2013 Viper "Track Key"

Coloviper · Mar 30, 2011

So the new 2012 Ford Laguna Seca Boss Mustang comes with a "Track Key" that when you use the track key in the regular ignition (not a sperate key location like the old ZR1 Valet keys), it changes all the parameters in the programming and disables traction control, etc. in the car for track use.

My question is should Dodge be looking at a "Venom Key" which would do the same thing in the Viper and if so, how many of you would drive around everywhere on the street with that Venom Key knowing that if you had an accident or a warranty claim, they could trace it back to exactly which key was in ignition at the time. I assume no warranty when the Venom Key is in the ignition and potentially the damn insurance company even also determining that and potentially causing claims issues.

Open it up for discussion. Personally I would love a Venom type of key if it made the car run the way it should, for a pure track experience. Thoughts? Should we be pushing Ralphie and company for this type of key in the GEN V?

01sapphirebob · Mar 30, 2011

I see no need. Just the good old button to turn traction control off when you want to. But thats just me.

Pythonpete · Mar 30, 2011

Its called an ignition key. The Viper should be bad and nasty the second you turn it on.

gb66gth · Mar 30, 2011

I agree 100% with both of the above statements.

plumcrazy · Mar 30, 2011

100% on al the time in case you need it. and its regulated by your right foot....

Chelseasnake · Mar 30, 2011

vipers already come with a track key, it is the one that comes with all vipers

Coloviper · Mar 30, 2011

You are failing to see the point of what I expressed. A seperate track or Venom key that basically makes the car run as if it has a mopar performance controller in it, along wth disabling the goverenment required nanny controls. No additional mods, etc. required. Just insert a different key in the ignition.

Why would you say no to that? I am rather suprised from the die hards responses above. Don't make me question your diehardiness?

LifeIsGood · Mar 30, 2011

A separate key...really? I'm so embarassed for Ford right now.

Y2K5SRT · Mar 30, 2011

Just another key to get lost. It seems that a switchable traction control (default "on" for government regulations) would be easier to manage. The rest of the car should be as aggressive in "stock" mode as it is for the track - that's always been the beauty of the Viper since Day 1.

MTGTS · Mar 30, 2011

I would throw away the reg. key

JonB · Mar 30, 2011

I think the Ford should come with a multple choice ignition interlock, with driver questions about weight transfer, tire condition, and brake fluid age, pad life, tire pressures, etc. If you select the wrong anwers, or take too long to reply, it wont start.

The instrument cluster would display: NOT WORTHY

Detlef · Mar 30, 2011

Actually, since the 2013 Viper should have TC and other nannies per government regulations, a Venom button to be the equivalent of the Mustang track key would be a cool feature. Turns everything off and maybe lights up a Viper logo on the dashboard as a reminder that Venom mode is engaged. I like the idea.

PDCjonny · Mar 30, 2011

Something else to break and/or partially engage etc....especially in a first year model.

Ghoust · Mar 30, 2011

I remember issues with warranty with the Nissan GTR in "Launch Control" mode. I would rather me be the catalyst that gets the custom tune rather then a venom key.

ViperTony · Mar 30, 2011

If traction control can be turned "Off" as in OFF a.ka. not kinda on, or standing by but not functioning whatsoever then no need for a key.

Mopar Boy · Mar 30, 2011

Simple button. The key is hokey.

What will happen is you are out on a drive, feel like some fun, but oh wait. You can't. Car is on lock down as the key is at home or lost.

Wolfc2e · Mar 30, 2011

I'm against the key as well.

Currently, when I want to do a burnout in my Vette I push a button to turn off the TC. If I had to shut down the car, fumble through my pockets for another key, and then fire it up again I feel I would be very annoyed.

Seems to kinda kill the mood.

Zentenk · Mar 30, 2011

That is stupid, I guess it is so they feel cool? I am glad that I need only one key and it is in constant attack mode the second it turns on. I don't plan on getting the new Viper so have fun fumbling for buttons and keys guys!

costanZo · Mar 30, 2011

This is what I like about my GEN II GTS. It's simple and practical when it comes to features. Don't have to worry about anything over the top. Just get in and drive it and feel the raw power! :drive:

Yellow32 · Mar 30, 2011

Starting for all cars produced Sept 1 2011 and later the US Govt manadated 'electronic stability control' has to be engaged every time the car is started and to defeat it (turn it off) can only be selected after the car is on and each time the car is turned off the system must reset...so, don't see how they could make an alternate key that had all nannies off from the get go

Chuck 98 RT/10 · Mar 30, 2011

Hopefully Dodge will make a crappy TC system that fails after 2 months and isn't covered under warranty.

bluesrt · Mar 30, 2011

noeeee noeeee

2006red/whitecoupe · Mar 30, 2011

My view is that future Vipers will have traction control and perhaps other electronic aids, if not mandated then for liability issues. I spoke with a Ford engineer at BJ in Scottsdale where they had a Boss 302 LS edition on display and I think this is probably the future. Remember that the 1990-1995 ZR-1 Vettes had valet keys which reduced HP from 375 to 225. Go to Ford.com and they have a video of this car at laguna seca and it is the real deal.

1994viper · Mar 30, 2011

Detlef said:
Actually, since the 2013 Viper should have TC and other nannies per government regulations, a Venom button to be the equivalent of the Mustang track key would be a cool feature. Turns everything off and maybe lights up a Viper logo on the dashboard as a reminder that Venom mode is engaged. I like the idea.

What he said. ^

Also, if it comes with the button, and your usual preference is to drive without nannies, I am sure there will be an easy way to make the car to start in "venom mode". At least it was a simple trip to RadioShack to make my old BMW to start in "trac/skid controll off" mode every time. (Actually it started in trac on mode, and switched itself off within 2-3 seconds after the start.) I had to press the button to activate it back on.

goldcup · Mar 30, 2011

The real deal and one fine looking car!! Would not mind one sitting next to my ACR!!

Chuck 98 RT/10 · Mar 31, 2011

1994viper said:
What he said. ^

Also, if it comes with the button, and your usual preference is to drive without nannies, I am sure there will be an easy way to make the car to start in "venom mode".

Can it come with a way of not paying for it? Not just in the form of financial but inconvenience? For example, if I swap my wheels will a stupid light come on like what happens with that stupid TPMS crap?

costanZo · Mar 31, 2011

Chuck 98 RT/10 said:
Can it come with a way of not paying for it? Not just in the form of financial but inconvenience? For example, if I swap my wheels will a stupid light come on like what happens with that stupid TPMS crap?

Chuck, I have the TPMS in my car. Last year one of my tires went flat and in the process one of the units in that specific tire broke as well. I bought a cheap tire offline as a temporarily replacement; however, I did buy another unit and just haven't had it installed in the tire yet. My question is, there is a constant beeping now, about every 2minutes or so, I'm assuming that's because of the TPMS right? It's sensing a tire without one of the units connected to it? If I just install the unit to that tire, will the beeping stop? :dunno:

georgethedog · Mar 31, 2011

2006red/whitecoupe said:
My view is that future Vipers will have traction control and perhaps other electronic aids, if not mandated then for liability issues. I spoke with a Ford engineer at BJ in Scottsdale where they had a Boss 302 LS edition on display and I think this is probably the future. Remember that the 1990-1995 ZR-1 Vettes had valet keys which reduced HP from 375 to 225. Go to Ford.com and they have a video of this car at laguna seca and it is the real deal.

Saw the video. That's a Mustang worth owning. I had to search around a bit when I got to Ford.com. Here is the link... I hope I am not breaking any rules--just thought I would make it easier for those interested in seeing the car and the key setup. :dunno:

2012 Ford Mustang | Watch Videos & 360° Demos | Ford.com

PDCjonny · Mar 31, 2011

georgethedog said:
Saw the video. That's a Mustang worth owning. I had to search around a bit when I got to Ford.com. Here is the link... I hope I am not breaking any rules--just thought I would make it easier for those interested in seeing the car and the key setup.
2012 Ford Mustang | Watch Videos & 360° Demos | Ford.com

So what kind of times does it do at Laguna Seca?
Do they still weigh 3800 lbs?

Edit: Motor Trend ran a 1:40.21 with it.

Stan Wilson · Mar 31, 2011

The Venom button idea to disable everything, set the tune to performance, turn on a lighted logo on the dash, and other features we may not know about at this point in time for the transmission or something else, sounds cool.

The car does not need a key at all. It should be like the Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a fob in your pocket, just push the start button and hit the track!

2013 Viper "Track Key"

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