2019 Roush Mustang Stage 3 Preview & Buyer's Guide

2022-06-25 07:56:34 By : Ms. SOPHIA Onen

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Roush returns with a 710-horsepower package for the 2019 Ford Mustang GT, complete with aero and suspension goodies for track day fun.

Roush's lineup of Mustang bolt-on upgrades and performance packages takes a step forward with the unveiling of the 2019 Stage 3 setup for the Ford Mustang GT. In typical Roush style, a Stage 3 Mustang receives plenty more power, suspension revisions, and a host of design details to set their version apart from the many factory iterations Ford offers for the successful sixth-generation Mustang form.

Roush's Stage 3 package brings a range of track-specific focus to the 2019 Mustang. Is this a GT350R? No, it's not quite that radical—but with a sleepier vibe that's equally at home on city streets and at the local circuit, the Roush Stage 3 might be a more realistic balance for many drivers.  The exterior is designed to optimize aerodynamics through the use of the Roush R8 package, which starts with a high-flow upper grille out front paired to a widened lower grille than the car left Ford's factory with.

For onlookers in the know, the '3' badge that has replaced the Mustang logo will mean plenty, but for average drivers, it might not signify much. But the rest of the aero package includes a chin spoiler, corner pockets, body scoops, and a subtle decklid-mounted rear spoiler. A massive rear diffuser complements enlarged quad-tip exhaust while helping to keep the car glued to the tarmac—no enormous rear wing here.

A standard setup includes quicksilver-finished cast wheels measuring 20 inches across and shod in Continental ExtremeContact Sport tires. Ebony Black and Palladium Gray wheels are also available, as are quarter window scoops. The overall look almost makes the hood heat extractors fly entirely unnoticed.

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At Roush, unlike many of the modders currently eating up newspaper headlines, the name of the game isn't solely enormous power figures—handling is a major focus, as well. But that's not to say that the Stage 3 is in any way lacking in power, as Roush has bolted a Phase 1 TVS R2650 supercharger to Ford's 5.0-liter V8, which ups output to 710 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque.

Suspension modifications include a set of either one-way or three-way adjustable coilovers that were custom tuned by Jack Roush, Jr, the latter of which combines with the Stage 3's tires to allow for up to 1.07 g of lateral grip. Extreme duty halfshafts are thrown in to help transfer the beefed up power figures to the wheels, while other minor improvements include a choice of 'performance' or 'active' exhaust systems, as well as a hood strut lift assist install to help keep that upgraded engine bay more easily accessible.

The 'Active Exhaust' kit is definitely the route to take, as it includes a dial located directly next to the shifter that allows for easy transitions between Touring, Sport, Track, and Custom setting, while a wifi-enabled OBDII interface connects to a touchscreen or Roush's own Apple iOS app. The app allows for exhaust valve adjustment based on RPM, vehicle speed, and accelerator position. Constructed out of corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel, the Active Exhaust kit features dual high-flow mufflers and four-inch tips, and as a package alone starts at $2,699.99.

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The exhaust system's adaptability highlights interior tech for the Roush Stage 3 Mustang, though interior modifications are more extensive in the appearance department. A dash plaque, custom instrument gauge cluster, embroidered floor mats, door sill plates, and options like a 6-speed shifter ball, leather seating, and billet pedals all sport plenty of Roush badging.

The interior of this generation Mustang is a massive step up from previous iterations, and Roush's details put the finishing touch on an already stellar design scheme (especially in higher-end trim factory trim packages like the limited-edition Bullitt).

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The entire Roush Stage 3 upgrade package starts at $22,925 in addition to the price of a 2019 Ford Mustang GT, which leaves the factory with an MSRP of just over $36,000. The Roush's total of right below $60,000 is in line with Ford's own track monster, the GT350R, though in both cases the selection of options boxes can rack up the cost quite quickly. Roush's price, on the other hand, includes the peace of mind that comes with a three-year/36,000 bumper-to-bumper warranty and five-years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage on the whole setup.

The Roush doesn't just compete with its Ford Factory siblings—the modern resurgence of muscle car mania means that Chevy and Dodge, as well as other aftermarket tuners like Hennessey and Yenko, are in the crosshairs. A Camaro ZL1 1LE, Dodge's more drag-strip oriented Challengers all start around the same price, while Hennessey offers a range of potential packages from the not-quite-tame to the not-quite-sane. The 2019 Yenko Corvette, on the other hand, sits atop the list with a base price of almost $70,000 in upgrades alone.

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Michael Van Runkle grew up surrounded by Los Angeles car culture, going to small enthusiast meets and enormous industry shows. He learned to drive stick shift in a 1948 Chevy pickup with no first gear and currently dailies his 1998 Mitsubishi Montero while daydreaming about one day finishing up that Porsche 914 project. He's written in various media since graduating from UC Berkeley in 2010 and started at HotCars in February 2018.