Ford unleashes modern-day Mustang Boss 302

Ford's new 5.0-litre 'Coyote' V8 was unveiled earlier this year in the new Mustang GT, and now the Blue Oval has unleashed an even higher performance version of the engine in the retro-laced Boss 302.

Billed as the "quickest, best-handling Mustang ever", the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 was inspired by the iconic 1969-70 Boss, which was engineered to compete in the Trans Am series. The 'Stang was up to the challenge, winning the championship in 1970.

The 2012 iteration (watch the video here ) gains a comprehensive tweaking that brings a revised 5.0-litre V8, along with a beefier clutch and brakes, adjustable suspension, quad exhausts (with two pipes exiting ahead of the rear wheels) and a race-inspired interior.

Ford benchmarked the Boss 302 against a BMW M3 during its development, and the company says it can actually outpace the Bavarian coupe at the hallowed Laguna Seca track (best known for the famous "Corkscrew") in California.

At the Ford's heart lies a high-revving version of the Coyote V8 that pumps out 328kW and 515Nm (more power but less torque than the 307kW/529Nm motor used by the Mustang GT), and the emphasis is on high-rpm power, given its track-focused orientation.

Whether this version of the engine will find its way into Ford Australia's portfolio is yet to be announced, but it's a tantalising prospect at the very least.

The mods to the V8 include a new air intake, more aggressive cams, revised engine mapping, and the aforementioned quad-exhaust system, in which the side pipes send spent gases through a set of metal discs to enable it to meet noise-level restrictions. The discs can be removed on the racetrack to reap the engine's full aural delights.

Getting back to the Boss 302, it also scores 14-inch, four-piston Brembo stoppers all around, and these lurk within lightweight 19-inch racing wheels shod with Pirelli PZero rubber.

The six-speed manual gearbox is mated to a short-throw shifter, and there's also retuned electronic steering, traction control and stability control. Suspension is beefed up via stiffer springs, larger diameter anti-roll bars and manually adjustable dampers with five different settings.

Ford's crayon wielders have also made sure to provide some visual links between the new Boss 302 and the 1969 original. Immediately obvious are the Boss 302 decals and the revised front fascia, distinguished by blocked-off fog lamps and an aggressive chin spoiler.

The Boss 302 will be available only in orange, white, blue, yellow or red -- with a white or black roof. Inside, there's a suede-wrapped steering wheel, cue-ball shifter, dark-painted dash and optional Recaro buckets. There's also 5kg less of sound deadening, which means the car is both lighter and louder than the GT.

Ford has also revealed a track-oriented Boss 302 Laguna Seca special edition model, which turfs the rear seats and adds race-ready suspension and other aero upgrades. The hard-core Laguna Seca (which comes in black or silver with red accents) also gains a stiffened bodyshell, firmer suspension and bespoke front and rear spoilers.

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