ROUSH unleashes Stage 3 Mustang
Click pic for higher rez version
Mustangs were all the rage at the New York Auto Show this year and the frenzy of Ford stallions continues with Roush’s announcement of its Stage 3 Mustang. Called “the best Mustang we have ever built,” by Jack Roush himself, the Stage 3 Stang features the GT’s 4.6L V8 with an intercooled ROUSHcharger system that includes a specially calibrated ECM. The ROUSH treatment nets an additional 115 horsepower over stock bumping the total number of ponies to 415 and torque now stands at 395 ft-lbs. The suspension and brakes have also been upgraded to handle the additional power and ROUSH has modified the exterior with a seven-piece body kit. The racing stripes are one of the car’s few options.
Follow the jump for ROUSH’s official press release that includes more details on its best attempt at a perfect pony car to date.
[Source: ROUSH]
THE ROUSH STAGE 3 MUSTANG PROVES THAT PONIES CAN REALLY FLY
LIVONIA, Mich. (April 24, 2006) – The famous old saying goes “when pigs fly,” but it might just have to be re-written as the new Stage 3 version of the ROUSH Mustang proves that, at least in this manifestation, ponies can really fly.
The ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang packs 415 horsepower with 385 lb-ft of torque under the hood, thanks to the addition of the ROUSHcharger™ system. This is the quickest, best-handling, and most stylish Mustang in the history of ROUSH Performance, a company with a long and rich heritage of Ford Mustang upgrades.
Or, as Jack Roush succinctly said, “This is the best Mustang we have ever built.”
The Stage 3, 4.6L, 3-valve V8 powertrain system includes the intercooled ROUSHcharger™ system with custom ROUSH-calibrated ECM and several other performance modifications. This upgrade is a vast improvement over the factory stock engine which is rated at 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.
But this car is more than just being quick on the throttle as the more than 1G rating on the skidpad attests. The suspension upgrades include specially-engineered and tuned front struts, rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear sway bars and jounce bumpers. The front brakes are also upgraded with 14-inch front two-piece rotors and four-piston calipers. Each component was specifically engineered so that ride comfort was not compromised at the expense of the tremendous gains in performance.
Exterior styling is enhanced through the addition of a seven-piece body kit constructed from OEM-type materials which sees a front fascia, front chin spoiler, hood scoop, rocker panels, rear fascia valance and rear wing installed by ROUSH factory technicians.
Other amenities include lower valence fog lamps, custom 18-inch forged rims with high-performance tires, sport leather seat covers, embroidered floor mats, billet aluminum pedals including a new dead pedal, and the Stage 3 electro-luminescent white face gauge cluster. The car also has ROUSH badging throughout and a serialized engine bay plaque indicating the car was hand-built in the Livonia, Mich., facility.
“This new ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang will literally turn heads twice,” claimed Joe Thompson, general manager of ROUSH Performance Products. “The first time is when they see how much better this car looks, and the second comes as you put your foot in it, kick in the ROUSHcharger™, and blow by just about anything on the road.”
Optional components to further customize the car include racing stripes, interior dash trim kits, locking lug nuts, trunk tool kit, short throw shifter, billet aluminum shift knob, and more.
The ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang is available in both coupe and convertible versions, and more information can be found at Ford dealers nationwide or online at www.RoushPerformance.com. The Stage 1 and Stage 2 versions of the ROUSH Mustang are also available for those not wanting the full performance package that comes on the Stage 3 version. As with all ROUSH cars, the industry-leading 3 year/36,000 mile warranty remains intact and covers all components.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Corey W. 7:38AM (4/27/2006)
I'm not a big Mustang fan or the every month a new "special edition" trend, but I like this. If priced correctly, could definitely pull me away from the Charger or Challenger.
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nicolasarburn 11:57PM (10/01/2009)
dude the challenger is so much more expensive and the roush is better performing
Bob Gardner 8:09AM (4/27/2006)
When it's all said and done, it's still just a Ford.
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joe 8:16AM (4/27/2006)
That's true Bob, my dad worked for Ford for 30+ years and hasnt bought one since about 15 years ago.
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Tom Design 8:39AM (4/27/2006)
I love this new Mustang, it's very beautiful and a delight in retro styling. Also, the rock solid 5 star reliability of the last model, 1999-2003 is very impressive (Reliability data provided by industry-leading Automotive Information Systems). And the 5-star frontal crash protection is awesome.
BUT to me, it's just too big. It reminds me of the scale of the last gen Firebird, Camaro, beautiful cars on paper, that needed to be scaled back 1/3rd in real life. You know?
When I stand next to this car, it is substantial at 3300+ lbs, the size of an Aston Martin or Jag Coupe. That doesn't make sense to me. Why didn't this car come in as a sub-compact with tight styling and efficient engineering?
I love to see the little Scion Tc (even though it has a 4-speed automatic). 3300+lbs is Camry/LaCrosse weight, and the 'Stang shouldn't be a middle weight car. Others keeping their weight in line is the Celica, RSX, and the RX8. Of course the V6 blows them away with it's V6 torque at 240lbs/ft, compared to 125-159lb/ft, so the weight doesn't "feel" bad. It's just the scale that is damaging to this Ford. The same problem with the new Eclipse, so heavy and large for a "sport" coupe.
Well we can only hope that a Pinto will be brought out to compete against these light weight 4 seaters that thrill and are tossable. Clean sheet design (there wasn't that much to be nostalgic about), and 2700lbs max with performance and mileage.
Thanks Ford, I'm waiting for parsimonious design, clean, efficient, and fun.
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HoosierJim120 8:54AM (4/27/2006)
How's the mileage, 3 blocks to a gallon?
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pd 9:21AM (4/27/2006)
You would have to be a hardcore blue oval fan to buy this over a Vette, basically the same power plus indepent suspension.
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D Loew 9:43AM (4/27/2006)
What a piece of crap! BG is right; when everything is said it is only a Ford. They have ben producing a real shoddy product for a long time; I know from personal experience as an ASE certified Master Technician.
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brian 10:24AM (4/27/2006)
Something that is beem bugging me about the Mustang, isn't it illegal to have 3 sets of headlights on the front? You have the main lights, the fog lamps (grille) and the fog lamps in the bumper.
If the grille lights were used for hi/lo beams, that would make sense, but they are not.
-Brian
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StephenJ 10:32AM (4/27/2006)
#6, give me a break. Just because all you probably saw was Fords that needed work (being a "Master Tech" and all) doesn't mean that ALL Ford cars are crap. I had a 1999 Mustang GT, bought new, owned for 6 years and 93,000 miles of flawless operation (with the exception of an intermittent rattle in the dash). With all due respect, how can a "master" anything paint a subject within their area of expertise with such a broad brush?
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Michael G 10:59AM (4/27/2006)
Go to any Mustang forum and they say the car is crap my 05 was, it didnt get past 20 miles before it needed a new transmission.
Dont believe me, go to this forum and read the issues threads.
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?s=c207b2968a164a1bddd00e949e88ab5b&showforum=109
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MikeW 11:06AM (4/27/2006)
It is not illegal to have three sets of lights, but it would be to use all three simultaneously.
Stupid Ford H13 dual beams, and high mounted fog lights (9145 bulbs, H10)
Those lower lights are all Roush's
How about H11 low, H9 high, H8 fogs, and get rid of the lightning rod aerial for a short roof mounted (see old passat)
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Corey W. 11:49AM (4/27/2006)
No offense, I know a lot of people that have received very poor service from a so called ASE certified Master Technician. And it is surprising to see such a broad analysis from a mechanic.
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Kevin 12:25PM (4/27/2006)
I own an 06 GT and love it... I think the roush set up is sweet but i know i cant afford it. as to people thinking the new stangs are crap... every forum ive been to has people telling about how much they love it... the only negitive things people have with it are small details.
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Jim Cip 1:03PM (4/27/2006)
FORD MUSTANG. When its all said and done its just another American Icon, just another automotive legend, just another car in continuous production for over 40 years, just the most popular performance car in the USA.
Jealousy breads contempt.
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Rob 1:27PM (4/27/2006)
Jim Cip,
I for one am certainly not jealous of a MUSTANG...much would rather have an S2000
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That One Person 2:44PM (4/27/2006)
I have to laugh at people who bash the Mustang. Wheres your Camaro? Oh yea, they cancelled it AND are debating to bring it back. Wheres your Charger? Not the bullshit four door, the REAL Charger. And how about the Challenger? Oh yea, Chrysler is debating to build it, too.
Even if the Challenger is built, it will be more expensive than the Mustang. And I have a good feeling the Camaro will be, too (seeing as how GM overprices their crap). The Mustang is a survivor and even if the Challenger comes out, the Mustang will sell more because of its price. I have no clue about the Camaro...I have a feeling that will go the way of the GTO.
Stop bashing Ford and the Mustang just because its doing well and is actually still around.
And yea, they need to get rid of that damn antenna...do the same thing they do with the Crown Vic or put it on the roof like the Focus.
But I do hope to see one of these Roush Mustangs around...
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LosBurritos 4:13PM (4/27/2006)
If only they released a Mustang with a switch to shut off 2 cylinders for city driving. Switch it ON again, and the 2 outermost cylinders are opened for duty.
BTW, Mustang pwns all! Even the Camaro.
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D Loew 10:43PM (4/27/2006)
Don't any of you work?
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Tom Design 11:25PM (4/27/2006)
Try, Jim Cip, very true. And Rob, what are you ranting about? the S2000 is a great car but NOTHING like a 4 seater pony car. One serves one need, and the other is fine solving another need. It's not better or worse because they aren't anything alike. What is wrong with your thinking? So you like something totally different, that doesn't create an argument against the car you aren't interested in. Here, try saying this: "I think the S2000 is a piece of crap because I'd rather drive a Bentley." Doesn't that sound little silly?
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