2012 Ford Mustang Des Moines

New for 2012, the Mustang is introducing a new model into its Lineup and its name will be the Boss 302.  This new model will be in limited production.  In addition to the Boss 302, the 2012 Mustang is available with a new selectable steering system that lets the driver choose from three levels of power-steering assist.  The 2012 Mustang is also quieter and more refined than ever, and, more importantly, it's an absolute blast to drive. It is quick off the mark with a brawny sound, crisp handling, a tight suspension, and much improved brakes. Put simply, this is the best Mustang ever, and it is the model that other pony car makers should follow.  For 2012, the Mustang has two engines, a V6 and a V8.  The V6 Engine produces 305 horsepower and the V8 engine produces 412 horsepower. 

Driving Impressions of the '12 Ford Mustang

The Mustang is an absolute blast to drive. The car has a fairly light, tossable feel and it responds quickly to driver inputs. It is very willing to attack turns, with the new electronic power steering providing a light but natural feel. The car is extremely quick to transition from left to right and back again with a minimum of body roll, dive or pitch in the suspension. The brakes are large for  2012, and the Brembo brake package adds larger brakes that should be the choice for anyone who wants to take their car to the track or drive regularly on twisty mountain roads. And the sound and power of the V8 is fantastic. Antilock brakes, traction control and AdvanceTrac yaw control are standard on all models. For track work, both the traction control and the yaw control can be turned off (but not the ABS), and there is a Sport mode which allows higher handling limits before traction and yaw controls are called in to save the day.

Interior features of the '12 Ford Mustang

The look of the cabin is especially impressive when the Premium Trim with Color Accents package is ordered. This includes leather-upholstered sport bucket seats with cashmereaccents running down the middle, as well as a dark aluminum instrument panel and unique door inserts. The available leather-clad steering wheel is a massive affair with six brushed metal spokes in three groups of two, with cruise control switches and controls for the sound system.  Interior ambient lighting in the door pockets, cupholders and footwells is a welcome interior feature, and the lighting colors can be changed through a range of 125 colors with the flip of a switch with Ford's MyColor system.  Drivers should find a comfortable seating position, though we would like a telescoping feature for the steering wheel. There is plenty of head and leg room up front for most drivers, and the Mustang's sight lines are impressive. The side mirrors add blind spot mirrors in their upper, outer corners this year, and the mirrors are wide enough to provide a good rear view

Model Lineup

The 2012 Mustang is offered in V6 Base and Premium models, V8-powered GT Base and Premium models, and the supercharged V8-powered GT500, each in coupe and convertible body styles. V6 models use a 3.7-liter V6 that makes 305 horsepower. GT models have a new 5.0-liter V8 that produces 412 horsepower. The GT500s have an updated 5.4-liter V8 that produces 550 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional on all but the GT500.

The Mustang V6 coupe comes standard with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, auxiliary input jack, compass, outside-temperature indicator, theft-deterrent system, limited-slip differential, and P215/60R17 tires on alloy wheels.

The Mustang V6 convertible features a power convertible top and deletes the split-folding rear seat, but it is otherwise equipped the same as the coupe.

The Mustang GT coupe and Mustang GT convertible get everything above plus aluminum interior trim, automatic headlights, rear spoiler, fog lights, and P235/50WR18 front and 245/45WR18 rear tires. A Brembo Brake package adds Brembo brake calipers, reprogrammed electronic stability control that allows more leeway for performance driving, a tire mobility kit, and P255/40R19 tires.

Premium versions of the V6 coupe and V6 convertible and GT coupe and GT convertible upgrade to leather upholstery, six-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, aluminum interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Shaker 500 AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio, Sirius Satellite Radio, Ford Sync entertainment and communications system, iPod adapter, wireless cell phone link, MyColor adjustable gauges, ambient lighting, and an automatic day/night rearview mirror.

The Shelby GT500 coupe and convertible come with leather/alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, leather/alcantara upholstery, xenon headlights, sport suspension, Brembo brakes, and P255/40ZR19 front and 285/35ZR19 rear tires. The GT500 does not have a split-folding rear seat. An SVT Performance Package for the Shelby includes a 3.73 rear axle ratio, unique shift knob, special exterior stripes, rear spoiler with Gurney flap, performance suspension with unique springs and rear shocks, P265/40ZR19 front and P285/35ZR20 rear tires on painted forged aluminum wheels.

The V6 Performance Package adds a 3.31 rear axle ratio; the front and rear stabilizer bars, front struts, and rear shocks and springs from the GT coupe; the rear lower control arm from the Shelby GT500; 19-inch wheels with Pirelli performance tires; the brake calipers from the Mustang GT with Performance Friction pads; a strut tower brace; and electronic stability control calibration with a Sport mode for performance driving. There's a Sport Appearance package that just has the rear spoiler and body stripes.

The Mustang Club of America Special Edition for the V6 Premium adds P235/50ZR18 tires on sterling gray metallic-painted alloy wheels, dark stainless painted billet grille with tri-bar pony badge, side tape stripes, decklid tape, rear spoiler, carpeted floormats with pony logo, and automatic headlights.

The California Special edition for the GT Premium adds 19-inch painted alloy wheels, a chrome billet grille with tri-bar pony badge, unique lower front fascia with foglamps, pedestal spoiler, decklid badge with faux gas cap, instrument panel applique, carbon door panel inserts, carbon inserts for leather seating surfaces, carpeted floormats with logo, rear diffuser-style fascia, decklid tape and side scoops.

A navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic information, and dual-zone automatic climate control come with the Electronics Group. The Comfort Group adds heated front seats and a six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. Other options include remote engine starting, a rearview camera, xenon headlights, a convertible top boot, Shaker 1000 audio, polished alloy wheels, hood and side stripes, racing stripes, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a glass panel roof.

Conclusions

The 2012 Ford Mustang is at the front of the pack when it comes to performance per dollar. The Mustang V6 handles quite well and delivers excellent power. The GT is quick, fast, quiet and refined.  The 2012 Mustang has many features, a lot of comfort, and a lot of performance, and it's priced to sell.

Some of the information for this reviews was obtained through newcartestdrive.com