Overall rating:

Ford's Boss 302 Mustang demonstrates that muscle cars aren't just one trick ponies. Pass the apple pie, as this slice of Americana actually handles. Relatively speaking of course, as it has its limitations. Regardless of these it's never anything but enormous fun.

Key Facts

Pricing: £42,000
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Body style: two-door coupé
Rivals: Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, BMW M3
Combined economy: 22mpg (approx.)
Top speed: 156mph
0-62mph: 5.0 seconds
Power: 440bhp at 7,400rpm
Torque: 380lb.ft at 4,500rpm

In the Metal:

Orange and stripy, the big, bold Boss 302 Mustang isn't for those wanting to slip by unnoticed. Obviously it's available in other hues, but if you're going out of your way to be different you might as well shout about it. The current Mustang looks great; its lines give a retrospective nod with a foot in modernity. Out of its natural US environment it looks big, and with left-hand drive only and narrow UK roads it feels it.

We all mutter about the fact that you can buy muscle cars for hatchback money in the US, but it's clear to see why inside. As American cars go this Mustang is okay, but the plastics are a decade behind most mid-spec European cars in terms of quality feel and look; the interior is simple and pretty workmanlike. Not that you need too many distractions in something with a 440bhp V8. Fitted with a manual gearbox too, the cool pool ball-style gear knob the only real hint that someone in the design team cares about the inside of the Mustang.

Driving it:

Resistance is futile; you could put your granny in the Boss 302 and she'd be doing a burnout at the first opportunity. Really, it's rude not to. It's what muscle cars are all about. Thing is, there's more depth to the Boss 302 Mustang than tyre-melting. That's mainly down to revised suspension, which, if you've got the time, inclination and some spanners, can be adjusted; it's surprisingly sure-footed and controlled. That's relatively speaking of course, as the standard Mustang isn't exactly a benchmark in the ride and handling department. The Boss 302 is something of a revelation then, as it'll hustle its bulk around a corner with real finesse.

Turn the big steering wheel and the nose responds keenly. We're not talking European sports car accuracy, but it's commendably adept given the Boss 302's scale. The engine remains the main event though, the higher revving V8 gloriously vocal and never short of, err, muscle. The manual transmission is a real surprise here, the chunky knob shifting the stick through a nicely sprung gate, and the pedal spacing is perfect for engine-flaring heel-and-toe down-shifts - a good thing given the glorious noise it makes.

What you get for your Money:

Masses of grunt, presence and an iconic badge. Kit levels are typically generous, as is the way in the USA, but this is billed as a driver's car so the majority of the extra equipment is aimed at that. So there are bigger Brembo brakes, black 19-inch alloy wheels, quad tailpipes, some Boss 302 decals, a rear spoiler and front splitter.

Worth Noting

Ford claims that the Boss 302 Mustang managed to beat a BMW M3 around Laguna Seca. As such there's a Laguna Seca special edition, which gains some even more driving focused kit, including a different aero pack, standard Recaro bucket seats, wider rear tyres and additional cross bracing.

Summary

More than any other Ford Mustang the Boss 302 works in the UK rather convincingly. However, certain crippling fuel bills and left-hand drive only do mean it'll never quite translate to a usable car in this part of the world. An enormously fun one admittedly, and we applaud if you're brave enough to live with its compromises.