charity

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford, Specialty

Eleven years ago, Ford designer Melvin Betancourt suffered a serious heart problem and had to undergo intense open-heart surgery at the Henry Ford Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan. The surgery was a total success, with Betancourt crediting Henry Ford's doctors with saving his life. Now, the designer uses his expertise as a way to give back to the medical field that helped give him a second lease on life.

This special edition 2012 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca has been done up as a modern interpretation of the famed coupe Parnelli Jones raced to victory in the 1970 Trans-Am Championship. Painted in School Bus Yellow and complete with black accents and number decals, the Boss will be auctioned off at the Get Your Heart Racing benefit on October 15. The benefit is sponsored by Ford Motor Company and the Henry Ford Health System and raises money for cardiovascular care, research and education. More information is available in Ford's press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ford designer creates special Parnelli Jones Mustang Boss 302 for charity

Ford designer creates special Parnelli Jones Mustang Boss 302 for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Motors launches World's Fastest Car Show with Justin Bell

Zach Bowman — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford, Celebrities

Justin Bell and eBay Motors have teamed up for a new web-based car show called, fittingly enough, "The World's Fastest Car Show." The premise is pretty straight-forward, with Bell taking to the wheel of some piece of drool-worthy metal in the first half of the show before heading off to an event in the latter half. The inaugural episode features a stint in the delicious Ford Mustang Boss 302 on Mulholland Drive as well as a stop in at Pebble Beach for a peak at the concept lawn.

Bell spends some time with a variety of concepts before deciding that the electrified Porsche 918 RSR is the belle of that particular ball. Race fans will likely recognize Bell as the same champion race driver who has campaigned at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA GT series. "The World's Fastest Car Show" will debut a new episode each week. Hit the jump to check out the first episode for yourself.

Continue reading eBay Motors launches World's Fastest Car Show with Justin Bell

eBay Motors launches World's Fastest Car Show with Justin Bell originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How California's laws are holding up the Ford Mustang Boss 302's TracKey [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Ford

Ford promised its Mustang Boss 302 customers that their car was perfect for both the street and the track, and that the dual nature of the sports coupe could be personified with the TracKey. Pop that lovely little device into your ignition and your Boss 302 takes on a different attitude. Hundreds of parameters are changed to work in concert as the car takes on a more track-focused mindset. The TracKey has Boss 302 owners salivating at the prospect of owning sporty daily driver and track star, which occupies a singular spot in their garage.

There's a bit of a problem, however, and it seem that Mustang owners have California to blame.

Ford is butting heads with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the stalemate has left Boss 302 owners without their TracKeys. The folks at CARB know that the TracKey alters the emissions leaving the tailpipes of the Boss 302, and they have a problem with that. Until these issues are sorted out, Ford won't be able to deliver any TracKeys to Boss 302 owners.

As you can imagine, that has the car owners a bit peeved. One owner in particular has decided to vent his frustrations in a manner befitting our Internet-adled brains. Turning to the surprisingly popular Hitler video meme, he has applied his thoughts to the video antics of Adolf.

Click past the jump to watch the clip (note: NSFW language). Also, be sure to click through our gallery of the Ford Mustang Boss 302, while you pretend what it would be like if CARB turned a blind eye to the TracKey issues.

Continue reading How California's laws are holding up the Ford Mustang Boss 302's TracKey [w/video]

How California's laws are holding up the Ford Mustang Boss 302's TracKey [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford reportedly hard at work on 2013 Mustang Boss 302 updates

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Rumormill

According to the singularly obsessed minds at Mustangs Daily, Ford is already hard at work updating the Boss 302 for 2013. Owners of the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302, while seemingly quite pleased with their new coupes, have apparently made a few suggestions to Ford that would make them even happier. The Blue Oval has reportedly listened to most of the suggestions and is planning a few updates for the 2013 model.

For starters, Sync is coming to the previously infotainment tech-less cabin of the Boss 302, along with a modest 4.2-inch LCD screen and the MyKey system. The exterior will get a few changes in the form of a broader color range and new forward illumination. High-intensity discharge headlamps are on the way, though it's not clear if they will be made a standard feature or an optional extra. The choice of exterior paintwork will now include Gotta-Have-It Green, School Bus Yellow, Grabber Blue, White and Red.

If you don't need Sync, the 2013 will make your 2012 a little cheaper. If you do want Sync, then 2013 will be your year. As Michael Scott might say, this represents a win-win-win. (Ford getting the third nod.)

Ford reportedly hard at work on 2013 Mustang Boss 302 updates originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey supercharges Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

Having a drag strip behind your office would be both a wonderful play thing and an unyielding distraction. Hennessey Performance Design has such a delightful strip of attention-destroying asphalt at its disposal, and it uses this quarter-mile test track to examine the straight-line acceleration of its latest products. The most recent vehicle to run down this stretch is the Hennessey-tuned Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca.

According to Hennessey, the supercharged engine of this Boss 302 pumps out 650 horsepower. That's enough scoot to push the car from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds, and on down the strip in 11.9 seconds with a trap speed of 124 miles per hour.

It's fast, it's loud and it's captured on video. Click past the jump for the clip.

Continue reading Hennessey supercharges Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

Hennessey supercharges Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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24-year-old wins pair of Ford Mustang Boss 302 coupes

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Ford

Thomas Barker will need to clear out a space in his driveway. The 24-year-old from Effingham, Illinois claimed the top prize in the 2011 Mustang Dream Giveaway, which means he actually needs to clear out two spaces. One spot will go to his brand-new 2012 Ford Mustang Patriot Edition Boss 302, while the other will be taken up by a completely restored 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302. You read that correctly, Mr. Barker just won two Boss Mustangs.

According to Mustang Evolution, the pair of prizes in the 2011 Mustang Dream Giveaway were designed to rake in money that was then donated to benefit members of the armed forces. More specifically, those men and women returning home with traumatic injuries not covered by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Barker will pick up both coupes at Ford's global headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. His 2012 Boss 302 is a special edition that wears serial number one of one, and his restored 1969 Boss is one of only 46 built with Calypso Coral paint, a four-speed manual transmission and 3.91 gears. The icing on this already amazing cake? Parnelli Jones has signed the classic Mustang.

Congrats are in order for Thomas Barker. If you need someone to drive home either the modern machine or the classic muscle, feel free to drop us a line, we're in the neighborhood.

24-year-old wins pair of Ford Mustang Boss 302 coupes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 #0001 up for grabs *UPDATE

Zach Bowman — Wed, 04 May 2011 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 number 0001 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Second chances are like Lamborghinis; not everybody gets one. If you're still kicking yourself for not forking over the cash necessary to take home the very first 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 ever created, it's your lucky day. That very vehicle has shown up on eBay motors, and if you've got the means, you've got a second chance at calling this particular car your own. Why is the seller sending this piece of history on its way? Simple: the guy says he bought a Boss 302, not a museum piece.

He didn't know that his car was the very first production model until all of the appropriate lines were dotted. He says that he has neither the interest nor the space for some low-mile queen, and that instead, he wants a Boss 302 to use as his daily driver and a regular track rat. The bidding has risen to $65,100 as of the time of writing with reserve not met. Head over to eBay Motors to have a look-see. Thanks for the tip, Antonio!

*Update: The owner has officially sold the vehicle locally outside of the eBay auction. The last bid was $60,000 with the reserve not met.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 number 0001

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 #0001 up for grabs *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 May 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boss 302 crate engines now available from Ford Racing

Drew Phillips — Sun, 01 May 2011 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Ford

Ford Mustang Boss 302 Crate Engine - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last year Ford made the Mustang's 5.0L V8 available as a crate engine. Shortly thereafter, many of them found homes in some well-deserving cars. Now, Ford Racing is offering the Boss 302's 5.0L V8 as a standalone purchase through its performance parts catalog, allowing anyone to put the 444 horsepower engine into their own project car.

The difference between the Mustang's standard 5.0L V8 and the Boss 302 variant is more than just 32 horsepower. The Boss 302 features a new high-flowing intake manifold; CNC-machined cylinder heads; upgraded exhaust valves; forged pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft; a more aggressive camshaft and more. All of those upgrades cost a pretty penny, though. Ford Racing lists the Boss 302 V8 crate engine at $11,999.00, while the standard 5.0 will cost you just $6,999.00.

Follow the jump for a full list of features, or let us know what vehicle you'd drop a Boss 302 into via the comments below.

Gallery: Ford Mustang Boss 302 Crate Engine

[Source: Ford Racing]

Continue reading Boss 302 crate engines now available from Ford Racing

Boss 302 crate engines now available from Ford Racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 May 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Mustang Boss 302 fails Motor Trend brake test. Here's why...

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Safety, Ford

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford's new M3-fightin' Mustang, the 2012 Boss 302, is a 444-horsepower, rear-wheel-drive two-door designed to fight well above its weight class. Motor Trend decided to spend quality time with the coupe, and something scary happened. Not scary as in 'whoa, this thing is scary fast' but more along the lines of 'call my tailor, I ruined my pants' terrifying.

Part of M/T's testing gauntlet includes a look at braking distance. Road Test Editor Scott Mortara ran the Ford up to 70 miles per hour. Now it was time to see how quickly he could bring it to zero. Typically, this is just a matter of mashing the brakes and holding on. The sound of straining tires is a sound that's welcome, but a metallic snapping noise is not. Either way, the 2012 Boss 302 was a runaway pony.

Mortara used the six-speed manual transmission to reduce the coupe's speed before exiting the track through a gap at its end. What went wrong? A pin that connects the brake pedal to the rod that actuates the master cylinder had failed and snapped off. Normally, the brake pedal connects to the rod in a manner that distributes the pressure evenly over a large surface area and would still actuate the brakes when one presses the pedal. The setup on this particular Mustang was faulty, and allowed for far more pressure on the individual piece that failed.

Ford has examined this car, as well as the brake installation process at its assembly plants. It seems this car is unique in its defect. Motor Trend contends that it's possible the brake assembly was removed then reinstalled after the vehicle left the factory, which could explain why the part failed in such an abnormal manner. Check out the full story over at Motor Trend.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302: First Drive

Ford Mustang Boss 302 fails Motor Trend brake test. Here's why... originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: The newest Mustangs go head-to-head on the track

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

The Mustang family tested head-to-head - Click above to watch video after the jump

The crew over at Inside Line has manged to put together a test that any auto enthusiast should be eager to read about. Ford's entire lineup of Mustangs has something unique to offer, and IL wrangled up one of each different 'Stang on offer: V6, GT, Boss 302 Laguna Seca and Shelby GT500. In the end, there can be only one...

All four cars were flogged on a pair of tracks, including the 1.6-mile loop at Streets of Willow. The finishing order based on lap times was predictable, but the numbers are impressive across the board. Also, Inside Line didn't choose its winner based solely on fastest time around the track. Click past the jump to watch the cars in action, then be sure to head over to Inside Line to read about the results.

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Video: The newest Mustangs go head-to-head on the track

Video: The newest Mustangs go head-to-head on the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ford Mustang Boss 302 hot-laps Laguna Seca, stirs loins

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 laps Laguna Seca - Click above to watch video after the jump

The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 configurator has gone live, and if you're not ready to plunk down the cash (real or imaginary) for one just yet, we have just the video to help convince you that the $40,000+ you need to spend will be worth it. Motor Trend has taken the Boss 302 for a spin around Laguna Seca, and the lap time is very impressive.

What does that mean exactly? Well, owners of the Ford Mustang GT500, BMW M3 and even the Audi R8 should be very nervous if a Boss 302 shows up at the track. Click past the jump to see what we're talking about. Thanks for tipping like a Boss, Brian!

[Source: Motor Trend via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Ford Mustang Boss 302 hot-laps Laguna Seca, stirs loins

Video: Ford Mustang Boss 302 hot-laps Laguna Seca, stirs loins originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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