10 Reasons Why The 2013 Boss 302 Mustang Is The Boss

Since its introduction in 2012, the modern Boss 302 Mustang has earned the gushing praise of many automotive publications. When you achieve perfection, you don't mess with it. Ford handles things smartly.

The 2013 version sees some styling differences from the 2012, but all the awesome underpinnings are present and accounted for. That rumbly growl is music to our ears.

Follow @ComplexRides

Why It's Awesome: No matter which color's your favorite, you win. There's simply no bad color for 2013. Add in the new hockey stick graphic, and all colors look racey and badass. At night, those stripes are reflective -- which looks cool and is also a valuable safety feature. You know, in case you didn't think you'd be visible enough driving one of these in the first place.

Why It's Awesome: How do you feel about a 444hp engine with 380 lb-ft. of torque? We thought so. Its low-end torque is quite impressive, and the shifting with the 6-speed gearbox outfitted with a close-ratio short-throw shifter is incredibly smooth. You'd have to actually try to stall this thing -- well, unless you're a n00b to driving stick (in which case, we'll look the other way while you practice the basics). You can also have an optional Torsen limited slip differential installed from the factory.

Why It's Awesome: We know you can slap some aftermarket seats into anything these days. But when you can get optional Recaro front seats that really grip and hold you in place for performance driving, do you really need to? Oh, OK. Maybe you want the Sparcos. We see how it is. Suit yourself. But these Recaros are awfully nice -- you should probably at least give them a try first.

Why It's Awesome: It's stiffer than the Mustang GT, thanks in part to higher-rate coil springs, a larger-diameter rear stabilizer bar, and stiffer suspension bushings. What's also fantastic is that all Boss 302s come with fully adjustable shocks and struts. Don't like how the suspension feels? Dial it up or down to your liking.

Why It's Awesome: Brembo brakes with 14” vented rotors and special Boss high-performance brake pads allow you to stop all that power when and where you want. That's a good thing. When you have all that power at your fingertips, you need equally good brakes so you're always in control.

Why It's Awesome: There's something really special about a finely tuned, mean-sounding exhaust system. The stock quad exhaust on the Boss 302 sounds amazing -- and doubly so when you take the restrictor plates out for track use.

Why It's Awesome: Performance 19” alloy racing wheels are stock. If that wasn't enough, they also come wrapped in luscious Pirelli P-Zero 255/40ZR-19 rubber on the front, and 285/35/ZR-19 in the rear. Wider rubber in the rear = more road contact. That means you'd have to try really hard to get your 302 to go somewhere you weren't intending.

Why It's Awesome: Four words: automatic engine management calibration. Over 200 separate engine management settings change depending on which key you use. It's auto-tune for your 302 -- only without the glitches. When you insert the track key, Launch Control is accessible from a button on the steering wheel. You can thrash your perfectly suited race car around the track -- then drive home later without attracting the ire of the cops. With the dual keys, you have two cars in one.

Why It's Awesome: If the regular Boss 302 Mustang isn't special enough for you, Ford also offers the upgraded Laguna Seca version. Upgraded aerodynamics, improved suspension,standard Recaro racing front seats and a missing rear seat (all ballast off the boat, kids) are some of the features to help you make the transition from street to track with ease.

Why It's Awesome: The Boss 302 Mustang -- both for 2012 and 2013 -- is a pretty special, limited-edition car. In keeping with that degree of specialness, Ford has a special program in place for owners of Boss 302 Mustangs. If you buy one, you're entitled to a day-long performance driving school program sponsored by Ford. In this class, you'll learn how to properly thrash -- er, handle -- all the performance your 302 offers. If that isn't cool enough for you, the class takes place at the legendary Miller Motorsports Park just outside Salt Lake City, Utah -- one of the premiere track facilities in the U.S. The park really is like an amusement park for gearheads. Take a spin on their outdoor go-kart track while you're there, or ride their zip line. You can also go on an intense off-road ride in a Ford SVT Raptor -- but make sure you save lunch for after you go off-roading, not before. If you pay attention to motorsports in the U.S., and you haven't been to Miller, you owe it to yourself to go.