In keeping with the Boss mandate to provide the best-handling Mustang ever, the already strong Mustang GT suspension system has been further refined. Higher-rate coil springs on all four corners, stiffer suspension bushings and a larger-diameter rear stabilizer bar all contribute to the road racing mission, and Boss models are lowered by 11 mm in front and 1 mm at the rear versus Mustang GT. But the real key to handling is in the adjustable shocks and struts, standard on all Boss Mustangs.
   2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302. Click image to enlarge |
Finishing off the 302 package are lightweight 19-inch black alloy racing wheels with Pirelli PZero summer tires—255/40R19 up front and 285/35R19 in the rear to ensure that the power is delivered to the pavement smoothly and properly.
Being able to drive a fast car fast has a lot to do with comfort and feel, so the Boss 302 offers a smaller steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara that gives the driver the feel they need to turn in with confidence while the Recaro seats hold you snug around those high-speed corners.
Driving the GT500 and the Boss 302 back to back on the racetrack it was evident that although the GT500 has more power than one could ever need, it was the Boss 302 that was the true driver’s car with a balanced chassis, just enough power to be useful, and tons of grip in the corners.
Despite the Mustang being a large and heavy vehicle, the Brembo four-piston calipers acting on 355-mm (14-inch) vented rotors up front and the standard rear Mustang GT brakes (upgraded with a Boss-specific high-performance pad compound) proved to be more than sufficient, even after multiple laps by journalists who were overusing them. (You mean, journalists who can’t handle a race car like you can? –Ed.) Up front, vented brake shields and a reprogrammed ABS system specific to the Boss offer repeatable fade-free stops.
For those that want to, uh, track their performance, the “Track Apps” integrated into the centre gauge cluster offer performance metrics for drivers. The screen displays braking performance, measures g-forces and records acceleration times, and offers drag-like countdown starts.
There is no question in my mind that the Boss 302 is the ultimate Mustang for the track despite its “lack” of power compared to the Shelby. The Boss’ balance of power and chassis dynamics make it a track star and, for my money, the best Mustang to date.
