Roush Performance always seems able to make an already exciting muscle car like the Ford Mustang just that bit better, especially when it’s accompanied by the sound of a supercharger. And here is the latest version – the 2012 Roush Mustang Stage 3. The standard 5.0 litre V8 of the Mustang GT has been blessed with a supercharger pumping out 12psi of boost, enabling the motor to produce 540 hp and 465 lb ft of torque. The whine of the TVS R2300 supercharger won’t be the only sound to excite the driver; Roush’s off-road exhaust system has also been fitted and will no doubt spice up the driving experience. As with all previous Stage 3s, the suspension has been modified. It now comes with new; front struts, rear shock absorbers, front and rear springs, front and rear stabilizer bars, jounce bumpers, and anti-wheel hop kit. The Mustang has definitely stepped its game up. The new Ford Mustang 302 Boss will go around Laguna Seca faster than a BMW M3. Check out the video for the lap time. With the current hot Ford producing 550hp, and looking as good as it does, you would be forgiven if you have completely forgotten about the 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra. Introduced in 2002, it came in complete with a DOHC 4.6-litre cast-iron V8, with a roots-type supercharger helping it produce 390hp and 390 lb ft of torque. But, as with a few other high performance Fords, those horsepower numbers would prove a bit convservative. Many Cobras were showing numbers north of 400hp when taken to the dynos. All this meant that it could do 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and go past the quarter mile in the mid- to high-12 second range. With a 0-60 time of 1.9 seconds, thanks to a 650hp engine that sends its monster power to all four wheels, Ken Block has made an addition to his famous Gymkhana videos in a noisy, sideways, precise and tyre shredding style (literally). The video is truly worth your 7 minutes 42 seconds. With more than 100 lbs shed off the front axle thanks to the use of an aluminum engine block, additon of new tyres and other minor updates, the Shelby GT500 seems to have transformed to an even better tool of driving pleasure. Inside Line have had the chance to drive the new Shelby, burn some rubber, and err... shout. America's lead Muscle car has been given a few updates for the 2011 model year. Although thinner stripes and new wheels might be the elements that standout in terms of exterior differences, there are enough technical modifications made to expect a completely different animal to the 2010 GT 500. The biggest change comes in the form of using an aluminium engine block which has its roots on the engine found the Ford GT supercar. The new 5.4l supercharged V8 features an improved block structure through the use of a unique bulkhead chilled process and six-bolt billet main bearing caps. The use of an aluminium block means that the Shelby has been saved of 102 lbs, which Ford claims to have also improved the fuel economy figures, now 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city, up 1mpg for each figure meaning that it wont be subject to a gas guzzler tax. Power is rated at a Ford GT matching 550 hp, while torque is 510 lb ft. The Shelby also comes with an optional SVT performance package which includes; a nice new set of Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G: 2 performance tyres, lighter wheels, a higher rear axle ratio, and stiffer springs. SVT engineers have carried over the stabilty control system from the 2010 model - AdvanceTrac - but they have gotten rid of the hydraulic steering system and replaced it with an elctronic unit called EPAS (Electronic Power Assist Steering). In terms of noise/refinement, Ford have added additional sound absorbing and deadening materials in order to reduces road noise, while also promising more enjoyment from the exhaust note. The 2011 model comes with an aggressive 2.75inch sports exhaust system (see video below to hear it) which has played its part in the 10 extra ponies over the 2010 model GT500. Ford have really added an extra level of excitement in the world of muscle cars, now if only Chevrolet would do the same with its Camaro. A modern day Z28 would be very nice indeed. As said in the previous post, Ford has made significant performance upgrades to its beloved muscle car, the Mustang. The engine is now a 5.0l V8 producing 412hp and 390 lb ft of torque. Together with this, Ford promises better fuel economy for models with automatic transmissions, and also features modifications to the suspension system for better handling. With that said, Ford have been kind enough to release a video of their new car in motion and several pictures, even though they might be a little angry at us internet folk for not keeping a secret. Enjoy. Ford did not want you knowing about the power upgrades for the 2011 model year Mustang GT before the 28th of December, but with the internet, keeping things like this a secret is very hard. The GTs 4.6l V8 grows in output to 5.0l, an all aluminium unit producing 412hp. These figures means that the Mustang GT is finally a match, in terms of horsepower output, to its main competitors the Chevrolet Camaro SS with 426hp, and the Dodge Challenger SRT8 with its 425hp. The new 5.0l V8 features all new cylinder heads, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, intake ports that sit atop the cylinder heads thanks to the distance between the heads, high performance pistons and connecting rods, and a revised exhaust headers system. The new 'Stang will be available with a six speed manual transmission as well as a 6 speed automatic transmission. While we wait for more details on pricing and performance specs (the car will be presented at the Detroit Motorshow in January 2010), we can already expect the new car to make Camaro and Challenger drivers break into a cold sweat. Drag racing always sounds pretty straight forward, get as little wheel spin as possible coming off the line, change gear at the right revs, and keep it dead straight. Unfortunately the driver of the Renault F1 found out that the latter proved to be harder than one might imagine. |
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