The Boss is back! Ford unleashes 440hp Mustang Boss 302

Posted by Harvinder

August 15, 2010

Good news for Mustang fans! Remember the mean-looking Mustang Boss 302 of the late 60′s and early 70′s? Well after four decades the Blue Oval has given a new lease of life to the Boss 302. The latest generation Mustang Boss 302 is, just like it’s predecessor, a hardcore version of the pony car featuring upgraded components and an angry demeanor. Power comes from the familiar 5.0 liter V8 found found in the 2011 Mustang GT. Further work has been carried out on the engine allowing it produce 440hp compared to 411hp. Torque is now figured at 380 lb.-ft.

The powerplant is treated to revised camshafts with a more aggressive grind and a more aggressive control calibration. Other upgrades in the drivetrain are made up by a race clutch with upgraded friction materials, a short-throw close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission as well as a limited-slip differential with a 3.73 ratio rear axle using carbon fiber plates. Available as an option is a torque-sensing or Torsen limited-slip differential.

Ford also emphasized on the sound that comes out of the Boss 302. It uses a Boss-specific intake system that is tuned to feed the engine with minimum restrictions hence a retuned induction sound. It also uses a quad exhaust system with side pipes that help produce a more intense V8 sound. The side pipes are also tuned so that drivers can run wide-open while producing comfortable sound levels. Ford also said that up to eleven pounds of sound-deadening material have been eliminated to enable the occupants to further enjoy the sound.

The Boss 302′s suspension has been retuned as well. It sports higher-rate coil springs on all four corners, stiffer suspension bushings and a larger-diameter rear stabilizer bar. The car is lower by 11 millimeters at the front and 1 millimeter at the rear compared to the Mustang GT. Also included in the suspension upgrade list are manually-adjustable shock absorbers. The Boss 302 also has a speed-sensitive electronic steering system with three modes for different weight levels. Also part of the system is traction control and an electronic stability program, both of which can be completely turned off when desired.

The lightweight 19-inch black alloy wheels, with staggered widths are shod with Pirelli PZero summer tires and the wheels hide Brembo four-piston calipers up front and standard Mustang GT brakes at back with Boss-specific pad compound. The ABS brake system also uses low-compressibility brake lines that expand up to 30% less than traditional flexible brake lines, allowing maximum fluid pressure to reach the calipers in the least amount of time. Ford did not reveal the Boss 302′s sprint performance figure but did say that it can hit 155mph which makes it the fastest non-SVT Mustang ever. It also said that Boss 302 offers more than 1.0 g of lateral acceleration.

Now lets have a quick look on what makes a Boss 302 different in terms of design. First up is the black or white roof panel which is in line with the C-styled sticker on the side of the vehicle. The front has been revised and features blocked-off fog lamp openings and aggressive lower splitter which can also be seen on the Boss 302R race car. The splitter is not only for esthetics but it helps manage the air under and around the vehicle during high speed travel. The spoiler at the back also helps minimize overall drag.

Inside, the driver will be faced with a Boss steering wheel finished in Alcantara suede, a material used for seats as well. The Boss 302 also has it’s instrument panel, gauge cluster and door panel trim finished in dark metallic. There is also a black pool-cue shifter ball and door sill plates that read “Powered by Ford”.

In it’s press release Ford said that it is pitting the Boss 302 against the BMW M3: a huge task I must admit. Ford claims that the Boss 302 can ‘top’ the 2010 M3 in terms of lap times at the Laguna Seca circuit in the US. The 302 does make more power compared to the M3′s 4.0 liter V8 but can it beat the M3′s refinement in the handling department? I am not too sure about that. Ford also unveiled a limited-edition Boss 302 Lugana Seca. Its more of a track-ready version of the 302 with increased body stiffness, a firmer chassis set-up and an aerodynamics package that is carried over from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.

Continue reading to enjoy an image gallery as well as to watch three videos.