ROUSH Performance knows how to dress up a 2012 Ford Mustang->ke428 and if there's one thing that sticks out with this upgrade, it's that they managed to make us like it even if it doesn't come with a significant bump in output. Takes somebody who really knows what they're doing to pull that off.

So, give credit to ROUSH for getting the job done. Their new Stage 2 program for the 2012 Mustang "only" features styling and handling upgrades. However, where it lacks in engine tuning, it certainly more than makes up for with a wide variety of modifications done to make the car look snazzier while also improving its overall handling.

Of course, if you're looking for something along the lines of more than just better looks and improved handling, you can level up to the tuning company's RS3 program. That's going to give you the power boost you're craving for.

But if you're perfectly happy with your Mustang's performance numbers, then ROUSH's Stage 2 upgrade will give you everything you need to make your muscle car a certified eye-catcher.

Hit the jump for details on the Ford Mustang 'Stage 2' by Roush Performance.

2012 Ford Mustang 'Stage 2' by Roush Performance

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Ford Mustang 'Stage 2' by Roush Performance
  • Engine/Motor: 5.0-liter V8 engine
  • Horsepower: 412
  • Torque: 390
  • Transmission: six-speed manual transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The Stage 2 program is not as extensive as that of the upper-scale Stage 3 upgrade, but it's not to say that the former doesn't come with plenty of styling upgrades. For starters, you'll find all the usual aesthetic ROUSH upgrades, including the new front fascia and a front windshield banner to improve on the car's profile. The sides also get improvements courtesy of chin and side splitters and square R fender badges while the rear boasts of a new rear valance, a new rear decklid spoiler, an "R" faux gas cap badge, a rear blackout panel with Jack Roush's signature. Rounding out the changes are a set of 18" ROUSH five-spoke chrome rims with high-performance 2XS tires.

Optional upgrades are also part of the entire program. For the Stage 2 upgrade, you have the choice of picking out which components you'd like to include in your car for a wide variety of prices.

The exterior add-ons include a lower billet grille, a trunk mounted tool kit, rear quarter window louvers, stage 2 rocker graphics, stage 2 top graphics, red engine coilovers, locking lug nuts, and a set of 18" and 20" chrome wheels with high-performance Cooper RS3 tires. Meanwhile, the interior boasts of added goodies like illuminated door sill plates, sports leather seats, a six-speed shifter ball, white face gauges, Billet performance pedals, and a convertible light bar, to name a few.

Performance

Since Roush's Stage 2 upgrade deals more on the styling and handling of the muscle car more so than any engine improvements, the powertrain of the 2012 Mustang is still the same 302 cubic inch 32 valve V8 engine that produces 412 horsepower and 390 lb/ft of torque mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Where it lacks in any powertrain upgrades, the Stage 2 upgrade does make it up with an upgraded suspension system that includes specially designed front struts, rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear sway bars, and jounce bumper. The entire set-up allows the car become more well-balanced to fit into its more aggressive stance.

Pricing

Roush Performance's Stage 2 upgrade for the 2012 Mustang will cost you $7,800, plus the added costs of shipping and handling. Now if you decide to avail of all the optional upgrades for the whole program, there's a laundry list of items that you can include.

Based on what the tuning company is offering, we've prepared a table of all the items you can purchase and the corresponding price tags attached to them:

Optional Components

Price

ROUSH White Face Gauges

$320

ROUSH Illuminated Door Sill Plates

$220

ROUSH Billet Performance Pedals

$200

ROUSH Sport Leather Seating

$1,725

ROUSH 6-Speed Shifter Ball (White or Black)

$95

ROUSH Billet Aluminum 6-Speed Shifter Knob with Grips

$110

ROUSH Convertible Light Bar

$910

ROUSH Trunk Mounted Tool Kit

$395

ROUSH Rear Quarter Window Louvers

$370

ROUSH Rear Quarter Window Louver Graphics (Matte Black)

$70

ROUSH Lower Billet Grille

$250

ROUSH Stage 2 Rocker Graphics

$310

ROUSH Stage 2 Top Graphics

$265

ROUSH Engine Coil Covers (Red)

$285

ROUSH Square Tip Performance Exhaust - Dealer Installed (Post Title)

$525

ROUSH 18-Inch Chrome Wheels with Ultra High Performance Cooper RS3 Tires (tire upgrade ONLY)

$304

ROUSH 20-Inch Wheels (Chrome or Hyper Black) with Ultra High Performance Cooper RS3 Tires

$1,115

ROUSH Locking Lug Nuts

$60

ROUSH Sport Brake Package (Red)

$1,450

ROUSH Performance Brake Package

$2,877

ROUSH Competition Brake Package

$3,687

ROUSH Competition Suspension System

$1,875


Competition

We're not gonna lie; it's a little disappointing to find out that ROUSH Performance's Stage 2 upgrade on the 2012 Mustang doesn't come with an increase in engine power. But that's where the Stage 3 upgrade comes in and we really can't blame them for spreading out all the options in order to make the most out of the entire project.

On that note, the additional costs tacked to getting a Stage 2 upgrade on the 2012 Mustang might scare off some people - you'll probably spend close to $10,000 when everything is said and done - but for the added price, you get a muscle car that looks every bit the part of a modern-day stallion while also corralling all the nuts and bolts to make it handle much better than a stock version. That in itself should make this an enticing purchase if you're in the market for a styling and handling upgrade for your 2012 Mustang.

Besides, the Mustang's main rival, the Chevrolet Camaro SS, has a higher standard price with pretty much the same output except with this upgrade, the Mustang will look much better, handle better, and will come finely dressed for the party. So really, there's not a whole lot to discuss, is there?