Racing is in the DNA of the Ford Mustang, and the sixth-gen version of the pony car isn’t wasting any time hitting the track. In the first quarter of 2016, Ford Racing->ke31 is rolling out a new “road-race-prepared Mustang,” which in all likelihood will become the 2016 Ford Mustang Boss 302S. The Boss 302S won’t be cheap, but then again, racing is never cheap. Besides, for right around $90,000, Ford is providing a factory-built, turn-key race car and ready to take on numerous racing series such as NASA and SCCA including the Pirelli World Challenge (GTS class).
The Boss 302S is built in Flat Rock, MI on the same assembly line as the production-ready Mustang, but unlike the standard 2015 Ford Mustang, the Boss is only sold with a serial number – no VIN – and it is not street legal. Ford hasn’t released any details about the 2016 Boss 302S, but we do know that the part number for this car is the same as the 2014 Boss 302S meaning that with the exception of the new Mustang body, there shouldn’t be too many changes to the car’s racing goodies
With sales beginning early next year, it probably won’t take too long to see the 2016 Ford Mustang Boss 302S out on the track, but until then, here’s what we’re expecting from the car based on the info we know about the 2014 Boss 302S.
Note: 2014 Ford Mustang Boss 302S image shown here.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Ford Mustang Boss 302S
2016 Ford Mustang Boss 302S
- Make: Array
- Model: 2016 Ford Mustang Boss 302S
- Engine/Motor: V8
Exterior
Unlike the Boss 302R that competes in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge with a mostly stock look, the Boss 302S has more of a traditional race car appearance with performance-enhancing features like the adjustable front splitter, unique fiberglass hood, adjustable rear carbon-fiber wing, and available BBS racing wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber. Previous Boss 302S cars were only offered in limited paint colors (the 2014 model came in Grabber Blue, Satin Black, or Performance White), but all had a black-painted roof.
It really doesn’t matter what Ford does to this car’s styling, because it’s obvious based on the Shelby GT350R and all other performance versions of the sixth-generation Ford Mustang that this car is going to look amazing on the track.
Interior
When building a race car, the interior is easy: just tear out everything except for the instrument panel and the steering wheel, and add lots of safety equipment. In the case of the 2016 Ford Mustang Boss 302S, expect HANS-enabled Recaro race seat with a six-point racing harness as well as an FIA-spec, six-point roll cage that ties in with the Mustang’s factory unibody components. The previous Boss 302S also came with a quick-release steering wheel, a two-nozzle fire-suppression system, a window net, and a safety net (positioned to the right of the driver’s seat).
Drivetrain
Living up to the 302 in its name, the 2016 Ford Mustang Boss 302S will most likely come with Ford’s 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V-8 Boss racing engine and a high-capacity aluminum radiator. This engine pairs to a Tremec six-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels through a Torsen rear differential with 3.73 gearing.
The last Boss 302S also came with adjustable suspension, unique Ford Racing tuning for the electric power steering and upgraded front brakes that include four-piston Brembo calipers clamping two-piece 14-inch rotors, which are kept cool with spindle-mounted cooling ducts. Rear brakes consisted of the Mustang’s factory single-piston caliper and 11.8-inch rotors, and the Mustang’s factory fuel tank is carried over to racing duty as well.
Prices
The one thing we know about the 2016 Ford Mustang Boss 302S for certain is that it will have a starting price of $89,995, but there should be plenty of options available to help drivers get the most out of their race-ready ‘Stang. As was the case with previous years, the 2016 Ford Mustang Boss 302S should be extremely limited in production, with most likely just 50 units being built.
Competition
Chevrolet Camaro->ke248
On the track and on the street, the biggest rival to the Ford Mustang will always be the Chevrolet Camaro. Like the Mustang, the Camaro has a long history in road racing dating back to the early days of Trans-Am racing, which were some of the more iconic cars of the era.
Porsche Cayman
The Porsche Cayman is another popular car for race teams battling against the Boss 302S on the road-racing circuit, and like the Ford, Porsche’s racing heritage runs deep. Where the Mustang has plenty of power, the mid-engine Cayman is a better-handling sports car, so it’s always fun to watch these two cars go head-to-head.
Conclusion
Last year in the Pirelli World Challenge, the Boss 302S held four of the top 10 spots in the final points standings, but the top three spots were held by a Chevrolet Camaro, Porsche Cayman and a Kia Optima. Ford is hoping that a newer and lighter Boss 302S will bring even more success to professional and amateur racers in various racing series.