Had some fun today..........

[fred cook]

Got to drive a 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302! And using the track key to boot! The salesman asked me to "be kind to the tires" so no burnouts, but I did one fast 0-60 run that showed 3.3 seconds on the on board timing / speed software! And that was shifting at about 4500 rpms (new engine with only a few miles on it)! Even at idle it felt and sounded "nervous" like it was trying to say "come on, let's go!!!". It was pretty obvious that the engine was producing more than enough hp and torque to overpower the rear tires just about any time the foot went to the floor! The sticker price? ONLY $44K! The Boss was white with a black interior and black "Boss 302" stripes. The wheels are a Minilite knockoff done in a satin black.

[Oracle]

Please post pictures..

[dewolf]

Do they have IRS or a live rear axle?

[SeanPizzle]

Originally Posted by dewolf

Do they have IRS or a live rear axle?

solid axle.

[Oracle]

Apparently the solid axle is so good nowadays that IRS is not needed.. in fact it can actually help to keep the rear better planted...

[pwd72s]

It can't be faster than a well set up 944...

Seriously, I've been sorely tempted by a black laguna seca Boss 302, then go to a good detailer for stripe removal. The Laguna Seca is the bad ass of the Boss 302's.

Alas, my Bullitt Mustang has only 11,700 on it's odo. Makes no sense to trade, especially since all I use the Mustang for is to get to the pool hall & back.

Still, the temptation is there.

(edit) How much additional dealer markup were they asking? Did it have the better differential?

[HardDrive]

Where are you seeing this car for $44K? They're $54k in Seattle.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Where are you seeing this car for $44K? They're $54k in Seattle.

Fred said sticker was 44. That's in the ball park for a non Laguna Seca Boss 302. Many dealers are still asking additional markup, but some are taking sticker money now.

Search ebay...

No status with a Mustang boys, stick to your Porsches...

(edit) If still curious, here's a link to the 2013 Boss 302 ebay listings I'd advise looking for one with the torson differential.

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=2013+boss+302+mustang&_sacat=6001&_dmpt=US_Cars_Trucks&_odkw=1970+boss+302+mustang&_osacat=6001&bkBtn=&_trksid=p4506.m270.l1313

[dewolf]

Originally Posted by Oracle

Apparently the solid axle is so good nowadays that IRS is not needed.. in fact it can actually help to keep the rear better planted...

Until you go through a corner with a bit of 'washboard' surface.

[Rusty Heap]

While I have no interest in one, it was interesting to read up on what a "track key" does.........

this listingBOSS 302 LAGUNA SECA - 1 OF 400! Showroom Condition!RED TOP AUTO SALES
905 WYOMING AVENUE
SCRANTON, PA 18509

Call Us Today!
(570) 969-6203Ask Us A Question
Year: 2013
Make: Ford
Model: Mustang
VIN: 1ZVBP8CU5D5233170
Mileage: 760
Transmission: Manual
Engine: 8 Cylinder, 5.0 L
Exterior Color: Yellow
Interior Color: Black
Title: Clear

Vehicle Description
2013 BOSS 302 LAGUNA SECA

1 OF ONLY 400 MANUFACTURED!!



1 OWNER VEHICLE * NEVER DAMAGED* AS-NEW CONDITION!!



Exterior: School Bus Yellow C/C

Interior: Charcoal Black Cloth Bucket



*302 HI-PO V8

*6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION MT82

*PEDESTAL REAR SPOILER NO 2

*SYNC PACKAGE

*BOSS INTERIOR PACKAGE

*BOSS PACKAGE FLOOR MATS

*BOSS CAR COVER FLR MATS "ACCY"

*HOCKEY STICK SIDE STRIPE

*FORD RACING UPGRADES INC.

*FULL DOCUMENTATION INCLUDED!

*TRACKEY

*FRONT BRAKE COOLING KIT

*FRONT SPLITTEER KIT

*TRANSMISSION COOLING SSCOOP

*BALANCE OF FORD WARRANTY (3YR/30,000 BUMPER/BUMPER, 5YR/60,000 POWERTRAIN, 5YR/60,000 ROADSIDE ASST)

*50 STATE EMISSIONS

*30"x26" FRAMED PICTURE COMPLETE WITH VIN # AND SIGNED BY PARNELLI JONES - ORIGINAL RACE WINNING BOSS 302 DRIVER



The Boss 302 Laguna Seca edition is a further upgraded version of the Boss 302. Additions include Recaro sport seats, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential (both optional on the standard Boss 302), revised suspension tuning with unique spring and damper rates, and a larger rear stabilizer. The Laguna Seca model loses its rear seats, which are replaced by a cross-car X-brace to increase structural rigidity approximately 10%. It rides on 19x9-inch front and 19x10 inch rear light-weight alloy wheels with R-compound ultra high-performance tires. Ford Racing front brake ducts help cool the brakes.You hold two keys: One has a black Boss logo, the other red: Either will start your 2012 - 2013 Mustang Boss 302. Slide the all-black key into the lock cylinder, give it a twist and you’re treated to 444 ponies worth of smooth, street driving joy. Or choose red – the TracKey – and you have a track-ready car.
“From an engine management standpoint, Ford Racing has done just about everything possible to give TracKey users a full race car experience,” explains Jeff Seaman, Mustang powertrain engineer. “It’s not intended for use on the street – for example, the deceleration is set up to preserve the brakes, and the throttle response is very aggressive. A skilled driver on a closed course will really appreciate the benefits.”
As part of the TracKey software package, Ford engineers also devised a launch control feature similar to that used on the Cobra Jet race car. Using a combination of steering wheel buttons, drivers can set the tachometer needle to a desired launch rpm. Floor the throttle and the engine will rev to the preset rpm until the clutch is released, helping aid acceleration and vehicle control from a standing start.The TracKey PCM software, installed by an authorized Ford dealer after a customer takes delivery of the car, adjusts variable cam timing, spark maps, engine braking, fuel control, throttle response and other engine parameters – more than 600 in total – to provide a complete race car calibration. The result is an aggressive, race-bred driving experience all the way down to the lopey idle rumbling through the Boss quad exhaust. It is not compatible to any other Ford vehicle.
“Anything that could possibly affect all-out performance is deleted from the TracKey calibration,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “Throttle limiting and torque management – any daily drivability enhancements are removed and replaced with a pure Ford Racing competition calibration.”
When TracKey is removed and the vehicle is started with the standard key, the PCM settings are automatically drawn from the factory Boss 302 instruction set again without any additional modifications needed – a huge advantage over aftermarket tuning chips and ECU reprogramming. The convenience is useful for enthusiasts who want all-out performance at the racetrack but stock drivability for their everyday driving.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Very cool cars. I'm with Paul, give me one sans graphics and I'm a happy man. But 0-60 in 3.3 while short shifting......nope. Obviously Ford gave it an optimistic OBC. They are fast, but not THAT fast.

[ZOO]

I'd like mine in Grabber blue, no graphics. no rear spoiler, no badges . . .

[fred cook]

[QUOTE (edit) How much additional dealer markup were they asking? Did it have the better differential?[/QUOTE]

This car is located at the Ford dealer in Sylvester, Ga (between Albany and Tifton, Ga). As far as I know, this dealership doesn't do markups! As a result, they sell a LOT of cars and trucks. I bought a 2013 Taurus for my wife and a 2012 F150 for myself from them recently. Probably why I got the test drive! Didn't notice which diff it has. It was very strong off the line so probably one of the lower ratios. The gearbox has nicely spread ratios with both 5th and 6th gears being overdrive. Even in 6th gear it accelerated well from about 60mph. If one was going to track the car, some seriously sticky tires would be needed. The 444 hp simply overpowered the street tires.

Sorry, no pictures. I did not have my cell phone with me at the time. My bad.

[Drdogface]

Pardon my ignorance but what is a track key ?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Pardon my ignorance but what is a track key ?

Read the second half of Rusty Heap's note above.

[pwd72s]

And for the pure track only junkies, the Boss 302S...a turnkey race car. This one might even be faster than a well tuned....?????

Ford : Mustang BOSS 302S in Ford | eBay Motors

(edit) Fred, some Boss 302 cars have the Torsen differential as an option. All Laguna Seca models have it. A 3:73 ratio rear end is standard on all Boss 302 cars.

3:73 was standard on the '08-'09 Bullitts as well. Like I said, I'm sorely tempted now that some dealers are selling for sticker. But logic takes over...I mean, how close to a track car do I need to be when I no longer go to the track? The Bullitt I bought is serving me well for the driving I do...serving me better than the 911S did.

If I was without a fun street car, like I was when I bought the Bullitt? Yeah, I'd go for the Boss 302...either of it's street trim levels makes for a really fun ride.

[RWebb]

I'm surprised Ford doesn't offer any customization options (e.g. des-striping) - Chevy does on the higher end vettes - at least for motorizing...

[craigster59]

Speaking of Ford, has anyone tested the Focus ST? Looks like a blast to drive.

[Oracle]

Originally Posted by dewolf

Until you go through a corner with a bit of 'washboard' surface.

Totally agree with you.. I'm quoting some driving show I watched a few months ago. I can't remember who was the driver or the show name but what stayed on my mind is how much they praised the new solid axle...

Maybe is like the 911 that according to Jeremy Clarkson it is possibly the best tuned car to compensate for a design flaw (engine at the back).. so maybe Ford finally nailed it and got it right, who knows..

[fred cook]

I was back in Sylvester where the Boss 302 is located. Here are some pictues of the car that I drove. My wife is still living in fear and trepidation that I will go back and buy it!