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2012 Ford Mustang CT

Not only are the engineers at Ford bringing back the limited production Boss 302, but 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 will still be offered in convertible and coupe body styles, and people will still be able to choose between V-6 and V-8 engines.  The 3.7-liter V6 engine will produce 305 hp with 280 pounds-feet of torque while the 5.0 V8 will produce 412 hp with 390 pounds-feet of torque.  Furthermore the Ford Shelby GT500 has a 5.4-liter V8 engine producing 550 horsepower with 510 pounds-feet of torque.  Both the 3.7 Liter and 5.0 Liter Mustang's are produced with a six speed manual or automatic transmission, but the GT500 is produced with just a manual transmission. 

Handling of the 2012 Ford Mustang

Regardless of which 2012 Ford Mustang you choose, you're in for a wild ride. The base V6 has more than enough power for the average driver and plenty of oomph to satisfy a majority of driving enthusiasts as well. The V8 engines take performance up a few notches with gobs of torque and a glorious exhaust note.  Within the pony car triumvirate of the Camaro, Challenger and Mustang, the Ford is lightest on its feet. On a curvy road, the Mustang responds eagerly to steering inputs and feels controlled and manageable. 

Design of the 2012 Ford Mustang

The 2012 Ford Mustang is designed as a hardtop or convertible.  The convertible is available on the 2012 Mustang V6, V6 Premium, GT, GT Premium and Shelby GT500.  The Mustang is also available with a glass roof.  Designed for comfort, the Mustang's glass roof features SPF 50-equivalent tinting that helps block out 96 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays (a retractable sunshade is included). Constructed of laminated safety glass featuring a built-in polyvinyl layer, this roof is also designed to maintain excellent interior acoustics and quietness.

Interior of the 2012 Ford Mustang

The dash top itself is now a one-piece soft-touch panel versus the hard multi-piece version of prior years. Real aluminum is used on the fascias, pedal covers, scuff plates and shifter knob instead of plastic. Interior ambient lighting in the door pockets, cup holders and foot wells 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. 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 cashmere accents 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.  The Mustang also has a few options and amenities you might not expect, including a rear view camera, Ford's Sync voice-activated entertainment and communications system (which includes an iPod/mp3 player interface), Sirius satellite radio, and a navigation system with Sirius Travel Link. Sync's voice-activation features greatly simplify operation of audio, phone and navigation systems.

Model Lineup

The Mustang is produced in the V6 coupe and convertible form, the GT coupe form and the GT500 coupe form among others.  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 key-less 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 rear view mirror.

The Shelby GT500 coupe and convertible come with leather/alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, leather/alcantara upholstery, xenon headlights, sport suspension, Brembo brakes, andP255/40ZR19 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.

Conclusions

The 2012 Ford Mustang is at the front of the pack when it comes to performance per dollar. The 2012 Mustang V6 handles quite well and delivers a lot of power. The GT is quicker, faster, quieter and more refined than any V8 Mustang ever. The Mustang is quicker faster and provides better handling than its competitors.  For all of these reasons, the 2012 Ford Mustang should be a vehicle that is highly recommended for your shopping list.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com