LIVONIA, Mich. (September 9, 2008) – Historically, the National Hot Rod Association has only approved powertrains for competition as they come from the factories in Detroit, but all that changed with the recent approval of the 2008 ROUSH® supercharged 4.6L V-8 in the Stage 3â„¢ and P-51Aâ„¢ Mustangs. It is believed that this is the first time the NHRA has approved an aftermarket powertrain for competition.

The ROUSH Mustangs will be allowed in the NHRA Stock and SuperStock categories as determined by the horsepower and shipping weight of the two vehicles. Coupe or convertible chassis will be allowed with a horsepower of 430 for the Stage 3 and 510 for the P-51A. The shipping weight of the ROUSH coupes is 3316 pounds, while a convertible weighs in at 3443 pounds.

Depending on the combination of coupe or convertible and the ROUSH Stage 3 or P-51A powertrain, the cars would be classified between AA Stock and B Stock or SuperStock A and F. For further details regarding the authorized modifications and safety requirements consult the NHRA rule book or visit www.NHRA.com.

It is anticipated that the first team to campaign a ROUSH Mustang in NHRA competition will be Haas, Carrothers & Wagner Racing. The team, which has won three consecutive NHRA Division 3 championships (2004-2006), is currently building a ROUSH Mustang with a Stage 3 powertrain.

“As many people know, I first began my motorsports career in drag racing and had a lot of success in the NHRA over the years,” said Jack Roush. “I never lost my interest in the sport and have continued to follow it with great enthusiasm since moving on to road racing and now stock cars. I think it is going to be very exciting to see a ROUSH Mustang breaking the beams on the starting line and I really look forward to the day one of our cars captures that first ‘Wally’ (the nickname of the trophy awarded in NHRA competition in tribute to Wally Parks, the founder of the NHRA).”

[Source: ROUSH]

PRESS RELEASE:

When Jack Roush pulled off the cover and unveiled the new 510-horsepower ROUSH P-51A Mustang at the SEMA Show in October, it took just moments before the telephones started ringing at the offices with dealers and consumers clamoring to get hold of the muscle car.

Although the ROUSH order bank isn’t scheduled to open to authorized Ford dealers with final pricing until January, 2008, the post-announcement interest was enough for ROUSH management to re-assess the total number of ROUSH P-51A Mustangs that will be released to the public. Consequently, ROUSH Performance has decided to increase the production run to 151 units when these start build, anticipated to be the first quarter of 2008. It was previously announced that the production volume would be limited to 100 units.

“Certainly we anticipated that the ROUSH P-51A Mustang would be a popular car and sell quickly to our dealer base,” said Joe Thompson, general manager of ROUSH Performance. “But I must say that we were a little surprised at just how fast the demand grew for this car so we worked with our suppliers to make ensure that an increased volume would be possible and can now announce that there will be 151 vehicles produced next year.”

The ROUSH P-51A is easily the highest horsepower Mustang that the company has ever produced, and represents the first time that internal engine components have been upgraded by ROUSH technicians in their Livonia, Mich., facility. The stock Ford 4.6L, 3V engine will see a rebuild of several of the functional internal components, including a forged steel eight-bolt crankshaft, forged aluminum pistons with increased dish to lower the compression from 9:8 to 8:6, and forged steel H-Beam connecting rods. These upgraded parts were necessary for the stock Ford engine (which comes with 300 horsepower from the factory) to be able to withstand the additional power generated from the newest iteration of the legendary ROUSHcharger* supercharger system.

Additional alterations include a custom aluminum upper and lower intake manifold for the high capacity air-to-water intercooler and ROUSHcharger*. ROUSH installs a custom fuel rail and high-flow fuel injectors, a high-flow capacity fuel system, as well as a dual electronic throttle body.

The new ROUSH P-51A engine has a preliminary rating of at least 510 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. torque. It is anticipated that final figures may even be slightly higher than this when final testing and calibration is approved by the ROUSH engineering staff. As with all ROUSH vehicles, the P-51A will carry an industry-leading 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.

Based in Livonia, Mich., “The Art of Performance Engineering” takes place at ROUSH Performance. To get a look behind the scenes at what goes on at ROUSH and how the vehicles and parts are designed, manufactured, tested and produced logon to www.ROUSHtv.com. In addition to the array of Ford Mustang and F-150 styling, handling and performance upgrades, a complete line of performance parts and crate engines are offered. For more information see your local ROUSH dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com or telephone toll-free (800) 59-ROUSH.

[Source/Images: Roush/autoblog]