Ford Will Sell Mustang Boss 302 With Special Key For Racing

Good news for buyers of the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 as Ford announced today that it will provide two sets of keys for the muscle car. And why is this newsworthy, we hear you ask? Because the second optional set, called TracKey, promises to unleash the full performance of the Mustang Boss 302. You see, the TracKey communicates with an additional powertrain control module (PCM) turning the special edition 'Stang into a competition-ready track car.

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Press Release

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

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.

Range Rover Evoque 5 door revealed

The 5-door Range Rover Evoque makes its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week, and JLR has issued a full set of piccies ahead of the big day.

U.S. models will come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder making 237-hp, while in Europe the softroader will also be available with one of two diesel engines with either 148-hp or 187-hp. All models will be available as either front- or all-wheel drive.

The more versatile Evoque is otherwise essentially unchanged from the three-door version. 150 and 240-horsepower engines are available, in either economic front-wheel drive – a Land Rover first – or the company's go-anywhere all-wheel drive, complete with Land Rover Terrain Response. Only in the five-door version offers easier access to the rear seats for better passenger and cargo carrying capabilities. The Evoque hits 160 markets around the world beginning summer 2011.

Press Release

The exciting five-door version of the all-new Range Rover Evoque makes its global public debut at the 2010
Los Angeles Auto Show on November 17, 2010.

With its stylish and sporting appearance, combined with larger interior space, the five-door Range Rover Evoque joins the stunning coupe model to create a highly desirable line-up that will define the premium compact SUV segment.

Like the coupe, the five-door Range Rover Evoque remains faithful to the spirit of the groundbreaking Land Rover LRX concept car, offering an innovative new interpretation of the original coupe design.

The five-door Range Rover Evoque also stays true to the core values of the Range Rover brand, providing premium levels of craftsmanship, luxury, performance and renowned Land Rover multi-terrain capability, but in a more compact package.

“The addition of the five-door to the Range Rover Evoque line-up extends the appeal of our brand still further,” said Land Rover’s Managing Director Phil Popham.

“While retaining everything that’s great about the Range Rover Evoque coupe, this new five-door bodystyle will offer customers even more choice, greater practicality, versatility and flexibility. The launch of the Range Rover Evoque in 2011 will expand the global appeal of the Range Rover marque."

Coupe style and five-door versatility

The five-door Range Rover Evoque offers an exciting new interpretation of the LRX concept car design, combining the dramatic stance and dynamic appeal of the original cross-coupe with the enhanced functionality offered by a five-door format.

“The five-door Range Rover Evoque has the same strong emotional appeal as the coupe, while offering superior versatility,” said Land Rover Design Director, Gerry McGovern.

“The key lines remain intact – the dramatic rising beltline, muscular shoulder running the length of the car, and the distinctive taper to the floating roofline – but with a slightly higher rear roof. The finished vehicle offers impressive levels of space and versatility whilst retaining the overall essence, visual robustness and jewel-like detailing of the coupe.”

The more spacious interior of the five-door Range Rover Evoque has been achieved without enlarging the compact footprint of the coupe model: the overall length and width remain identical.

Like the coupe, smart design, meticulous engineering and clever packaging has ensured that the five-door Range Rover Evoque delivers the core Range Rover values of luxury, refined performance and multi-terrain capability while remaining true to the spirit of the LRX concept design.

Impeccably crafted luxury interior

Beneath its dramatic exterior, the five-door Range Rover Evoque provides customers with an impeccably crafted luxury cabin, with the same premium quality materials and elegant design expected from a Range Rover interior.

Gerry McGovern continued, "The strong, simple architecture of the cabin is evident with the bold intersection between the solid horizontal elements of the instrument panel and the powerful vertical lines of the center console."

The Range Rover Evoque allows customers to specify a lavishly appointed cabin with soft, premium leather providing a luxurious finish to almost every surface of the instrument panel, doors and seats, with beautifully tailored twin-needle stitching.

In bold contrast to the supple feel of natural hides, authentic metal finishes provide a series of striking highlights. Cool to the touch and exquisitely crafted, the metal finishes are a tactile and visual reminder of the superior interior quality.

The instrument cluster, housed under a compact curved binnacle, adds to the sporty, premium feel of the interior. The twin dials have an attractive three dimensional form with illuminated chaplets and needles, and are set deep in sport circular housings finished with bright chrome rims.

Total comfort and versatility

Measuring 1.18 inches (30mm) taller than the coupe model, the five-door Range Rover Evoque adds space and versatility to the luxurious cabin. Rear seat passengers benefit from over 1.97 inches (50mm) more shoulder room, along with generous headroom, which compares very favorably to traditional sporting sedans.

A full-sized glass panoramic roof enhances the sensation of space and comfort by filling the interior with natural light, and offers greater headroom for all occupants.

The rear seats, with seat belts and head restraints for three passengers, have 60/40 folding rear seats and are equipped with LATCH child seat mounts. When required, luggage capacity can be expanded to a substantial 51 cubic ft (1445 liters).

The driver adopts a lower seating position than in one of the larger Range Rover models offering a more sporting feel but retaining the important Command Driving Position.

Dynamic handling and effortless, refined performance

Land Rover engineers have developed the five-door Range Rover Evoque to provide customers with a polished driving experience combining dynamic and sporty handling with responsive, effortless performance and refinement.

Murray Dietsch, Director of Land Rover Programs said, "The five-door Range Rover Evoque has the same sporting character as the Coupe. We have focused on ensuring that the car is agile and fun to drive, so that customers have a rewarding experience, even in day-to-day urban driving. Advanced technologies such as MagneRide mean we can ensure that this dynamic prowess does not come at the cost of top-quality refinement or comfort."

The car can be specified with the sophisticated Adaptive Dynamics system, which uses advanced MagneRide™ dampers to provide an enhanced balance of confident, nimble handling with a supple, controlled ride. The suspension delivers even tighter body control with flatter handling and sharper responses.

As expected in a Range Rover, the five-door Range Rover Evoque delivers all-weather, multi-terrain capability. In common with its larger siblings, the new model provides formidable multi-terrain potential, which is enhanced by the latest version of the company’s signature Terrain Response® system.

Drivers who take their Range Rover Evoque off-road will be reassured to know that, in addition to generous ground clearance, the car has aggressive breakover and departure angles.

The five-door Range Rover Evoque shares its smooth and responsive turbocharged powertrain with the Coupe model. The advanced new 240bhp* 2.0-liter Si4 turbocharged engine combines direct fuel injection and twin variable valve timing for drivability and fuel efficiency, and an athletic 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds*.

Murray Dietsch continued, "The state-of-the-art four-cylinder turbocharged engine combines
six-cylinder refinement and performance with impressive fuel economy. This efficiency has been achieved by the commitment of the product development team to deliver a compact and weight efficient product, with no compromise on durability and robustness."
Commitment to sustainability

With the same compact footprint and advanced technologies as the coupe model, the five-door Range Rover Evoque reinforces Land Rover’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The Range Rover Evoque is the smallest, lightest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever.

The new vehicle’s sustainability credentials stem from a comprehensive approach to reducing its environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle, from development and manufacturing, through to customer use and end-of-life recycling.

Key product innovations which drive its greener performance include:

• Compact size – at 171-inches (434cm) the five-door Range Rover Evoque vehicle is
• 17 inches (432mm) shorter than a Range Rover Sport vehicle and sits around 6 inches (152mm) lower
• Lightweight technologies – advanced materials used throughout the body and chassis
• Efficient powertrain – state-of-the-art, with high-efficiency features like direct injection
• Low CO2 technologies – incorporating electric power assisted steering (EPAS), smart regenerative charging and optimized transmissions
• Recycling and re-use - maximizing use of sustainable and recycled materials, plus optimizing end-of-life recyclability