Ford's 'quickest ever' Mustang

Ford has created what it is calling the "quickest, best-handling" Mustang ever: the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.

Based on the 2011 Ford Mustang GT, the new model is inspired by the classic 1969 Mustang Boss, a car with an original design brief of becoming the "best all-around road-going performance machine ever created by Ford Motor Company".

Ford engineers, stylists and designers have strengthened, lightened and refined the Mustang GT to create "a race car with a licence plate". The team used the BMW M3 as a performance benchmark for the Mustang Boss 302 and claim the car can match Munich's performance saloon for lap time at Laguna Seca.

A new air intake and modified camshafts boost power from 406bhp to 434bhp in the 5.0-litre V8 engine taken from the standard Mustang GT, while 380lb ft of torque is produced. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox.

Performance is further enhanced by higher-rate coil springs, stiffer suspension bushings, a larger-diameter rear stabiliser bar, 14-inch Brembo front brakes and a race-inspired clutch. The Boss also comes with adjustable shocks and a speed-sensitive electronic steering system with three modes: comfort, normal and sport allowing the driver to adjust the car to their liking. A limited-slip differential is available as an option.

Read Autocar’s first drive of the Ford Mustang GT500

Styling changes to the exterior include a unique front fascia, a modified grille, a front splitter, and lightweight 19 inch wheels. Inside, the cabin boasts a revised instrument cluster, an Alcantara steering wheel, dark metallic trim and optional Recaro sports seats.

The car also features a unique quad exhaust system with two outlets exiting at the rear and two outlets exiting just ahead of the rear wheels. The two additional outlets send exhaust gases through a set of metal discs that provide the Boss Mustang with a unique engine note that meets road noise level restrictions. The discs can be removed to provide more noise when circuit driving.

Read about the 2011 Ford Mustang and see the video of the car at the Detroit Motor Show

A track-oriented Boss 302 Laguna Seca special edition model has also been revealed, which takes away the rear seats and adds race-ready suspension and other aerodynamic upgrades. The Laguna Seca has increased body stiffness, a firmer chassis set-up, new front and rear spoilers and is decked-out in Black or Ingot Silver paint with red accents.

Read Autocar's first drive of the 2013 Mustang GT500