THE RED KEY!!!!
THE RED KEY!!!!
In addition to this, the caption now rates the Boss 302 at 444HP.
2012 Mustang Boss 302 Keys:
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 11, 2010 - You hold two keys: One has a black Boss logo, the other red: Either will start your 2012 Mustang Boss 302. Slide the all-black key into the lock cylinder, give it a twist and you're treated to 444 ponies worth of smooth, streetable driving joy. Or choose red - the TracKey - and you have a competition-ready track car. (11/11/2010)
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 11, 2010 - You hold two keys: One has a black Boss logo, the other red: Either will start your 2012 Mustang Boss 302. Slide the all-black key into the lock cylinder, give it a twist and you're treated to 444 ponies worth of smooth, streetable driving joy. Or choose red - the TracKey - and you have a competition-ready track car. (11/11/2010)
Thanks to fastautos for the link to this article about the key.
More at the link above.
A joint project between Mustang engineers and Ford Racing, TracKey adds a second set of powertrain control module (PCM) software to a customer’s Mustang Boss 302, activated by a specially programmed vehicle key. When invoked by TracKey, the new TracMode software alters more than 200 engine management parameters, increasing low-end torque and turning the potent but well-mannered stock Boss into a competition-ready track car. Remove TracKey and start Boss with the standard key, and all factory engine settings are restored for a comfortable drive home from the course.
“From an engine management standpoint, we’ve done just about everything possible to give TracKey users a full race car experience,” explains Jeff Seaman, Mustang powertrain engineer. “It’s not for use on the street – for example, the deceleration is set up to preserve the brakes, and the throttle response is very aggressive. A skilled driver on a closed course will really appreciate the benefits.”
As part of the TracKey software package, Ford engineers also devised a two-stage launch control feature similar to that used on the Cobra Jet race car. Using a combination of steering wheel buttons, drivers can set the tach needle to a desired launch rpm. Floor the throttle and the engine will rev to the preset rpm until the clutch is released, helping aid acceleration and vehicle control from a standing start.
“From an engine management standpoint, we’ve done just about everything possible to give TracKey users a full race car experience,” explains Jeff Seaman, Mustang powertrain engineer. “It’s not for use on the street – for example, the deceleration is set up to preserve the brakes, and the throttle response is very aggressive. A skilled driver on a closed course will really appreciate the benefits.”
As part of the TracKey software package, Ford engineers also devised a two-stage launch control feature similar to that used on the Cobra Jet race car. Using a combination of steering wheel buttons, drivers can set the tach needle to a desired launch rpm. Floor the throttle and the engine will rev to the preset rpm until the clutch is released, helping aid acceleration and vehicle control from a standing start.
The TracKey PCM software, installed by an authorized Ford dealer after a customer takes delivery of the car, adjusts variable cam timing, spark maps, engine braking, fuel control and other engine parameters – more than 200 in total – to provide a complete race car calibration. The result is an aggressive, race-bred driving experience all the way down to the lopey idle rumbling through the Boss quad exhaust.
“Anything that could possibly affect all-out performance is deleted from the TracKey calibration,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “Throttle limiting and torque management – any daily driveability enhancements are removed and replaced with a pure Ford Racing competition calibration.”
Availible for both models it appears!
“Anything that could possibly affect all-out performance is deleted from the TracKey calibration,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “Throttle limiting and torque management – any daily driveability enhancements are removed and replaced with a pure Ford Racing competition calibration.”
Availible for both models it appears!
More complete info
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6729...302/index.html
Ford paid track experience
No horsepower bump
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6729...302/index.html
Ford paid track experience
No horsepower bump
So essentially it leans the car out some and shuts off your emissions controls. lol
It's cool but I wouldn't be surprised if California bans it from being sold in that state?
It's cool but I wouldn't be surprised if California bans it from being sold in that state?
Last edited by White2010; Nov 11, 2010 at 12:28 AM.
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Wonder if it voids the warranty like using the launch control setting on the Nissan GT-R did?
espite its race course aspirations, the TracKey programming is still usable on the street. Although the calibrations are based off those used for the race-spec Boss 302R, Pericak notes both engine settings are emissions compliant -- although the quick throttle and menacing rumble of the track tuning "leaves refinement at the door." Better yet, Ford's factory warranty is unaffected by prolonged use of both the TracKey and the launch control system.
Last edited by PTRocks; Nov 11, 2010 at 04:57 AM.
So they used the "myKey" tech in the opposite direction. pretty smart!
the big question..
will anyone ever use the black key? hahahaha.. I'd just toss it.
will anyone ever use the black key? hahahaha.. I'd just toss it.
SWEET!!!!! Does anyone know if the myKey still comes with this? Then you could have three different types of keys. One for the wife, valet, kids (yeah right), a normal one for more average driving with average MPG, and a fun one with the track in mind. AWESOME!!!!
WAY TO GO FORD!
WAY TO GO FORD!
TracKey powertrain software installation and key programming will be available to 2012 Mustang Boss 302 owners through Ford Racing authorized dealers. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
http://media.ford.com/article_displa...ticle_id=33540
Noticed this at the end of the article on Ford's media site. Wonder how much this will cost?
The good news is that this doesn't sound to be LS specific.
You know while this is cool for future Boss owners, the GT500 needs some form of launch control as well. I wonder if Ford has thought of offering something like this for new GT500's with the SVT Performance Package. Or better yet some kind of retrofit for owners of manual equipped 2011 GT's and GT500's.
Last edited by ChrisMustangGT; Nov 11, 2010 at 08:14 AM.
I'd still use the regular key, especially if the tune is that aggressive. Otherwise, for any sort of spirited driving, the red key is the go-to key.
I'd love to see them reflash the PCM on the 2011 GT with a mild tune, then offer the key through FRPP as a tune option.
I'd love to see them reflash the PCM on the 2011 GT with a mild tune, then offer the key through FRPP as a tune option.
The way the articles read, and I know you probably know more, I am just speculating that the possibility of other Mustangs in the future will receive some trickle down tech with all of this in mind. Especially since this was done by Team Mustang and Ford Racing, not SVT or the likes.


