The 2012 Mustang lineup marked an interesting year for the American pony car — updates across trims gave buyers a mix of classic V8 muscle and more accessible V6 options, appealing to collectors and daily drivers alike. Enthusiasts often look back at 2012 as a year with clear distinctions between track-focused and street-friendly variants.
There are 13 2012 Mustang Car Models, ranging from Boss 302 to V6 Mustang Club of America Edition. For each, you’ll find Engine, Horsepower (hp), and Body style organized in the table you’ll find below.
How do the engines and performance vary across the 2012 Mustang models?
The 2012 range spans economical V6s up to high-revving V8s like the Boss 302; differences show up in displacement, tuning, and supporting components (transmission, suspension, brakes), so horsepower figures and driving feel change substantially between entry-level and performance models.
Which 2012 Mustang is best if I want a daily driver that still feels sporty?
If you want everyday comfort with some bite, look for mid-range models that balance a V6 or tuned V8 with optional comfort features and a softer suspension setup; they deliver usable power without the harsher ride and maintenance demands of track-focused versions.
2012 Mustang Car Models
| Model | Engine | Horsepower (hp) | Body style |
|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.7L V6 | 305 | Coupe |
| V6 | 3.7L V6 | 305 | Convertible |
| V6 Mustang Club of America Edition | 3.7L V6 | 305 | Coupe |
| V6 Mustang Club of America Edition | 3.7L V6 | 305 | Convertible |
| GT | 5.0L V8 | 412 | Coupe |
| GT | 5.0L V8 | 412 | Convertible |
| GT California Special | 5.0L V8 | 412 | Coupe |
| GT California Special | 5.0L V8 | 412 | Convertible |
| Boss 302 | 5.0L V8 | 444 | Coupe |
| Boss 302 Laguna Seca | 5.0L V8 | 444 | Coupe |
| Shelby GT500 | 5.4L Supercharged V8 | 550 | Coupe |
| Shelby GT500 | 5.4L Supercharged V8 | 550 | Convertible |
| Cobra Jet | 5.4L Supercharged V8 | 425 | Coupe |
Images and Descriptions
V6
The accessible entry point to the Mustang lineup. Its modern V6 engine delivered surprising performance and efficiency for the time, making it a popular choice for daily driving. It’s identified by the vertical tri-bar taillights and a single exhaust pipe.
V6
Offering the same 305 hp V6 performance as the coupe, the convertible added open-air driving excitement. It was the most affordable way to get a drop-top Mustang, combining classic style with modern engineering and a power-folding soft top for convenience.
V6 Mustang Club of America Edition
An appearance package for the V6 model that added a touch of class. It featured a unique billet-style grille, lower fascia fog lamps, side stripes, and a decklid spoiler. This edition offered a premium, customized look directly from the factory.
V6 Mustang Club of America Edition
This special edition provided V6 convertible buyers with a distinct appearance package. It included a unique billet grille, “Mustang Club of America” side stripes, a spoiler, and premium wheels, enhancing the car’s visual appeal without altering its performance.
GT
The heart of the Mustang lineup, the GT brought back the legendary “5.0” Coyote V8 engine. With 412 horsepower and a classic muscle car rumble, it was the go-to choice for V8 performance enthusiasts, identified by its “5.0” fender badges.
GT
Combining the raw power of the 412 hp 5.0L Coyote V8 with a power-folding soft top, the GT Convertible delivered the ultimate open-air muscle car experience. It was perfect for enthusiasts who wanted both thrilling performance and top-down freedom.
GT California Special
A special edition package for the GT, the “GT/CS” paid homage to the original 1968 model. It is distinguished by its unique side stripes, billet-style grille with a tri-bar pony logo, side scoops, and a pedestal-style rear spoiler.
GT California Special
This package gave the GT Convertible a unique West Coast-inspired look. Key features included a chrome billet grille, “GT/CS” fading side stripes, non-functional side scoops, and unique 19-inch wheels, creating a more custom appearance than a standard GT.
Boss 302
A track-focused revival of a legendary nameplate. The Boss 302 featured a high-revving 444 hp V8, adjustable suspension, and a unique quad exhaust with side-pipe outlets. It’s easily identified by its signature “C-stripe” graphics and aggressive front splitter.
Boss 302 Laguna Seca
The most hardcore, race-ready Mustang of the year. The Laguna Seca edition removed the rear seats and added a large red X-brace for stiffness, Recaro sport seats, and more aggressive aerodynamics. It was a street-legal track car for serious collectors.
Shelby GT500
The pinnacle of factory Mustang performance, built by Ford’s SVT. Its supercharged V8 produced a massive 550 horsepower. It’s identified by its aggressive front fascia, iconic coiled cobra badges, and signature Le Mans racing stripes over the top.
Shelby GT500
Offering the same monstrous 550 hp supercharged V8 as the coupe, the GT500 Convertible was one of the most powerful drop-tops in the world. It combined extreme performance with the thrill of open-air driving, distinguished by its unique Shelby styling.
Cobra Jet
A limited-production, non-street-legal drag racing car built by Ford Racing. Sold without a VIN for competition use, it was a turn-key solution for professional and amateur drag racers, designed to dominate NHRA Stock and Super Stock classes.
