After four decades, one of the most famous Mustang model names has been resurrected - the Boss Mustang - the Boss is back in the form of this, the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.
It's been designed as the fastest point-to-point, track-oriented Mustang ever, and one that Ford says can match or even beat the BMW M3 around California's Laguna Seca Raceway - quite a claim for an American muscle car.
But the new Boss Mustang is more than just a give-it-poke-and-hope affair - Ford says it has created a whole package, as Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer explains: "The Boss 302 isn't something a Mustang GT owner can buy all the parts for out of a catalog or that a tuner can get by adding a chip. This is a front-to-back re-engineered Mustang with every system designed to make a good driver great and a great driver even better."
Sounds quite good to us. The tuning begins with the engine, which gets a new air intake, and revised camshafts and ECU settings to bring power from the new 5.0-litre V8 up by 28bhp to 434bhp, while torque is up to 380 lb ft. The power is transferred to the back wheels courtesy of a close-ratio six-speed gearbox and a beefed-up clutch, while a limited-slip differential helps traction duties (a Torsen LSD is also available as an option).
Dynamic upgrades include a beefed-up anti-roll bar, stiffer springs and suspension bushes, and adjustable shock absorbers. There's also an electronic speed-sensitive power steering system, which can be 'switched' between comfort, normal and sport modes.
As well as traditional Boss-style decals, visual tweaks include lightweight 19-inch wheels, an aggressive front splitter and rear spoiler, and a modified grille. Inside, the cabin gets an Alcantara steering wheel, 'metallic' trim, Recaro seats and a new instrument cluster.
Perhaps the most interesting addition is a quad exhaust system, two pipes of which exit at the back of the car, and two of which exit from the side - with removable baffles. Sounds good to us (literally, we reckon).
And if that isn't hardcore enough for you, Ford is also offering a Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca edition, with race-spec suspension, no rear seats, and still-beefier aero upgrades.