Spring is right around the corner, which means a new crop of cars from every automaker. It is right about this time of year that production begins on the new model years, which means the 2012 models should be leaving the factory very soon. This includes the Ford Mustang, which has seen some important changes versus the 2011 model year, which debuted a new V6 and 5.0 liter V8 engine.

Among the biggest changes are new prices, both up and down, as well as a slew of new options and features. The 2012 Mustang configurator is now online, we found things we liked and didn’t like about the 2012 Mustang model year. How about you?

Pricing is perhaps the biggest change to the 2012 Mustang lineup, with the price of the base V6 and premium V6 models jumping by $200. The V6 Performance Package is now available on V6 models though, which should give a big boost to those looking for fuel efficient fun. However, the price of the base model Mustang GT dropped by $500, putting it under the $30,000 mark and making it that much more appealing.

However, the Mustang GT Premium model, which includes leather seating and the SYNC system, has gone up by $700. Other changes include illuminated vanity mirrors in the sun visor, a new interior/exterior color (Lava Red Metallic, which replaces Sterling Gray Metallic) and a few other minor changes. Nothing groundbreaking here, but enough to warrant a second look at the 2012 Ford Mustang, wouldn’t you agree?