2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 to introduce second TracKey ignition technology
Ford’s 2012 Mustang Boss 302 will be available with two ignition keys in an attempt to make it the ultimate Jekyll and Hyde split personality racer.
The first is a black key with a Boss logo, and when turned unleashes 331kW (444HP) of street-legal power. All very standard.
The second, red “TracKey” however, takes the Mustang and turns it into a fully fledged, competition-ready track car.
The TracKey system is a joint project between Ford Racing and Mustang engineers and according to the public relations people is the result of a good old-fashioned, all-night garage brainstorming session.
The aftermarket program effectively adds a second set of powertrain control module software and enhances more than 200 engine management settings including the vehicle’s variable cam timing, spark maps, engine braking and fuel control (among other parameters).
Among the more substantial changes are an increase to low-end torque and a two-stage launch control system inspired by the Cobra Jet race car.
Mustang powertrain engineer, Jeff Seaman, said the team had done “just about everything possible” to give TracKey customers the full race car experience.
“It's not for use on the street,” Mr Seaman said. “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 concept was first conceived 18 months ago and has since been fully developed, tested and approved for release.
The TracKey-equipped 2012 Mustang Boss 302 will be available through Ford Racing dealers in the US, with official pricing and launch details to be announced at a later date.
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