If you’re looking for one of the best driving Mustangs that money can buy, chances are you’d gravitate toward the BOSS 302 Laguna Seca. If you’re looking for one of the most powerful Mustangs that money can buy, you’re more than likely to gravitate toward the latest GT500. But if you’re looking for a Mustang that can not only be a comfortable daily driver as well as a powerful competitor, ROUSH may just have the best thing you can purchase straight from the factory- the Roush Stage 3 Mustang.
This week on Tuned from the DRIVE network, Matt Farah of The Smoking Tire takes the ROUSH Stage 3 on the ultimate test of a true versatile muscle car. Check it out above.
According to ROUSH’s website, the Stage 3 Mustang builds off of the styling of the Stage 1 and the handling of the Stage 2, and then adds a potent 5.0L-4v supercharged engine into the mix, giving consumers the “pinnacle of the ROUSH ‘Stage’ Mustangs.”
With the help of an Eaton TVS R2300 supercharger, the upgraded engine produces a respectable 565hp and 505lb-ft of torque, which is somewhere nicely in the middle of the Laguna Seca and the GT500’s power ratings.
Of course, the added power requires an upgraded suspension system and more performance-oriented wheel and tire package compared to your lower range Mustangs. ROUSH and Ford take care of this with a bigger and stiffer front stabilizer bar, a ROUSH anti-wheel hop kit, twin-tube shocks, upgraded bushings and jounce bumpers, and an increased spring rating. Wheels on the ROUSH Stage 3 are custom designed by the performance brand, measuring 18 by 10 inches and featuring a five-spoke design.
Giving the car much needed grip are Cooper RS3 performance tires. Just like any good performance car, the ROUSH also features bigger brakes than your traditional Mustang, although with 565 ponies under the hood, there’s always room for improvement. (It’s important to note that ROUSH does offer three additional brake packages besides the standard discs.)
In addition to the performance perks of the Stage 3, you also get the R6 aerobody package, which includes the non-functional hood scoop and louvers, front chin splitter and 3-piece rear spoiler, as well as the RS3 graphics package with custom color options and badging. Inside, you’ll find a Stage 3 exclusive gauge cluster, ROUSH floor mats, Stage 3 dash plaque and other perks like Jack Roush’s signature on the dash and a numbered State 3 plaque.
So what’s the damage to your wallet for all these perks? Try in the upper $60k range. Sure, it’s a pretty penny, but what do you expect for the Mustang of all Mustangs available from the factory right now?