2012 Mustang 5.0 Overview
The 2012 5.0 Mustangs have not seen many changes over the 2011 models. There is a new exterior color available and some optional equipment that will make nice additions to the 2012 Mustang line of cars. The 2012 Mustang 5.0 includes a 5.0-liter V8 engine that utilizes a thirty-two valve over-head cam configuration that yields four valves per cylinder. The aluminum block 2012 Mustang engine can produce 412 HP and 390 ft-lbs. of torque, while attaining 25 MPG highway and 18 MPG city.
New 2012 Features
The new exterior color option for 2012 is called Lava Red Metallic, and it is replacing the Sterling Gray Metallic paint. The 2012 Mustang features dual bright-stainless steel rolled exhaust pipes, a rear spoiler, LED sequential taillights, 18-inch wide-spoke painted aluminum wheels, and a newly styled dark-chrome pony plaque mounted on the front grill.
Interior features now include alternate chrome accent options, illuminated vanity mirrors, sport style bucket seats, sun visors with integrated multi-purpose storage system, universal garage door opener, and selectable effort electric power assist steering (EPAS) that features three selectable settings, Normal, Sport, and Comfort. Interior front seating dimensions of the 2012 5.0 include headroom of
38.8 inches, leg room of 42.4 inches, hip room of 53.4 inches, and
shoulder room of 55.3 inches.
Optional Equipment
The 2012 5.0 Mustang comes standard with a six speed manual transmission, but buyers can upgrade to a six speed automatic transmission. Also new for 2012 is Ford’s 3.7 liter V6 that uses twin independent variable camshaft timing incorporating four valves per cylinder. This powerful cast aluminum block V6 can reach 305 HP, can produce 280 ft-lbs. of torque, and can attain 31 MPG highway and 19 MPG city.
Available Trim Styles
The 2012 Mustang comes in three trim versions: A coupe that has a base cost of $29,995.00, a convertible that has a base cost of $34,995.00, and a GT Premium coup that starts at $33,895.00. Expect to pay approximately $7,000.00 less for Mustang models that incorporate the V6 engine.
Safety Features
The 2012 Mustang incorporates power four-wheel disk brakes with anti-lock braking system, and traction control. They also offer ESC (electronic stability control), and integrate constant-rate coil springs with hydraulic gas charged shock absorbers for enhanced road handling and turning stability. Additionally, the 2012s feature dual front airbags, driver and passenger side impact airbags, illuminated entry, tire pressure monitoring system, child-seat tether and anchor system, and an SOS Post-Crash Alert system.
Optional Packages
There are two packages available for all three trims, the Reverse Sensing System and Security Package, and the Brembo Brake Package. There is a Comfort Package and an Electronics Package that includes a rearview camera system available for the GT Premium trim.
Industry Reviews
The Mustang line of cars is considered to be a best value buy, providing power and styling at affordable prices. Reviewers all liked the soft-touch interior, including the new 2012 featured glass roof and new exterior paint color. During driving tests, reviewers noted that the automatic transmission upshifted early in an attempt to maximize fuel economy. The vehicle was noted to handle well on various types of roads.
