Ford Mustang Boss 302 offers split personality

"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 (331kW) worth of smooth, streetable driving joy. Or choose red -- the TracKey -- and you have a competition-ready track car."

So reads the opening paragraph of Ford's PR blurb relating to a novel system jointly conceived by Mustang engineers and the Ford Racing division for the hardcore new Mustang Boss 302 -- which allegedly outpaces a BMW M3 around the Laguna Seca track.

Slotting the specially programmed TracKey into the ignition results in TracMode software being invoked and, according to Ford, this alters more than 200 engine management parameters, increasing low-end torque and ostensibly turning the Boss into a competition-ready track car.

"From an engine management standpoint, we've done just about everything possible to give TracKey users a full race car experience," says Mustang powertrain engineer Jeff Seaman.

"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 tacho needle to a desired launch rpm. Floor the throttle and the engine will rev to the preset rpm until the clutch is released, enabling drivers to nail consistently fast starts without excessive wheelspin.

The beauty of the system is that when you're finished thrashing around the racetrack, you simply remove TracKey and start the 'Stang with the standard key, and all factory engine settings are restored for a less frenetic drive home from the circuit.

Ford says the Jekyll-Hyde personas offered by the two separate keys are a bonus for owners who enjoy partaking in the odd track day.

According to the company, in the early stages of TracKey development a major challenge was the complexity of installing multiple PCM (Powertrain Control Module) 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 -- and the dual-path PCM was born.

The TracKey powertrain software installation and key programming will be available to 2012 Mustang Boss 302 owners through Ford Racing dealers in the US, but there's as yet no word on how much the feature will cost.

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