Photography by Jan Morgan
Feature: Driver's Notebook: Pony Up
October 1, 2006
Carroll Shelby's legacy began in 1965 with the introduction of the GT350, and since then, aftermarket suppliers—as well as small-volume manufacturers such as Saleen and Roush Performance—have made their fortunes on special versions of the Ford Mustang, the original pony car.
Jack Roush, a major representative of Ford racing in the United States for nearly 20 years, has engineered high-performance Ford power trains for over a decade, including the mighty 550 hp supercharged Ford GT and the new Shelby GT500. His cars and engines have won in everything from SCCA road racing to NASCAR. If it carries a high-performance Ford engine, it probably has Roush DNA.
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The Roush Stage 3 Mustang looks and handles like a true thoroughbred. (Click image to enlarge)A few years ago, Roush Performance brought to market a range of specially tuned Mustangs and Ford F-150 pickups, the latest of which is the Stage 3 Mustang ($49,975). An aggressive body kit gives the Stage 3 the appearance of a proper GT racer. The new body parts are produced by Ford’s original equipment manufacturer, so that fit, longevity, and finish equal the factory standard.
The improved suspension lowers the car to a powerful stance, but in a departure from most tuners, it is not dramatically lower than the standard Mustang GT. Roush engineers wanted to improve handling without compromising the ride quality. To this end, Roush installed special springs, dampers, and anti-sway bars that restore road-smoothing suspension travel lost to the reduced ride height.
Behind the forged 18-inch wheels and sticky 275/40 Goodrich KD tires is an improved brake package with front-mounted, 14-inch slotted rotors and large, 4-piston racing-type calipers.
Inside, special upholstery and carbon-fiber appliqués, along with machined alloy pedals, distinguish the specialty handiwork. The shifter is a thick, forged lever topped with a simple black ball.
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Bottom photo: Remodeled carbon-fiber interiors render an aura of luxury. (Click images to enlarge)
The aluminum SOHC Mustang GT V-8 engine, equipped with a "Roushcharger" supercharger and an efficient air-to-water intercooler, develops 415 hp. The pressurized 4.6-liter unit is highly responsive, incredibly flexible, and, when coupled to a 3.55 final drive gear, can vaporize the rear tires in an instant. The shorter axle ratio and abundant torque allow acceleration in top gear from just 1,200 rpm. If you prefer a first-gear start, the Stage 3 hits 60 in 4.9 seconds and can crack 12 seconds in the quarter mile. Should there be any doubt as to the engine’s credentials, an optional exhaust system will turn heads within a two-block radius.
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