Recession? Global Warming? Future gas-price worries? Bah. This is turning out to be some sort of National Muscle Car Month, and Jack Roush is striking while the iron is hot. Today, Roush Performance unveiled its fifth-generation Mustang performance car, the 2010 427R, at its Livonia, Michigan, factory in suburban Detroit.
As before, the Roush Performance 427R package includes enhanced styling, suspension, and engine-performance upgrades. In terms of styling, the front and rear fascias are more aggressively sculpted, with a jutting front splitter and simulated venturi air exhausters in back
The 427R stripes and decals accompany a revised Roots-type supercharger and intercooler plus other powertrain upgrades that bring the stock 4.6L SOHC three-valve motor up to 435 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.
According to powertrain honcho Erin Dmytrow, more efficient breathing and intercooling are key. The base car’s cold-air induction is retained, opening into a freer-flowing air box and intake manifold. And while the previous intercooler radiator was of a double-core design down in the lower fascia opening, the new one uses a single core that’s nearly the same height as the engine radiator.
Significant performance-boosting options include a $2887 big-brake kit with 14-in. vented and slotted two-piece floating front disks, four-piston front calipers, and red paint on the front and rear calipers (for another $1450, they’ll slot the rear rotors, which might help remove dust under severe track use). Cast 20-in. wheels and forged 18s are available, all with Cooper Zeon tires.
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