The year 2010 was truly the year of the Boss, marking a significant resurgence for the legendary Mustang nameplate. Enthusiasts witnessed the thrilling return of the Mustang BOSS 302R to the Daytona track and the exciting unveiling of the street-legal 2012 BOSS 302 production Mustang. Building on this momentum, Ford Racing further solidified its commitment to performance by announcing the 2012 Ford Mustang BOSS 302S, a turn-key, track-ready race car poised to deliver thrilling experiences for racing aficionados.
Ford Racing, leveraging the storied racing heritage of the original BOSS 302, engineered the Mustang BOSS 302S to offer an accessible and exhilarating entry point into the world of road racing. This limited-production marvel distinguishes itself as only the third competition vehicle in Ford Motor Company’s history to be assembled within a Ford production facility and made available for purchase through authorized Ford Racing dealers. This exclusive lineage includes the pioneering Mustang FR500S and the NHRA-approved FR500CJ Cobra Jet, further emphasizing the BOSS 302S’s pedigree.
Mark Wilson, Engineering Manager at Ford Racing, expressed his enthusiasm for this new addition, stating, “Ford Racing is thrilled to expand our stable of ready-to-race cars with the BOSS 302S, joining the ranks of the highly acclaimed FR500C, FR500S, BOSS 302R, and Cobra Jet.” He further highlighted the competitive edge the BOSS 302S offers, noting its eligibility for both the World Challenge GTS and the NASA American Iron Series, and eagerly anticipated the racers who would etch their names into the BOSS 302 racing legacy.
The heart of the 2012 Ford Mustang BOSS 302S is its formidable 440-horsepower Ford Mustang BOSS 302S engine, meticulously crafted by Ford Racing engineers. Born in the Mustang’s Flat Rock, Michigan home at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant, this race car shares its foundation with the street-legal 2012 Mustang BOSS 302. The powertrain boasts a high-revving Boss 5.0-liter 4-valve Ti-VCT V-8 engine coupled with a robust 6-speed transmission, both directly derived from the standard BOSS 302 parts catalog. Power is channeled to the rear wheels with precision through a T2 Torsen differential and performance-oriented 3.73 gears, ensuring optimal traction and acceleration on the track.
The Mustang BOSS 302S chassis is engineered for peak track performance. Starting with a Mustang body-in-white, Ford Racing strips away unnecessary weight by eliminating factory seam sealer, sound deadener, and interior panels before commencing the build. To enhance structural rigidity and driver safety, the chassis is reinforced and fitted with a comprehensive 6-point FIA-legal roll cage. The cockpit is race-focused, featuring a RECARO HANS Pro-Racer lightweight race seat, a secure 6-point safety belt, a quick-release steering wheel for easy egress, and a sophisticated AIM data acquisition system complete with GPS, allowing drivers to meticulously analyze their performance. The suspension system is upgraded with two-way adjustable coil-over dampers and Ford Racing anti-roll bars at both the front and rear, providing drivers with precise control and handling adjustability to conquer any circuit.
Aerodynamic enhancements further distinguish the BOSS 302S. A unique fiberglass heat-extracting hood not only reduces weight but also aids in engine cooling. An adjustable front splitter allows drivers to fine-tune front-end downforce, while an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing maximizes rear grip. Visually, the BOSS 302S pays homage to its heritage with a “retro” styled BOSS 302 graphics package, echoing the iconic design of the original 1969 BOSS 302 program.
Production of the BOSS 302S was slated to commence in the second quarter of 2011, with orders already being accepted through Ford dealers participating in the Ford Racing Performance Parts program. The BOSS 302S was offered in performance white paint (part number FR500-B302S) and orange paint (part number M-FR500-B302SO), with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $79,000.00, positioning it as a compelling value for a track-ready machine of this caliber. The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302S represented a significant step in providing racing enthusiasts with a factory-built, competitive platform ready to take on the challenges of the track, continuing the proud legacy of the Boss Mustang.
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