The Red Key!

[Gearhead999s]

This Red Key Turns Your Boss Mustang Into A Race Car

This is Ford's TracKey, a special key available to buyers of the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 that, when used, switches the dual-path powertrain control module (PCM) from streetable pony car to 444 HP track-ready stallion. Yes, the future is now.

Each 2012 Mustang Boss 302 will come with an all-black key that'll work just fine to turn on your car, giving you access to 444 HP of streetable power. But, thanks to a joint project between Mustang engineers and the Ford Racing dealer network, you'll be able to buy the TracKey that'll give you a second set of PCM software instructions. This TracMode software alters more than 200 engine management parameters, increasing low-end torque and turning the Boss into a competition-ready track car — complete with a two-stage launch control feature similar to that used on the Mustang Cobra Jet.


But, if you want to go back to street mode, all you have to do is start your Boss with the standard key, and your 'stang gets reset back to factory engine settings.

So, what exactly does the TracKey change? Here's the details we have so far from Ford:

The TracKey PCM software, installed by an authorized Ford racing 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."

We're still waiting some more details from Pericak, but what he's given us is a pretty good start.

I know we're really geeking out over this — but just think about the possibilities of being able to download chip tuning instructions based on the track or the type of track. You have to admit, this has some really cool possibilities.

[Jaypod]

Nice gimmick - but a button or two would be sufficient - they can keep the key.

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by Jaypod

Nice gimmick - but a button or two would be sufficient - they can keep the key.

But it helps to create press!Besides if was awitch that could be turned on while running the Fed's would probaly have an issue with that as this will change the emmisions.

[Jaypod]

Originally Posted by Gearhead999s

But it helps to create press!Besides if was awitch that could be turned on while running the Fed's would probaly have an issue with that as this will change the emmisions.

What's stopping me from tossing the black key and only using the red key? I doubt the key knows its at a track.

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by Jaypod

What's stopping me from tossing the black key and only using the red key? I doubt the key knows its at a track.

True but it probaly is due to the Goverment regulations and I am pretty sure there will be a ton of disclaimers to protect Ford from the feds and idiots that buy the car and crash it on the street after using the Red Key.

[Jaypod]

Originally Posted by Gearhead999s

True but it probaly is due to the Goverment regulations and I am pretty sure there will be a ton of disclaimers to protect Ford from the feds and idiots that buy the car and crash it on the street after using the Red Key.

Ford drivers don't need a red key to crash it on the street - they seem to do just fine on their own....

[AWESOM3]

Originally Posted by Jaypod

Ford drivers don't need a red key to crash it on the street - they seem to do just fine on their own....

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by Jaypod

Ford drivers don't need a red key to crash it on the street - they seem to do just fine on their own....

I guess your getting one then

[Gearhead999s]

more here

upcoming 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is undoubtedly a high-performance track tool, boasting 444 horsepower from the factory and a specially tuned suspension aimed at closed course driving.

But for drivers who want just a little more out of their Boss 302, Ford will supply owners with a special TracKey, which automatically tells the powertrain control module – PCM – that the driver wants to experience a competition-ready track experience. The key engages a software upgrade called TracMode on the Boss 302′s PCM that alters more than 200 engine management paramenters, most notably an increase in low-end torque.

“From an engine management standpoint, we’ve done just about everything possible to give TracKey users a full race car experience,” said Jeff Seaman, a Mustang powertrain engineer, in a statement released to the media. “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.”

The TracKey PCM software is installed after a customer takes delivery, preventing dealership techs from having too much fun. The upgrades adjust variable cam timing, spark maps, engine braking, fuel control and more for a race-tuned calibration. Any daily driver-style refinement built in from the factory is removed thanks to the dual-path PCM.

The system is based on Ford’s MyKey, which is usually used to limit vehicle performance for younger drivers.

“We installed the 302R software on the same PCM that held the stock Boss software,” said 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 (Passive Anti Theft System) 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.”

The TracKey is distinguished by its unique red and black Boss 302 logo, while the Boss 302′s standard key features a black logo. Ford hasn’t said if the TracKey will be used for the recently-announced track day at Utah’s Miller Motorsports Park included with Boss 302 purchase.

[ching]

I bet that the aftermarket has already started to create red stickers to turn your white key into a red key!

Who says a sticker doesn't add horsepower?

[pmeloche]

How do you get a Mustang to go 0-100 kph in less than 15 seconds? You throw it off a cliff.

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by pmeloche

How do you get a Mustang to go 0-100 kph in less than 15 seconds? You throw it off a cliff.

I think you have already used that lame joke

[Poppin Fresh]

Red Key = M button?

[jackolo]

I've got a "M" Button in the BMW and a "Sport" and "Sport Plus" button in the Porsche. Why a friggen key? Is it easier for the manufacturer to do it that way rather then adding a button or is it that they don't trust Mustang drivers and want to make it inconvenient for them? Or maybe when you crash or something goes wrong it's easier for them to see a shiny red key in the ignition.

This would have been cool though.

[008]

Somewhat like the Veyron gimmick.

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by Poppin Fresh

Red Key = M button?

An M button does nothing to the engine settings that effects emmissions but the Boss 'Red Key" changes the engine programming which effects the legality on the street for most of North America.The M button only changes the traction control,throttle mapping,edc settings which has nothing to do with emmissions which is why it is legal to have on a compliant car for the street.

[M3AN M3]

Crazy, but even better the 2012 302 boss... Such Love!!!!!!!

[Fanta]

Originally Posted by GO ON 3

Crazy, but even better the 2012 302 boss... Such Love!!!!!!!

+1

[Hedges]

Marketing!

[montreal red]

Originally Posted by Hedges

Marketing!

+1

they prob think they are going one step further by offering this special key. maybe they think they're bugatti or smthg. doesnt the veyron need a special car to reach its top speed?

[M3 vert]

Originally Posted by montreal red

+1

they prob think they are going one step further by offering this special key. maybe they think they're bugatti or smthg. doesnt the veyron need a special car to reach its top speed?

Indeed, on the driver's side door there is a special slot where you turn it with a key and it unlocks the top speed of the vehicle

[kahunacanuck]

A key? Wholly 20th Century!