Photos: Ford Motor Company

Ford’s upcoming Boss 302 Mustang is developing a split personality, but unlike your typical schizophrenic, you get to pick which personality to deal with. Just use the correct ignition key. Some people will be getting one of the limited edition Boss 302 cars to cruise the boulevards, while others will be likely to accumulate more miles on the track than the road.

The latest news from Ford acknowledges that one car cannot do both well… unless it comes with the patent pending, dual-path powertrain control module developed by Team Mustang and Ford Racing. For example, when in track mode, a two-stage launch control feature becomes available. Using the steering wheel buttons to preset a launch rpm, the car will hold that engine speed while the clutch pedal is held down and the throttle is floored. Releasing the clutch pedal restores normal throttle function.

The TracKey powertrain software installation and key programming will be available to 2012 Mustang Boss 302 owners through Ford Racing authorized dealers. Pricing has not been announced.

There is a lot more to the new programming, though. In a rather Jekyll and Hyde fashion, the Boss uses very aggressive throttle response when in track mode, as well as vigorous engine braking that is designed to reduce brake wear. There are a lot more changes designed to mimick the Boss a true track beast when the time is right.

“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 drive-ability enhancements are removed and replaced with a pure Ford Racing competition calibration.”

The result for Boss 302 owners, is an aggressive, race-bred experience that includes a lopey idle characteristic of race camshafts.

At the same time, the Boss Track Attack program was announced, being offered to new Boss 302 owners through Ford Racing and Team Mustang. The program is designed to give Boss owners a hands-on look at exactly what their cars are capable of, as well as how much fun high performance driving can be with the right introduction.

Of the car and the Boss Track Attack program, Mickey Matus, Ford Racing marketing manager said, “It’s an absolute blast to drive on the street, but we want owners to be able to experience all the incredible balance, power and performance engineered into this machine and the only safe way to do that is to push the car to the limit on a closed course.”

The Boss Track Attack will be run at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, UT. Boss owners will make their own travel and lodging arrangements, but once in Utah, the full track experience – including cars for the event – is complimentary from Ford. Additional details including a schedule of sessions is expected early in the New Year.