2012 Ford Mustang Preview

Spread over nearly 50 years a consistent production, the 2012 Ford Mustang continues its reign as the US's longest-selling pony car, with more performance and convenience features than ever before, making the Mustang shopper plenty of options for his or her real one in a Mustang making-of-a-kind car.

Whether opting for a top-down cruiser, a coupe with some added zip, or an all-out performance machine, the Mustang shows shoppers the choice all with a check of a box. From the base V-6 model 31 mpg makes to the street-legal race car known as the Boss 302 Laguna Seca edition, the Mustang comes in different degrees of speed.

But the 2012 Ford Mustang is a very viable vehicle, with seating for four and a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic. The optional Sync hands-free calling makes communication a safe exercise, and MyKey programmable key from Ford, parents can program a speed limiter and audio volume settings, so they are not afraid to put the key to give a 412 horsepower V -8 Mustang GT for their teenage sons or daughters.

Body style: Two-door coupe or convertible

Engines: 3.7-liter V-6, 5.0-liter V-8

Transmissions: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic

Models: Mustang, Mustang GT, Mustang Boss 302, Boss 302 Mustang Leguna Seca

In a first for Ford, the 2012 Ford Mustang offers adjustable steering wheel, which the driver can choose between three different settings for how fast the car to the wheel, including a tighter sports fashion. Also new for 2012 are illuminated visor vanity mirrors twice, a universal garage door opener, and multifunctional storage visor. Backup sensors, a safety kit, and HID headlights are also new options available. Finally, the Mustang has a limited amount of colors, Lava Red Metallic. The color option will come with Lava Red with black interior and color-keyed door and seat inserts.

With a modern take on a retro design, the 2012 Ford Mustang fastback is a standard with an aggressive look that could only be a Mustang. The sequential rear turn signals indicators pick up a cue from the '70s, and classic long-hood, short deck proportions, the Mustang looks fast even when stationary. Boss 302 models look much louder, with bright orange paint and aerodynamic tweaks, but most add-ons are fully functional for go-fast, hardcore enthusiasts.

Compact interior of the Ford Mustang definitely looks retro with its classic styling and a three-spoke steering wheel modeled after Mustangs of yore. But with the addition of the Electronics package that includes many built-in navigation in the middle of the dashboard, that all changes fast installation. With the addition of the Laguna Seca package to the Boss 302 Mustang forgoes a back seat for a roll cage and chassis braces.

When it comes to performance, even the base V-6 Ford Mustang is all basic. In V-6 models, power comes from a 3.7-liter engine capable of 305 horsepower - almost as much as a V-8 powered Mustang GT 2010. With all that power, acceleration from zero to 60 mph happens in 5.1 seconds, and with the Performance Package, the car pulls 0.96g of lateral acceleration - which is only $ 25,000 for the model! From there, the speeds just faster and better treatment only if customers switch to the 412-horsepower 2012 Ford Mustang GT V-8, which is a BMW M3 a run for the money half the cost, or buyers can step up to the Boss 302 and positively insane 444 hp Seguna Seca which packs 380 lb-ft of torque, and can hang with supercars for well under $ 50,000.

Optional on the 2012 Ford Mustang SYNC system is 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report in addition to the standard AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, traction control and ABS as standard. Other safety features include dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags and MyKey that owners of a secondary key program to stereo volume and speed limit.

Mustang: 19 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic), 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway (manual)

Mustang GT: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway (automatic), 17 mph city/26 mpg highway (manual)

Mustang Boss 302: 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway (manual)

Base Coupe

Sticker Price: $22,310

Base Convertible

Sticker Price: $27,310

Boss 302 Coupe

Sticker Price: $40,310

GT Convertible

Sticker Price: $34,710

GT Coupe

Sticker Price: $29,710

GT Premium Convertible

Sticker Price: $38,710

GT Premium Coupe

Sticker Price: $33,710

Premium Convertible

Sticker Price: $31,310

Premium Coupe

Sticker Price: $26,310