Ford Mustang Boss 302 (2011) first news

Ford has released details of a new, race-inspired version of the Mustang called the Boss 302 - and it's set to be the 'quickest, best-handling straight-production Mustang' ever sold by the company.

Boss 302? That sounds familiar...

Indeed. The original Boss was created back in 1969 and Ford's reviving the stripped-out, lightweight philosophy for 2011.

What's new?

The Boss is based around the recently-launched Mustang GT, and subscribes to the 'less is more' school of thinking. Ford has given each and every working part a good going over to make sure it performs to its maximum potential while being as light as possible. Think of it, if you will, as America's answer to the 911 GT3.

Power comes from the existing 5.0-litre V8 found in the Mustang GT, although it has been retuned to produce a not-insignificant 440bhp compared with the standard car's 412bhp. The suspension has also been lowered, and this, allied to new adjustable dampers, should help make the Mustang a slightly less disappointing drive than regular cars, whose style easily outweighs the dynamic prowess.

It certainly looks like it means business

You're not wrong there. The stock Mustang isn't exactly shy and retiring, but the Boss takes visual aggression to a whole new level. Details such as the jutting front splitter and a range of eye-catching colour schemes - not to mention those brash alloys - will ensure Boss drivers stand out from the crowd.

The interior is pretty similar to that of the GT, save for a couple of trim differences and that instrument pod perched on top of the centre console.

When can I buy one?

This is a Mustang, which of course means that UK buyers can forget about picking up a Boss 302 from their local Ford dealership. If you're really keen, though, you can always have one imported from next year.

By Ben Foulds