Ford doesn't need any introduction. This American automaker has been around for over 110 years, beating Ferrari at Le Mans, creating some of the most iconic vehicles, and even building airplanes during World War 2.
The company was established in 1903 by 12 people, including Henry Ford and his son. At the very beginning, Ford had a 25.5% stake but 16 years later he bought all the owners and made it a family company. Nowadays, the company sells under the Ford brand and owns stakes in many automotive industries.
In 1969, the first Mustang Boss 302 was built. Only 1,628 units were produced with one purpose: to make a true racing vehicle. The first generation Boss came in a fastback body style and featured a taillight panel, trunk lid, and a blacked-out hood. Here are 15 reasons why we want to buy the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca.
15 Not The Average Street-Legal Car
Ford used the 2012 Mustang body but made a couple of exterior tweaks to help the Laguna Seca stand out. The upgrades make the car more aerodynamic and aggressive. However, the company focused on the racing track so much that some of the details aren't even street legal. For example, the large front air splitter.
14 302 Cubic-Inch V8 Engine
Helping the car build power, a revised 302 cubic-inch V8 engine with new camshafts can deliver 440 hp and 380 lb-ft. of torque. Thanks to the new engine design, a more aggressive grind can be actuated with the revised camshaft timing mechanism. The car feels comfortable on the track and while you're driving around the city.
13 Race-Inspired Performance Features
The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca got a race-inspired clutch with new friction materials. A short-throw, 6-speed manual transmission takes care of gear changes and sends power to the rear axle. For drivers who need the most precise control, a Torsen limited-slip differential is available as an option.
12 Unique Color Themes
Thanks to the unique color themes, the Laguna Seca is easily distinguishable from other cars. The body is painted in one color but the rear wing, side mirrors, wheels, roof and grill surround can be painted to match another color. The Mustang also has a new badge that says "Laguna Seca".
11 Unique Exhaust System
Shawn Carney, Mustang NVH engineer, said that "we were able to tune the exhaust system for a unique sound. Combined with the rush of the intake, the exhaust system really envelops the driver in V8 sound." Multiple details were added, including 2 outlet exits to the side of the exhaust crossover.
10 Race-Car Inspired Interior
The Laguna Seca got a racer's dream interior. It features the standard Mustang dash with a new 3-gauge cluster that monitors oil pressure, lap times and engine temperature. In order to save weight, Ford removed rear seats and added a stabilizer brace. This should help the car stay under control through the corners.
9 Redesigned Suspension
In order to deliver the best-handling car, Ford redesigned its GT suspension. It got high-rate coil springs, stiffer bushings, and a huge rear stabilizer bar. The car was lowered by 1 mm at the rear and 11 mm at the front compared to the GT. Besides, adjustable struts and shocks are standard.
8 Unique Shock Adjustment Method
The company said that "the shock adjustment is right at the top of the shock tower, built into the rod and easily accessible from under the hood or inside the trunk." Ford was going for a classic adjustability that is similar to the Gabriel shocks you can find on the original Boss 302.
7 Speed-Sensitive Electronic Steering System
The speed-sensitive electronic steering system complements the redesigned suspension. The system was retuned to increase road feel and improve feedback to the driver. You can fine-tune the steering wheel to your liking by choosing 1 of 3 settings: Normal, Comfort or Sport. These sportier modes increase track performance by sacrificing maneuverability at low speeds.
6 Traction Control System
The traction control system monitors the behavior of the car through sensors. It prevents wheelspin and offers the best grip, stability, and performance in situations when you need it the most. It monitors and changes power sent to the wheels and ensures maximum contact while you're accelerating. It works together with the Electronic Stability Control.
5 Electronic Stability Control
Electronic Stability Control uses sensors to monitor the speed of every wheel, the yaw rate, and the steering angle. When the road is affected by poor weather, the system ensures a comfortable and safe drive. It gives you greater control of the car and automatically applies a braking pulse to the wheels, stabilizing them.
4 Unique Racing Wheels
Lightweight 19-inch black alloy racing wheels follow the race-car theme. The "Pirelli PZero summer tires are sized specifically for each end of the vehicle, with the front wheels receiving 255/40ZR-19 tires while the rear stays planted thanks to 285/35ZR-19 rubber." The Laguna Seca was the first Mustang to achieve over 1 g of lateral acceleration.
3 Retuned Brake Pedal
Ford admits that his team spent a lot of time tuning the brake pedal. The car got unique brake lines that expand 30% less than other types. This helps deliver maximum fluid pressure to the calipers in the shortest amount of time. The driver gets a feeling of being connected to the car controls.
2 Balance And Stability At High Speeds
Up front, the blocked-off fog lamp openings highlight a unique grille. The front splitter manages air around and under the car. This design reduces underbody drag and front end lift. At the rear, the big spoiler also reduces drag. The car is simply glued to the street at high speed.
1 Luxurious Cabin Accessories
The steering wheel is covered in Alcantara suede to complement the suede-like center insert on each seat. You can choose a package that offers Recaro bucket seats. The company removed 11 pounds of sound-deadening material to let you enjoy the exhaust notes. "Powered by Ford" door plates remind you that you're in a unique car.