Electric Cars

Unleashing Power: The Roush Stage 3 Mustang Redefines Performance

A New Era for the Mustang: Surpassing the Competition

For over a decade, the Chevrolet Camaro frequently outperformed the Ford Mustang in performance comparisons, with the sole exception being their V-6 engine variants. However, despite this, the Mustang's sales significantly outstripped the Camaro's, and Ford committed to its continued production while the Camaro's future remained uncertain. Enter Jack Roush, a distinguished figure in race-car engineering, who embarked on a mission to create an exceptionally quick Mustang. His efforts culminated in the meticulously engineered Stage 3 Mustang, a vehicle designed to challenge not only the Camaro but also high-performance models like the Corvette Z06.

From Prototype to Production: The Evolution of the Stage 3

Readers might recall an earlier prototype of the Roush Stage 3 Mustang featured in November 1999. However, that initial concept was shelved to allow Roush more time to enhance the supercharged Ford V-8 engine's power output. Finally, in the spring of 2001, the first batch of approximately 750 Roush Mustangs began reaching around 200 Ford dealerships. Unlike aftermarket tuner cars, the Stage 3 is sold as a new vehicle, adhering to the stringent emissions regulations that major automakers must meet. This compliance necessitated a rigorous engine testing regimen, involving 41 experimental engines to perfect the supercharged and intercooled 4.6-liter V-8's boost, fuel delivery, and longevity. The result is a remarkable 360-horsepower engine, characterized by a broad, consistent torque curve and an immediate throttle response, qualities often associated with other high-performance engines rather than Ford's.

Unmatched Acceleration: Setting New Performance Benchmarks

Equipped with a supercharged engine, the standard Mustang five-speed manual transmission (with an automatic option available), and a 3.27 rear axle, our test Roush Mustang coupe demonstrated superior acceleration compared to Ford's own high-performance model, the $55,675 SVT Cobra R. It nearly matched the impressive speed of the quickest $48,920 Corvette Z06 we had ever evaluated. The Stage 3 reached 60 mph in a thrilling 4.3 seconds, outperforming the Cobra R's 4.5 seconds and matching the Z06. It hit 100 mph in just 10.1 seconds, quicker than the Cobra R's 10.7 seconds and only slightly behind the Z06's 10.0 seconds. The quarter-mile was completed in 12.9 seconds at 111 mph, a performance comparable to the Cobra R's 13.0 seconds at 111 mph and the Z06's 12.7 seconds at 113 mph. The Stage 3's top speed was 164 mph, just 4 mph less than the Z06 and 13 mph shy of the Cobra. The coupe variant starts at $40,704, with the convertible costing an additional $4255. The featured red coupe, priced at $50,558, underwent extensive performance testing. The base model includes a side exhaust, front Brembo brakes, 17-inch wheels and tires, and a distinctive front fascia and spoiler. Our test car, with the Stage 3 Premium package, represented the most comprehensively modified Roush Mustang available.

Enhanced Handling and Ride Dynamics: A Performance Compromise

The Premium Stage 3 package includes a revised suspension system, Alcon brakes on both front and rear, new rocker panels, a redesigned rear spoiler, updated seating, and white gauge faces. Roush's enhanced suspension incorporates new springs, shocks, anti-roll bars, rear lower trailing arms, and bushings, collectively lowering the ride height by approximately an inch and significantly improving the car's handling neutrality. Unlike the independent rear suspension found in the $29,205 Mustang SVT Cobra, Roush engineers opted for a more durable setup for racetrack demands. The Stage 3 effectively mitigates the understeer typically found in standard Mustangs during hard cornering, providing a more balanced and stable experience. Body roll is virtually eliminated, and the car exhibits minimal nose-dive under braking. While Roush claimed the Stage 3 could achieve over 1.00 g on the skidpad, our tests recorded a still impressive 0.91 g.

The Intense Driving Experience: Power Meets Precision

The pursuit of such precise, racetrack-ready handling comes with a notable trade-off: an exceptionally firm and jarring ride, comparable to that of a go-kart. During high-speed oval testing, the author experienced repeated head bumps against the roof due to the car's vigorous bouncing. Despite this intense feedback, the Mustang maintained remarkable stability at 164 mph, avoiding any unsettling high-speed wandering. Should any unforeseen issues have arisen at such speeds, the outstanding Alcon brakes would have provided a crucial safety net.

Braking Performance and Overall Value: A Compelling Proposition

The standard Stage 3 features 13-inch front rotors with Brembo four-piston calipers and conventional rear brakes. Our tested Premium Stage 3 was equipped with 14-inch front and 13-inch rear rotors, coupled with Alcon four-piston calipers, which demonstrated exceptional resistance to fade. However, the stopping distance of 185 feet from 70 mph (compared to the Cobra R's 169 feet and the Z06's 152 feet) seemed disproportionate to the formidable braking power and available tire traction. This discrepancy likely suggests that the Mustang's anti-lock braking system was not fully optimized for the upgraded components. This braking performance was the only aspect that seemed less than stellar in a $50,000 sports car. Nevertheless, for those who missed the opportunity to acquire one of the 300 SVT Cobra Rs, the Roush car presents an excellent alternative. During the Stage 3's press launch, a group of automotive journalists engaged in three hours of continuous high-speed laps, with all five test cars performing flawlessly. Few vehicles, even those significantly more expensive, can match the Stage 3's combination of performance and durability. Yet, it remains crucial to acknowledge the reality: it is, ultimately, a $50,000 Mustang.

The Enduring Appeal: A Unique Contender

From our perspective, the base model offers the most compelling value. At approximately $40,000, it delivers performance far exceeding anything else in its price range. Without the aggressive body kit, it could easily serve as an understated, yet dominant, "sleeper" at stoplights. However, as our comparison test results consistently show, when it comes to the Mustang and its dedicated fanbase, our analytical perspective sometimes diverges from their passionate loyalty.

Mitsubishi is revolutionizing its automotive sales strategy in the United States, moving beyond conventional dealerships with the launch of its pioneering 'Gallery' showroom. This innovative space offers consumers an immersive, museum-like environment to discover vehicles at their leisure, bridging the gap between digital browsing and in-person engagement. The concept is a cornerstone of Mitsubishi's extensive Momentum 2030 plan, designed to revitalize its brand image and significantly expand its footprint in the American market. By integrating this new retail model, Mitsubishi seeks to create a more customer-centric experience, ensuring that while the discovery process is modern and engaging, the essential services of purchasing and maintenance remain with established dealer partners.

This strategic shift highlights a broader industry trend where automakers are exploring diverse retail formats to meet evolving consumer expectations. Mitsubishi's Gallery serves as an experiential hub, allowing potential buyers to interact with the brand's latest offerings, including upcoming electric and hybrid models, without the immediate pressure of a traditional sales environment. This approach is intended to foster a deeper connection between customers and Mitsubishi vehicles, supported by expert product specialists. The ultimate goal is to streamline the path to purchase, leveraging both the relaxed atmosphere of the Gallery and the comprehensive services provided by nearby full-service dealerships, thereby modernizing the entire car acquisition journey and propelling Mitsubishi's resurgence in the US.

The Mitsubishi Gallery: A New Retail Experience

Mitsubishi has launched a revolutionary 'Gallery' showroom in Antioch, Tennessee, near Nashville, as a core component of its Momentum 2030 business strategy. This concept offers a low-pressure, museum-like environment where potential buyers can explore Mitsubishi's vehicle lineup, including future models like the Nissan Leaf-based Eclipse, and engage with product specialists. The Gallery seamlessly integrates with Mitsubishi's online ClickShop platform for initial buying steps, while actual vehicle purchases, deliveries, and servicing are managed by the nearby City Auto Mitsubishi dealership. This hybrid model enhances the customer experience by providing a relaxed browsing space, complementing the traditional full-service dealership. The Gallery represents Mitsubishi's commitment to modernizing its retail strategy and bolstering its presence in the US market, signaling a fresh approach to engaging consumers and driving brand growth.

Opened on July 30, the Mitsubishi Gallery at Century Farms development is designed to provide an innovative and immersive car shopping experience, distinct from the typical dealership setting. Visitors to the Gallery can take their time to inspect vehicles, learn about specifications, and discuss features with knowledgeable specialists in a non-sales-driven atmosphere. This facility is particularly crucial for showcasing new and updated models, allowing the brand to highlight its technological advancements and design evolution. By facilitating a smooth transition from initial exploration in the Gallery to final transaction at a full-service dealership, Mitsubishi aims to simplify the car-buying process and cater to modern consumer preferences for convenience and transparency. The success of this inaugural Gallery will likely influence the expansion of similar innovative retail formats across the nation as Mitsubishi continues its ambitious growth trajectory.

Evolving Dealership Models and Mitsubishi's Comeback

The introduction of Mitsubishi's Gallery concept reflects a wider shift in the automotive retail landscape, where manufacturers are increasingly experimenting with alternative formats to enhance the customer experience. While Mitsubishi is a mass-market pioneer with this immersive showroom model, other brands like Carvana have also explored unconventional approaches, such as "playground" stores featuring QR codes instead of traditional salespeople. These innovations highlight a move towards more personalized and self-directed customer journeys, often leveraging digital platforms for online purchases. Mitsubishi's Gallery, therefore, is not an isolated experiment but part of a broader industry trend to modernize car sales, making the process more engaging and less daunting for consumers, ultimately strengthening brand loyalty and market position in an evolving competitive environment.

Mitsubishi's Gallery is a crucial element of its broader Momentum 2030 strategy, which aims for a significant resurgence in the US market. This plan includes introducing a new or substantially updated model annually through the end of the decade, encompassing a diverse range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles. The Gallery supports this ambitious product pipeline by offering a dedicated space for consumers to interact with these new offerings. Upcoming models, such as the new Montero/Pajero, set for a September 2 unveiling, will benefit from the Gallery's experiential format. If this initial Gallery proves successful in attracting and engaging customers, Mitsubishi intends to expand this innovative retail concept nationwide, further cementing its commitment to revitalizing its brand and expanding its market share in the competitive US automotive sector.