It has been almost one year since Ford announced the Trackey for the Mustang Boss 302 and automotive enthusiasts rejoiced when hearing that they’ll get a special key for activating the software that unleashes the racing side of the car.
We dare you to go out and buy a Trackey. You simply can’t and this is all because California decided to over analyze Ford’s development. This has made Boss 302 owners very angry, causing them to release a Hitler video about the matter. But let’s see what’s going on.
You see, the system relies on special software installed by Ford dealers in order to turn the Boss 302 into a track animal, playing with over 200 engine parameters, if you use the red key. However, if you take the normal key, the car will come with the standard setup, which offers 444 hp , but is focused on everyday drivability.
However, those engine parameters may affect emissions, which is why the Trackey has to be approved by the California Air Resources Board, which means that Ford has to meet the CARB rules for aftermarket developments. In other words, these musn’t increase emissions, alter the engine’s reliability or interfere with the on-board computer diagnosis.
Ford has not yet managed to pass the exam and, as Jalopnik writes, CARB isn’t willing to cut it any slack. The process might take a while, since CARB processes applications on a first-come- first serve system, so if Ford gets it wrong, it has to start over by waiting for other applications to be processed first.
You see, the system relies on special software installed by Ford dealers in order to turn the Boss 302 into a track animal, playing with over 200 engine parameters, if you use the red key. However, if you take the normal key, the car will come with the standard setup, which offers 444 hp , but is focused on everyday drivability.
However, those engine parameters may affect emissions, which is why the Trackey has to be approved by the California Air Resources Board, which means that Ford has to meet the CARB rules for aftermarket developments. In other words, these musn’t increase emissions, alter the engine’s reliability or interfere with the on-board computer diagnosis.
Ford has not yet managed to pass the exam and, as Jalopnik writes, CARB isn’t willing to cut it any slack. The process might take a while, since CARB processes applications on a first-come- first serve system, so if Ford gets it wrong, it has to start over by waiting for other applications to be processed first.