Boss 302

[Flieger]

So, I am impressed by the engine and even how Ford have tuned the suspension, despite the continued use of a beam axle. Nice splitter. Graphics are fitting.

But the interior. Ugh. Too much plastic. The Alcantara feels good on the seats but the Alcantara on the steering wheel is spoiled by the plasticy feeling bits on the spokes. The dash looks pretty cheap and the door panels are just ugly.

I can see why they can deliver so much performance for relatively little money. The Audi TTRS I sat in was much nicer. I could see much better out of it too. The Mustang meant I had pretty much zero ability to see a car in the lane I would be changing into. Huge blind spots.

As for the GT500, overinflated and ugly. Even if it has 650hp I still don't want it.




On the plus side the Ford display was better than Porsche's this year. You could sit in the cars, they had engine parts and cutaways all over, and the dyno run. Porsche had the Boxster Spyder locked up.

[HardDrive]

Be a it 'Carrera' or 'Boss 302', I think cars look better without stickers. Let the lines speak for themselves.

I really like the new Mustangs. I went and drove one when I was shopping for my 997. I think the 997 interior looks more refined, but it is also full of plastic. The Germans just do a better job of disguising this fact.

My beef with the Mustang is a lack of traction control. My wife take my 997 out frequently, and I don't worry about it. Would I want her driving a 400hp RWD car with out some kind of stability management? No way.

[splinterAMG]

Originally Posted by Flieger

...On the plus side the Ford display was better than Porsche's this yearr. You could sit in the cars, they had engine parts and cutaways all over, and the dyno run. Porsche had the Boxster Spyder locked up.

A fail on behalf of Porsche’s marketing régime?

Chased a well-driven Laguna Seca iteration during a recent track day (before we swapped positions).
Its solid axle aft chassis isn’t much of a detriment on smooth circuits. Still too tarted up for my taste though.

[pwd72s]

Good to see that they've toned down the graphics from the '12 models. I'm hoping they are tape...could then be removed after buying the car. By the way, "beam axle" should be called "live axle" or "solid axle"...your refence to "twin beam" in another thread was confusing...that was used to describe a Ford pickup front suspension.

Gee, must be the new body style? I have no problems changing lanes in my '09 Bullitt. But then, I do drive with the seat pretty close to all the way back, can actually use the quarter windows. I also know how to adjust mirrors properly. If you set them so you can see part of your car, you have them set too far "in".

So, buy the Audi if you like...I realize that to many image is important. Or better yet..maybe a 944? After all, it's a Porsche.

You pay your money & make your choice. I'm satisfied with mine...

[Flieger]

Yes, stickers are not for all cars, but it fits this car's personality.

Plastic can be made to feel alright. Here though, I did not think the interior was laid out well. The shapes did not flow together like an Audi interior or Porsche interior. Lots of straight lines that were not continuous. Maybe it also had to with the lighting such that I could not appreciate the engine turned Aluminum (plastic?) panel.

[Flieger]

Did I say twin beam? Was I meaning the I beams that crossover on the Ford Ranger? I do not remember that thread.

A live axle is a type of beam axle. It is an archaic term leftover from the days when there were dead beam axles which did not transmit power (front wheels).

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Be a it 'Carrera' or 'Boss 302', I think cars look better without stickers. Let the lines speak for themselves.

I really like the new Mustangs. I went and drove one when I was shopping for my 997. I think the 997 interior looks more refined, but it is also full of plastic. The Germans just do a better job of disguising this fact.

My beef with the Mustang is a lack of traction control. My wife take my 997 out frequently, and I don't worry about it. Would I want her driving a 400hp RWD car with out some kind of stability management? No way.

Hmmmm, My Bullitt has traction control, also limited slip... Maybe Stephanie will weigh in & clarify if her Boss 302 has traction control?

[Flieger]

I kind of liked this for a front engine car. But I was not able to sit inside and see the interior.

[Flieger]

I do like the looks of this normal GY better than the other Mustangs.

[PorscheGAL]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Maybe Stephanie will weigh in & clarify if her Boss 302 has traction control?

Yes, the 2012 Boss has traction control. I do not turn it off because it has helped(saved) me more than once.

[VINMAN]

Originally Posted by Flieger

I kind of liked this for a front engine car. But I was not able to sit inside and see the interior.

Mitsubishi Eclipse ??

[PorscheGAL]

Originally Posted by VINMAN

Mitsubishi Eclipse ??

Subaru BRZ concept car. I was disappointed from the hp numbers that are predicted in the 200s. 350hp would be a good start.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by PorscheGAL

Yes, the 2012 Boss has traction control. I do not turn it off because it has helped(saved) me more than once.

Is that new for 2012?

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Is that new for 2012?

AFAIK, traction control has been on V-8 Mustangs for quite some time..like I said, my '09 has it. Like Stephanie, I leave mine on...but then, I'm a slow old man driver.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by Flieger

I kind of liked this for a front engine car. But I was not able to sit inside and see the interior.

I was down there today and saw the Scion and Subaru versions. I liked the BRZ better and after talking with their people it seems things are still secretive about what will be the final version. The BRZ at the show had no engine and no interior. More info will be released at the Tokyo show.

[Wilhelm]

Flieger;
Now HERE is a Boss 302



The new Boss is a good performer from all I have read. I sat in it at the LA Show and I agree the interior plastic bits were on the cheap side. Seems like they could have made it look a little better inside without adding too much to the price.

I also thought the Porsche display was a bit weak this year. No tech stuff ...and why was it so damn bright in there ? Good grief. They should have dimmed the lights a little bit.

[craigster59]

Here's a few of the highlights from the show...

Caddy Ciel



Audi's concept



Lexus LFA



BMW i8



Kia concept

I love with the new 302, though I dislike the graphics. I'd go non-boss, though, not only because of the graphics but also because they are selling at a ridiculous premium, while the regular 5.0's they are discounting pretty nicely.

Of course, I'm a Ford guy (as well as a Porsche guy) and drag raced a 1988 5.0 for four years.


Agree, Wilhelm--that was the REAL Boss.

[Wilhelm]

Originally Posted by madcorgi

I love with the new 302, though I dislike the graphics. I'd go non-boss, though, not only because of the graphics but also because they are selling at a ridiculous premium, while the regular 5.0's they are discounting pretty nicely.

Of course, I'm a Ford guy (as well as a Porsche guy) and drag raced a 1988 5.0 for four years.


Agree, Wilhelm--that was the REAL Boss.

Corgi: The graphics dont bother me much. Depends upon the color combination. And the graphics are in keeping with the "Real Boss 302". But I agree about the price premium and availabity. Thats a turn off. But I guess it is "whatever the market will bear" as they say. I remember seeing a Porsche GT2 at the local dealer years ago when the GT2 was new. They were marking it up something like $92,000. A sales guy told me a well known actor (who I will not name here) bought it at that price. Its nice to be rich I guess

[Flieger]