Autoblog

Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII R Cobra kickstarts our hearts

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Quick Spin

Superformance MKIII R Cobra - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's mea culpa time. While it's probably best not to begin a review with an apology, I'd be fairly derelict in my auto bloggin' duty if I didn't admit that not only does this review represent my first time in a Cobra - ever - but that I went in wanting to love the car. After all, not only is the Cobra Daytona Coupe the single greatest car I've ever driven, but I'm what you might call a Shelby-head. At least once a week my fiancee is hollering at me to put one of my several Shelby books back in the bookcase. But still, before today, I'd never driven a Cobra.

Of course, purists will argue I still haven't. This gun metal gray beauty wasn't built on Princeton Ave. in Venice Beach. Nor was it built at Shelby America's hanger near LAX. In fact, it wasn't even built in America. No, this particular Cobra - the Superformance MKIII R, a special version of their MKIII - is built in South Africa. Recently, too. The MKIII R actually has a modern, square-tube spaceframe chassis with different hard points and suspension than you'd find underneath a classic Cobra's skin. Perhaps it's not a "real" Cobra, but here's what Carroll Shelby has to say about Superformance's efforts, "It's not a true Shelby, but I've endorsed and licensed the car for being as close to correct and well-built as possible." Good enough for me.

Gallery: Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII-R

Continue reading Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII R Cobra kickstarts our hearts

Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII R Cobra kickstarts our hearts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Hurst Mustang debuts as droptop pace car

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, Ford

2010 Hurst Mustang Pace Car - Click above image for hi-res gallery

We've seen a rendering of the 2010 Hurst Mustang pace car, but this is the first time we're seeing the car in the ~~flesh~~ pixels. And... not bad at all. Sure, perhaps the wheels are a bit much, but we love the stripes. The basket handle doesn't even look too bad and at least it's functional - it serves as a home for the low-profile light bar.

Lest we forget, the Mustang Challenge pace car features a Roush supercharger that boosts horsepower from 315 all the way up to 435, and there are also some suspension tweaks to go along with the extra grunt. Suddenly, racing under caution looks a bit more entertaining. Best of all -- to future owners -- only fifty copies will be made. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Hurst Mustang Pace Car photos

[Source: Mustang Blog]

Continue reading 2010 Hurst Mustang debuts as droptop pace car

2010 Hurst Mustang debuts as droptop pace car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roush unleashes 540-horsepower Stage 3 and 540RH Mustangs

Drew Phillips — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2010 Roush Stage 3 Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery

We had very few bad things to say about the 2010 Roush 427R Mustang after spending a week with the car, but we did have a few questions. First, why not use the new TVS2300 supercharger system that debuted on the P-51A Mustang, and second, why not add a billet grille like the previous model so that there wouldn't be six different lights up front? Roush has answered our questions in the form of the 2010 Stage 3 Mustang. The new stallion atop Roush's Mustang lineup gets a 540-horsepower upgrade complete with a second-generation R2300 supercharger, forged internals, high-flow fuel rails and injectors, upgraded fuel pump and a beefier clutch. The $59,945 price tag also gets you 18-inch wheels and tires, 14-inch brakes, a Roush suspension system, various interior enhancements and a Roush body kit complete with a billet grille.

If the you're the type of person that is only interested in performance and not the rest of the fluff, Roush is also offering a sleeper package called the 540RH. Along with the drivetrain and suspension upgrades, this budget Roush only includes the rear spoiler, a short-throw shifter, and a subtle stripe package. Roush claims they have already tested the car at the drag strip (with the optional Cooper RS3 tires) and came away with an 11.8 second time slip. At $46,145, the 540RH tucks in nicely under the Shelby GT500's price tag while offering similar performance. Hit the jump for full details on both cars.

Gallery: Roush 2010 Stage 3 and 540RH Mustangs

[Source: Roush]

Continue reading Roush unleashes 540-horsepower Stage 3 and 540RH Mustangs

Roush unleashes 540-horsepower Stage 3 and 540RH Mustangs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Roush 427R raises bar for Mustang tuners

Drew Phillips — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, In the Autoblog Garage, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Reviews

2010 Roush 427R - Click above for high-res image gallery

During both our first drive and in our full review, we concluded that the 2010 Ford Mustang has raised the bar for modern day pony cars. The sculpted body, finely tuned suspension, higher quality interior and additional horsepower make it one of the best Stangs to ever come from the Blue Oval's stable. With a flood of aftermarket variants sure to come, we couldn't help but wonder if the new Mustang would provide an even better platform to work with, or if tuners might struggle to improve on an already excellent product. We now have the answer.

Roush, who were given inside access to the 2010 Mustang by Ford for their own product development, were first to market with their 427R Mustang that was unveiled back in March. We were lucky enough to be one of the first to get behind the wheel, and recently spent a full week with the 427R. Was Roush able to use their five years of experience with the S197 platform to capitalize on the upgrades and refinements made available in the 2010 Mustang? Read on to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Roush 427R

Continue reading Review: 2010 Roush 427R raises bar for Mustang tuners

Review: 2010 Roush 427R raises bar for Mustang tuners originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford celebrates 45 years of the Mustang at Barber Motorsports Park

Chris Tutor — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Ford, Shelby

It's been 45 years since Ford introduced the Mustang, and the Blue Oval chose Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL as ground zero for the big pony car celebration. Track officials estimated more than 38,000 people came out to see about 2,000 Mustangs on display from 15 different countries, and Autoblog was among the revelers.

The Mustang Club of France showed up with a dozen or so 2010 Mustangs they'd rented, Steve Saleen was signing autographs, Ford CEO Alan Mulally made a surprise appearance and the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge had two rounds of competition. There were fully-restored, low-mileage Mustangs trailered in from as far away as California and one dirt-encrusted, 1966 GT350H brought in straight from its 29-year stint in an Alabama shed. All three levels of the track's paddock area were full of Ford's iconic muscle car, as were the grassy fields normally reserved spectator parking.

When the track wasn't being used for racing, vintage and late-model Mustang owners got the chance to see what their cars could really do. The distinctive whine of Roush superchargers melded with bassy roars of 40-year-old small-blocks for a pulse-quickening aural collage, providing a singular soundtrack for the event.

Looming clouds began to gather on Saturday afternoon, but only a few sprinkles had fallen by mid-day Sunday. For the most part, temperatures in the upper 60s made walking around the landscaped track a truly memorable experience.

Happy Birthday, Mustang. Here's looking forward to another forty five!

Gallery: Ford celebrates 45 years of Mustangs

Ford celebrates 45 years of the Mustang at Barber Motorsports Park originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First to the Punch: Roush unveils 2010 427R Mustang

Drew Phillips — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, Ford, ROUSH

2010 Roush 427R Mustang - Click above for image gallery

If you're the type of person who loves every new Ford Mustang variation that hits the market, then this is what you've finally been waiting for. If you're the type who can't stand it, well, deal with it. Today, Roush is the first to dip its toe into into what will doubtlessly be a very crowded pool of tuner Mustangs with the introduction of its 2010 427R Mustang at its Livonia, MI assembly plant.

Like the standard 2010 Mustang, don't expect drastic changes underneath - the meat-and-potatoes of Roush Mustangs over the past few years are all there but now with a fresh new face. Under the hood, the Blue Oval's V8 has been supercharged to produce 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, and it now features a more efficient intake system and improved cooling.

The appearance package is relatively subtle (if you can call side stripes "subtle") and includes a new front fascia, front splitter, rear fascia, side sills, a three-piece rear wing and 18-inch wheels (20-inchers are optional). Roush has also spent countless hours tuning the suspension system, which consists of new springs, shocks and sway bars, although we can't imagine Ford's own setup being improved upon too much. Roush will have to send us a 427R to test so can find out for ourselves.

Finally, all the little details that come with a limited edition production car are all there - fender badges, rear decklid emblem, aluminum pedals, embroidered floor mats and a serialized engine bay plaque. In addition to the standard features, customers can also choose from numerous upgrades including reupholstered leather seats, short-throw shifter, performance exhaust, and more. More details after the jump, and a low-res gallery is below (we hope to update with more higher-quality images as soon as they become available).

Gallery: 2010 Roush 427R Mustang

[Source: Roush]

Continue reading First to the Punch: Roush unveils 2010 427R Mustang

First to the Punch: Roush unveils 2010 427R Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ROUSH unveils liquid propane-powered Ford F-250

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Truck, Green, ROUSH

LPG has come to the masses massive, with ROUSH introducing a conversion for the Ford F-250. The changes are minimal: fuel tank and pump, stainless steel fuel lines, aluminum fuel rails and PCM calibration. They'll mean cheaper running costs but no loss of horsepower, torque or towing capacity. Depending on which conversion you choose, though, you could lose bed capacity: an under bed tank provides a 250-mile range, or a 62-gallon tank that goes in the bed means 500 miles of running.

The conversion costs $7,995, but you get a federal tax credit of $5,000 and some states offer additional credits. It can be purchased as a kit for home fitment or as a ROUSH-built vehicle. Both options carry a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. Ordering is open as of January 26 and deliveries are expected in the fall of this year. If you're interested in a medium-duty liquid gas burner, you can check out the exhaustive press release after the jump.

[Source: ROUSH]

Continue reading ROUSH unveils liquid propane-powered Ford F-250

ROUSH unveils liquid propane-powered Ford F-250 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ROUSH announces P-51B Mustang for 2009

Drew Phillips — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Performance, Ford, ROUSH

Click above for a higher resolution image of the ROUSH P-51B Mustang

ROUSH wowed us last year at SEMA with the P-51A, an aviation-themed Mustang that combined Jack Roush's two favorite things: planes and cars. Customers apparently like the car too, because the initial production run of 51 was bumped up by 100 to accommodate the additional interest. The P-51 is back for a another year, now with a 'B' designation, along with a few new features to differentiate it from the previous model.

ROUSH has upgraded the 14-inch front brakes to include six-piston calipers, and the wheels are now painted in black chrome and wrapped with Cooper RS3 high performance tires. Inside, ROUSH has added one of their vent pod gauges to show boost levels. The rest of the P-51 remains relatively the same, including the 510 horsepower supercharged V8, full ROUSH suspension, and fighter plane design scheme. Full details are in the carefully worded press release after the jump, and we'll try and get the guys over at ROUSH to send some more photos.

[Source: ROUSH]

Continue reading ROUSH announces P-51B Mustang for 2009

ROUSH announces P-51B Mustang for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Superformance teams up with Roush for special edition MKIII-R roadster

Drew Phillips — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, ROUSH

Click above for a high resolution gallery of the Special Edition MKIII-R

Sometimes good things come in small packages. Other times, they come with a Roush 427 IR crate motor pumping out 576 horsepower. Superformance, the only Shelby-licensed producer of Cobra kit cars, has teamed up with Roush for a special edition version of their MKIII replicar that features the aforementioned 427ci V8 as well as several other Roush components. In addition to standard features like TIG welded ladder frame chassis, independent front and rear suspension, fiberglass body, and Wilwood brakes, the MKIII-R gets custom Cobra seats with four-point harnesses, black chrome trim, Roush floor mats and short throw shifter, custom Roush-engraved wind wings, and a unique Monza Red paint scheme with silver stripes and black pin stripes. The package is now on sale and will be sold as an upgrade for the standard MKIII chassis. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Roush/Superformance Special Edition MKIII-R

[Source: Superformance]

Continue reading Superformance teams up with Roush for special edition MKIII-R roadster

Superformance teams up with Roush for special edition MKIII-R roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ain't No Mountune High Enough: dealer-installed performance kit for Ford Focus ST

Noah Joseph — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Europe, Hatchback, Ford, ROUSH, UK

Click above for high-res gallery of the Mountune Ford Focus ST

After driving the hot Focus ST at Ford's Lommel Proving Grounds, we returned with a big smile on our faces... and an eager anticipation for the upcoming Focus RS. British customers are also anxiously awaiting the even hotter hatch, and Ford's Team RS knows it. That's why they've teamed up with ROUSH's British subsidiary Mountune again to offer a dealer-installed package to pump up the existing ST, JUST like the one they rolled out earlier this year for the smaller Fiesta ST, and also while the orders roll in for the full-fat Focus RS.

The package includes a bigger intercooler, high-flow air filter and recalibrated ECU, all good for an additional 34 hp to boost output from 225 PS (222 hp) to 260 PS (256 hp). The extra power promises to drop the 0-60 sprint down to a scant 5.9 seconds and on to 100 in just 14.1 seconds. The best part for British enthusiasts is that the £1,120 package can be installed to any new or used Focus ST at a range of dealerships across the Isles. Ford and Mountune promise an accompanying suspension package in the near future and further mods for additional Ford models before the year's through. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Mountune Ford Focus ST

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ain't No Mountune High Enough: dealer-installed performance kit for Ford Focus ST

Ain't No Mountune High Enough: dealer-installed performance kit for Ford Focus ST originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ROUSH Mustangs approved for NHRA competition

Drew Phillips — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Tuners, ROUSH

NHRA Stock Car drag racing has generally been reserved for vehicles with factory-spec powertrains, but for the first time the rule book is allowing vehicles with aftermarket parts to compete. Two versions of the ROUSH's supercharged powertrains -- the 430 horsepower V8 from the Stage 3 Mustang and the 510 horsepower V8 from the P-51A -- have been approved to race in the Stock and SuperStock classes. The Haas, Carrothers & Wagner Racing team has already lined up to race a ROUSH Mustang and is currently building the car around the Stage 3 powertrain. Follow the jump for the press release from ROUSH.

Gallery: ROUSH P-51A Mustang

[Source: ROUSH]

Continue reading ROUSH Mustangs approved for NHRA competition

ROUSH Mustangs approved for NHRA competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ROUSH and Ford sued for making too many Blackjack Mustangs

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford, ROUSH, Specialty

Click to enlarge

ROUSH announced the Stage3 Blackjack Mustang back in 2006, and in 2007 said it would make 100 of them. New Yorker Drew Conner bought Blackjack number two, spending almost $59,000 for his slice of limited edition Mustang pie. Only the glossy black 'Stang wasn't so limited after all: according to a lawsuit Connor filed in New York, Ford and ROUSH made another 100 Blackjacks in 2008.

Both Ford and ROUSH are named in the suit, and Connor has been joined by "at least 100" other Blackjack buyers. The plaintiffs' complaint is, of course, that the Blackjack's "value from scarcity and as collectors' items were and are dramatically less than the buyers had been led to believe their value would be."

But to make everything all better, the plaintiffs are asking for class action status, a jury trial, and... ahem... more than $12 million. That sounds like a lot, but say there were just 100 plaintiffs, that would be $120,000 per person, and would get them their money back plus a 100-percent premium for being misled... which might sound more reasonable. Or not. For the moment, both Ford and ROUSH have no comment on the litigation. Thanks for the tip, iOrange!

UPDATE: One point of clarification that's been bothering us is why Ford has been included in this lawsuit. All it did was build the Mustangs then sold them to ROUSH, which developed, manufactured and distributed the run of limited-edition Blackjack Mustangs.

[Source: Reuters]

ROUSH and Ford sued for making too many Blackjack Mustangs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ROUSH delivers up to 700-hp with new supercharger for Mustang GT

Drew Phillips — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:34:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, ROUSH

We got our first peak at ROUSH's new TVS2300 supercharger system under the hood of the P-51A Mustang last year at SEMA, and we knew it was only a matter of time before they put it on sale as a separate kit. Available in several versions, the upgraded ROUSHcharger can be purchased as a complete kit with all the accessories or as a replacement kit for those with an existing ROUSHcharger system. Depending on its calibration, the upgraded supercharger can produce up to 700 horsepower from the Mustang's 4.6-liter V8. A warrantied version version with a ROUSH-assembled shortblock will be available shortly. Full details can be found in the press release from ROUSH after the jump.

[Source: Roush]

Continue reading ROUSH delivers up to 700-hp with new supercharger for Mustang GT

ROUSH delivers up to 700-hp with new supercharger for Mustang GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Track Test: 2008 Roush 427R Trak Pak Mustang

Drew Phillips — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:51:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Performance, Ford, ROUSH

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Roush 437R Trak Pak Mustang.

We've driven our fair share of Mustangs, but it's a rare occasion that we get to drive one at the track. That's part of the reason why we made the seven hour trek from Southern California to Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, CA, to get behind the wheel of Roush's new 427R Trak Pak Mustang. What's so special about the Trak Pak? For starters, it's got a supercharged V8 packing 435 horsepower and an abundance of race-ready items like an adjustable suspension, carbon fiber wing, and 14-inch brakes that all make it ideal for the weekend warrior who wants his vehicle to handle the daily grind and track-day floggings. With only 100 being built, this may be one of the few opportunities to see one in the sheetmetal, let alone to drive it on the track. While inclement weather the night before threatened to ruin the trip, we were blessed with a rain-free day, allowing us to explore the limits of the Trak Pak'd 427R. Follow the jump to read our impressions.

Gallery: 2008 Roush 427R Trak Pak

Continue reading Track Test: 2008 Roush 427R Trak Pak Mustang

Track Test: 2008 Roush 427R Trak Pak Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ROUSH develops vehicle to increase horse power

Dan Roth — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:16:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Tuners, Etc., Technology, ROUSH

Click above to view high-res gallery of the ROUSH trainer

We wind up behind horse's asses every day on the interstate, but ROUSH has developed a vehicle with a rear-mounted cabin for the express purpose of towing a crew of three around while staring at the business end of an actual Equus caballus. ROUSH Technologies is more than just mechanical Mustangs, and the company has proved it by developing an equine training vehicle for Kurt Systems, a Turkish racehorse and camel training equipment company. The vehicle has an open front stall where the animal can run, and a rear mounted cabin that allows a driver, a veterinarian and a trainer to keep a keen eye on vital signs. The suspension is partially F-150 based, while power is provided by Volvo's 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine hooked up to an automatic transmission and driving through some reduction hardware. The vehicle will start serial production soon; in an odd sort of irony, ROUSH is even further tied to fast horses now. Press release after the jump.

Gallery: ROUSH Horse Trainer

[Source: ROUSH]

Continue reading ROUSH develops vehicle to increase horse power

ROUSH develops vehicle to increase horse power originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ROUSH set to unveil RTC Mustang

Drew Phillips — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Ford, ROUSH, Specialty

Click above for more pics of the ROUSH RTC Mustang

This morning we were patiently awaiting our daily news regarding a new version of the Mustang, and ROUSH came through by sending us a sneak peak of its new RTC Mustang that will be officially unveiled this weekend at the National Mustang Show in Dublin, OH. There's no press release available, but from what we can gather it's a coupe version of the aesthetically-pleasing ROUSH Speedster. Standard equipment includes a special red and black two-tone paint scheme, a 4-piece body kit, upgraded suspension, 20-inch wheels, and more. A supercharger, 14-inch brakes, and a short-throw shifter can also be installed as options. A complete list of features for the RTC package can be found after the jump.

Gallery: ROUSH RTC Mustang

[Source: Roush via The Mustang Source]

Continue reading ROUSH set to unveil RTC Mustang

ROUSH set to unveil RTC Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Avro releasing limited-edition 720 Mirage Ford GT

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Ford

The Brooklands-based tuning firm, Avro Motor Cars, has partnered up with Roush Technologies to offer up a run of ten limited-edition Ford GTs that not only get a fresh coat of orange metallic paint and a some matte-black details, but an extra helping of power. The 720 Mirage spells out its claim to fame in its name, with 720 horses coaxed from the modified V8. Utilizing a larger Whipple supercharger, an Accufab throttle body, inlet sleeve and X-pipe exhaust, the 720 unleashes its namesake at 6,950 rpm, with peak torque output of 627 lb.-ft. coming on at 4,800 rpm. The suspension has been modified with KW Variant 3 adjustable coilovers that drop the limited edition whip by 25mm, while AP six-piston calipers clamp onto drilled and slotted rotors courtesy of Stillen. There's no word on pricing, but we'd guess that if you tacked on a few more zeros to the GT's 220 mph top speed, you'd be pretty close to the sticker.

[Source: Avro Motor Cars via WCF]

Avro releasing limited-edition 720 Mirage Ford GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Haven't you always wondered? ROUSH vs. SALEEN

Chris Shunk — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:43:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Tuners, Coupe, Videos, Ford

Click above to watch the Saleen S281 and Roush 427R do battle

While Saleen and Roush have always been competitors for the dollars of Mustang lovers everywhere, the two companies have somehow managed to co-exist for decades. But which makes a better Mustang? Former FIA F300 driver Derek Hill of Web Rides TV had the opportunity to pit the Saleen S281 against the Roush 427R to see which legendary pony car tuner would come out on top.

At first, the battle of the two supercharged Mustangs doesn't look like a fair fight. The S281 has 465 hp and 425 lb-ft, some 30 more horsepower and 25 more lb-ft than the 427R. The S281 also weighs 300 lbs. less than the more visceral 427R. As New York Giants fans can attest, however, just because one team looks better on paper, when the game is being played, anything can happen. Hit the jump to view a video of the 427R against the S281 in 0-100-0, slalom, and on-track tests. The video is incredible, and the two vehicles aren't nearly as evenly matched as you might think.

[Source: Web Rides TV]

Continue reading VIDEO: Haven't you always wondered? ROUSH vs. SALEEN

VIDEO: Haven't you always wondered? ROUSH vs. SALEEN originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ROUSH launching third brand, may tune imports

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:06:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Green

"We understand in order to continue our sales trend, we need to look beyond Ford." That's the crux of the conversation that took place between InsideLine and John G. Clark, the communications and motorsports manager for Roush Performance Products.

With a record 2007 under its belt, Roush is looking to expand its operations to include foreign brands, develop alternative-energy products and continue to provide the parts and services that have been the mainstay for the U.S.-based aftermarket supplier.

While Clark remained mum on what import brands it would begin to offer parts for, the firm is looking to launch an unnamed third brand that "has nothing to do with Roush." This will initially begin with powertrain parts for both cars and trucks, likely with a focus on performance, but Roush is also launching a propane-powered Ford F150 for fleet use and is developing a small fleet of electric vehicles, along with new products for diesel trucks, which are supposedly in high demand.

As for those shots of the Dodge Challenger outside the Roush plant, Clark said that, "we have no plans to do [the] Camaro, Challenger or Silverado, despite what's on the internet." Pity, considering that the two new pony cars have as much aftermarket potential as the Mustang on which Roush has solidified its street cred.

[Source: InsideLine]

ROUSH launching third brand, may tune imports originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Challengers seen hanging out at ROUSH

Dan Roth — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge

We're not drawing any conclusions, but it looks pretty definite that Roush is branching out beyond tuning Fords exclusively. We just saw their ace work on Chevrolet's Silverado, and now a pair of Challengers have been spotted in the Roush parking lot. It could mean nothing, but let's dream for a minute. How does a Hemi with a ROUSHCharger cramming atmosphere past the intake valves sound? Yeah, we like the sound of that, too. Whether it's nothing, research, or evidence of a future offering from Roush, it's also nice to see a couple of different colors on the Challenger sheetmetal. We'll take the sinister dark one, thanks.

UPDATE: While it's exciting to dream, it turns out that the Roush facility in the picture is Roush Industries, not Roush performance. Roush Industries does contract work for automakers (a good move, as the performance tuner business is fickle, at best), so these Challengers parked outside aren't a surprising development. Thanks to the commenters who set us straight.

[Source: Carscoop]

Two Challengers seen hanging out at ROUSH originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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