Ford Mustang dimensions

In any of its iterations, the 2012 Ford Mustang lineup introduces the best pony vehicle you can buy today. Ford Mustang Boss 302 offers the following pros: Comprehensive V6 and V8 engines; capable handling; impressive brakes; Ford Sync system; performance configuration. Ford Mustang Boss 302 drawbacks are: Some affordable dashboard bits; no telescoping helm; lots of Ford Mustangs on the street.

The 2012 Ford Mustang is available as a coupe or convertible and is provided in five versions: V6, V6 Luxury, GT, GT Luxury and Boss 302. (the Shelby GT500 is reviewed separately.

The base V6 starts with 17-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip back differential, keyless entry, integrated blind-spot mirrors, cruise control, air-conditioning, full performance accessories, a tilt-only helm and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player and optional stereo slot.

The V6 Luxury adds updated 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a performance driver bench, Ford's Sync system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, color-adjustable gauges, ambient lighting, updated dashboard trim and an updated eight-speaker audio system with radio and an Ipod/usb stereo interface. The V8-powered GT comes with the base V6's features plus 18-inch alloys, automatic headlights, a back spoiler, adjustable steering effort and foglamps. The GT Luxury is essentially a GT with various 18-inch wheels and the V6 Premium's roster of features.

Features on Ford Mustang V6 models include an look look suite that adds bodywork graphics and a back spoiler. Bundled with the auxillary back parking sensors are an anti-theft system and wheel locks. Also available is a V6 Performance suite (for coupes with manual transmissions) that contains 19-inch wheels with summer tires, numerous suspension and brake upgrades, a recalibrated stability control system and a 3. 31 back axle ratio.

The V6 Luxury unlocks a slew of packages and features in addition to those available on the base model. These include: the Pony suite and the Ford Mustang Club of America Special Edition (both consist of 18-inch wheels and different look look-and-feel enhancements); the Convenience Group suite (a performance passenger bench and heated front seats); and the Controls suite (automatic conditioning, HD radio and a voice-activated navigator with real-time traffic and other information). Also available are remote ignition, xenon headlamps, a glass roof, a tonneau cover for convertible models and a back-up camera.

The Ford Mustang GT can be outfitted with updated Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, summer tires and the recalibrated stability control system. Two performance axles for quicker acceleration are available: 3. 55:1 and 3. 73:1. The GT Luxury can be had with all the features of the V6 Luxury and GT packages plus a selection from an array of 18-inch and 19-inch wheels, the California Special suite (more look look-and-feel variations) and a more comprehensive 10-speaker audio system (not available with the Controls package).

The new high-performance Boss 302 is only available as a coupe and adds a more comprehensive V8 motor, 19-inch wheels, quad exhaust tips, special look trim and aerodynamic components, a 3. 73:1 rear-axle ratio, Brembo brakes, adjustable shock absorbers, original dashboard trim, a suede-wrapped helm, alloy pedals, cloth seatings and the base stereo system. Recaro front seatings (from the GT500) and a Torsen limited-slip back differential are auxillary.

The limited-edition Boss 302 Laguna Seca model goes even further with track-ready aerodynamic improvements, race-compound tires, a stiffer suspension, original gauges and standardization of the Recaro seatings and Torsen differential, plus the deletion of the back bench. .