2012 BOSS 302 updates

[N8dawg]

Looks as if the upcoming BOSS 302 gained an additional 4 horsepower as well as a key that's tuned for the track.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/11/2...race-calibrat/

[GOLFFRR]

as much as i hate to admit it, this car is going to be pretty dope.

[JAJ]

I just can't imagine BMW saying "Oh, here's an extra "special" key for your M3 - put it in and when you start the engine, you'll be using the ECU parameters from the BMW Motorsport M3 GT4 race engine calibration. We hope you enjoy your new car."

Never, in a million years.

Originally Posted by N8dawg

Looks as if the upcoming BOSS 302 gained an additional 4 horsepower as well as a key that's tuned for the track.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/11/2...race-calibrat/

[mexicanmike]

Originally Posted by JAJ

I just can't imagine BMW saying "Oh, here's an extra "special" key for your M3 - put it in and when you start the engine, you'll be using the ECU parameters from the BMW Motorsport M3 GT4 race engine calibration. We hope you enjoy your new car."

Never, in a million years.

Why would that be a bad thing? That would be awesome!! To have tuned ECU settings for maximum performance and less computer involvement. Obviously Ford is aware that people who track their cars dont want stability control coming on in the middle of a turn, ect.

I wouldn't mind if BMW did this, and yes, they would charge for it. Are the changes more than what is currently adjustable Via Idrive? Who Knows, but if they were, and i was going to track a M3, I would love to have track settings and a track key.

Bottom line, if Ford makes enough money on this option alone, you can bet your ass other manufacturers will follow.

[JAJ]

It's not a bad thing. Just extremely unlikely. BMW uses their racing heritage and investment as a way to convince people to buy their cars rather than as a way for people to enjoy their cars after they've bought them.

Originally Posted by mexicanmike

Why would that be a bad thing? That would be awesome!! To have tuned ECU settings for maximum performance and less computer involvement. Obviously Ford is aware that people who track their cars dont want stability control coming on in the middle of a turn, ect.

I wouldn't mind if BMW did this, and yes, they would charge for it. Are the changes more than what is currently adjustable Via Idrive? Who Knows, but if they were, and i was going to track a M3, I would love to have track settings and a track key.

Bottom line, if Ford makes enough money on this option alone, you can bet your ass other manufacturers will follow.

[GT3 Tim]

I have never been impressed with Ford. However, of late, I am.

They have really gotten their sh!t together the past two years or so. I am starting to actually like some of their products. Good job Ford!

[arter]

The M button is like the special key ( except the parking attendant can also hit the button). I would either always use the hot key or would forget to have it on me. the button is always there and it is easier to turn off or on when the mode hits you......

[SunnyD]

Props to Ford for putting out some pretty good products lately. The BOSS 302 is definitely a car that I can see myself driving.

[Dave07997S]

Here's the pricing on the Boss 302. Doesn't look like you will be able to load it up with creature comforts such as Nav.

Boss 302
$40,995 = Boss 302 MSRP (including destination & delivery).
$1,995 = Recaro Seats with Torsen Differential.
$475 = Boss 302 Accessory Package (floor mats & car cover?).
$495 = Yellow Blaze TriCoat Paint.
Boss 302 Laguna Seca
$47,990 = Boss 302 Laguna Seca (including destination & delivery).
$475 = Boss 302 Accessory Package (floor mats & car cover?).

[SwiftM3]

Originally Posted by Dave07997S

Here's the pricing on the Boss 302. Doesn't look like you will be able to load it up with creature comforts such as Nav.

Boss 302
$40,995 = Boss 302 MSRP (including destination & delivery).
$1,995 = Recaro Seats with Torsen Differential.
$475 = Boss 302 Accessory Package (floor mats & car cover?).
$495 = Yellow Blaze TriCoat Paint.
Boss 302 Laguna Seca
$47,990 = Boss 302 Laguna Seca (including destination & delivery).
$475 = Boss 302 Accessory Package (floor mats & car cover?).

For $47k thats basically a base line GT 500. I wonder how they will compare.

[e92_m3]

Originally Posted by stingray23

when was the pricing announced?

+1!

Ford is really stepping it up...

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by stingray23

when was the pricing announced?

Today, 5 OhBrian on themustangsource.com, works for Ford, released it today. However it was reported on other sites as well.

Dave

[e92_m3]

Originally Posted by Dave07997S

Today, 5 OhBrian on themustangsource.com, works for Ford, released it today. However it was reported on other sites as well.

Dave

Is it available now to the public for purchase?

I asked coz on the Ford website, it says that it's coming in spring 2011. Should be pretty much available now? Or do we have to wait til next year?

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by e92_m3

Is it available now to the public for purchase?

I asked coz on the Ford website, it says that it's coming in spring 2011. Should be pretty much available now? Or do we have to wait til next year?

No, pricing was released today. Not avail until Feb. or Mar. 2011.

Dave

[GregW / Oregon]

Slightly off topic, but this is a totally stealth Portland Police car that has stopped someone outside my office today. I also got a ticket on I-5 from an unmarked Mustang-driving sheriff. Got to watch out for those Mustangs.

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Slightly off topic, but this is a totally stealth Portland Police car that has stopped someone outside my office today. I also got a ticket on I-5 from an unmarked Mustang-driving sheriff. Got to watch out for those Mustangs.

The good old days..

[mkoesel]

Agree that the special key is a bit gimmicky, but then so is the M button really. However, the key is definitely a notch down in practicality as well. It makes much more sense to just tie the "race program" to a button or make it something you can configure in a menu somewhere.

That said - I don't think the exact details of what the special key does has been made public yet, have they? That's more important to me than the method by which you activate it. Does it add power? Does it increase the redline or fuel cuttoff RPM? Does it change the torque curve? Because, as we know, the M Button just remaps the throttle (as well as other non-engine related things), and while that's nice, it doesn't effect the performance of the car.

Originally Posted by arter

The M button is like the special key ( except the parking attendant can also hit the button). I would either always use the hot key or would forget to have it on me. the button is always there and it is easier to turn off or on when the mode hits you......

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Agree that the special key is a bit gimmicky, but then so is the M button really. However, the key is definitely a notch down in practicality as well. It makes much more sense to just tie the "race program" to a button or make it something you can configure in a menu somewhere.

That said - I don't think the exact details of what the special key does has been made public yet, have they? That's more important to me than the method by which you activate it. Does it add power? Does it increase the redline or fuel cuttoff RPM? Does it change the torque curve? Because, as we know, the M Button just remaps the throttle (as well as other non-engine related things), and while that's nice, it doesn't effect the performance of the car.

2012 MUSTANG BOSS 302 LETS LOOSE WITH TRACKEY; CHOOSE STOCK OR FULL-RACE CALIBRATION

* TracKey, available for 2012 Mustang Boss 302 owners through Ford dealers, adds TracMode powertrain control software to the car for track use, providing full race calibration and two-stage launch control in addition to stock calibration, without compromising factory warranty
* Using a dual-path powertrain control module (PCM), TracKey software is installed after the vehicle is purchased; accessed by a specially programmed vehicle key, new code coexists with stock Boss software, allowing drivers to choose between street or track use simply by selecting a key
* No aftermarket chips or permanent modifications are made when TracKey is used, allowing owners to return to the stock setting by starting the car with a regular key


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.
Click here to download related images.


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.

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.

One key, hundreds of changes
Devised during an all-night garage brainstorming session among core Mustang team members, TracKey introduces the concept known as the dual-path powertrain control module. The industry-first, patent-pending innovation allows two separate sets of engine management software to exist on a single PCM, selected through the existing SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) transceiver found in current production keys.

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.”

When TracKey is removed and the vehicle is started with the standard key, the PCM settings are automatically drawn from the factory Boss 302 instruction set again without any additional modifications needed – a huge advantage over aftermarket tuning chips and ECU reprogramming. The convenience is useful for enthusiasts who want all-out performance at the racetrack but stock driveability for the journey there and back.

An after-hours obsession
In the early stages of TracKey development, a major challenge was the complexity of installing multiple PCM computers and switching between them. However, Ford controls engineers developed a method to choose between two unique sets of software in a single powertrain control module on the Boss 302: The dual-path PCM was born.

“We installed the 302R software on the same PCM that held the stock Boss software,” says Seaman. “Then the controls engineers developed a software system to activate one or the other, depending upon which key was used to start the vehicle. Really, all the parts to make this work existed – the Ford MyKey® system was already using the PATS transceiver to perform specific actions based on the key used to start the car, and the PCM was flexible enough to handle multiple control modules. It was just putting everything together.”

As the project unfolded, the team was driven by the uniqueness of what they were trying to accomplish, and TracKey became an obsession. Considering the compressed time frame in which the technology was developed, motivation was essential to the creation of the finished product.

“We’ve all been really excited about TracKey, so it came together quickly,” explained Pericak. “The concept was first discussed in spring 2009, and here we are 18 months later with a finished, tested, verified product. It’s a perfect example of what can happen when you get a core, cross-functional team willing to contribute 24/7 to bring a great idea to life.”

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.

It does change the cam timing also and makes the idle quite lopey.

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by SwiftM3

For $47k thats basically a base line GT 500. I wonder how they will compare.

The Laguna Seca Boss will be very limited production. Only 500 units for 2012.

Dave

[luckistryke]

Originally Posted by Dave07997S

The Laguna Seca Boss will be very limited production. Only 500 units for 2012.

Dave

500 units? Somebody is gonna get rape.

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by luckistryke

500 units? Somebody is gonna get rape.

Yea, these cars are going to go from 10-20k over MSRP..easily. Even a plain jane Boss will be a 5-10k over MSRP.

Dave

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Gearhead999s

2012 MUSTANG BOSS 302 LETS LOOSE WITH TRACKEY; CHOOSE STOCK OR FULL-RACE CALIBRATION

Yeah, thanks Gearhead, but I've seen that already. While I notice now that it does mention "low end torque", it still provides absolutely no raw numbers. I suppose we'll have to wait for reviews and dyno tests for that.