2014 may be the last year of the Ford Mustang's current design but America's iconic pony car remains as popular as ever.
Last year, the SVT Ford performance outfit worked with Shelby to create the most powerful Shelby GT500 yet. Armed with a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine that's good for 650 hp and 600 lb.-ft. of torque, the GT500 is capable of more than 200 mph. However, is the Shelby GT500 the ultimate Mustang? Roush Performance begs to differ.
Roush Performance is introducing tiered performance packages for the current Mustang, offering entry level goodies like a Roush RS appearance package for the standard V6 Mustang all the way to the hardcore Roush Stage 3 with optional Phase 3 package for the Mustang GT.
First the Roush RS Mustang offers modest enhancements including a set of 18" premium painted aluminum wheels with performance tires and Roush progressive lowering springs. The combination will lower the car approximately one inch front to rear. Not only does the mild modification make the Mustang sit a lot nicer, the RS packa also reduces the car's center of gravity to providing quicker steering response and a better feel of the road.
Next, the Roush Stage 1 package takes the exterior enhancements even further with an R6 sixth-generation Roush aerobody package. The Roush Stage 1features a restyled upper grille, high-flow lower opening, corner fascia aero pockets with driving lamps, and a front chin splitter. Rocker panels make the Mustang look even lower. Finally, the Roush Stage 1 package includes a three-piece rear decklid spoiler that gives the car a more aggressive appearance without obstructing the view out the rear window. Rear aero valance featuring race-inspired diffusers will stabilize the Mustang at higher speeds. Finally, Roush's dual chambered chrome exhaust tips finish the look.
Things start to get crazy at Stage 2. Roush complements the potent 420 hp 5.0 liter Coyote V8 engine in the Mustang GT with a number of chassis enhancements to really make the GT perform like an athlete. A larger and stiffer front stabilizer bar reduces body roll to give the GT balanced and neutral handling. Spring rates are increased and pre-set while twin-tube shocks with unique valving help to keep the maximum tire contact patch on the ground, even when the GT is stampeding across uneven terrain. Finally, Roush will offer a unique set of 18-inch performance wheels wrapped in a sticky set of Cooper RS3 ultra high-performance summer tires that Roush performance co-developed with the rubber wizards at Cooper Tire.
Roush Performance finally unleashes the full potential of the Ford Mustang at Stage 3. The very heart and soul of the Stage 3 package is the ROUSHcharged powertrain, featuring the R2300 supercharger with Twin Vortices Series (TVS) technology combined with a Roush High-Efficiency Intercooler and a PCM calibration boost. A dynamite package, the ROUSHcharge powertrain is responsible for bringing the Coyote V8 to a staggering 575 hp and 505 lb.-ft. of torque. For the full enchilada, Roush unleashes the Ford Racing "Aluminator" engine with the special Phase 3 upgrade for a GT500 slaying 675 hp.
Of course, power is nothing without control. The Stage 3 Mustang will also feature the Performance Suspension System with custom-valved front and rear shock absorbers, rate-matched front and rear coil springs, a larger and stiffer front stabilizer bar and a rear anti-wheel hop upper control arm that seamlessly blends comfort on the road and superior handling on the track.
Finally, the Stage 3 kit will come with a set of Cooper Zeon RS3-S tires, the ultimate set of rubber that will promise grip levels capable of more than 1.02 G's on the skid pad.
Check out the Roush Mustang Stage 3 below!
