This article, originally published in June 2001, celebrates the introduction of the highly anticipated Roush Stage 3 Mustang. It positions this specialized vehicle as a significant advancement in automotive engineering, developed by renowned race-car builder Jack Roush. The piece highlights how this modified Mustang stands out in the competitive market, particularly against established rivals like the Chevrolet Camaro and even the formidable Corvette Z06. It delves into the meticulous development process, the car's impressive performance capabilities, and the unique features that make it a compelling choice for automotive enthusiasts.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.
