ROUSH Performance continues their homage to the legendary World War II fighter plane with the 2009 P-51B(tm) Mustang, the second aviation-themed pony car from the Michigan-based manufacturer. This car, based on the 2009 Ford Mustang chassis, will belimited to just 51 numbered production vehicles in the 2009 model year.
As with the previous 2008 ROUSH P-51A(tm) Mustang, introduced at the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the 2009 P-51B will also have 510 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque matching it as the most powerful ROUSH Mustang ever produced. In order to get this type of power from the Ford 4.6L, 3-valve engine, ROUSH technicians replace many of the internal components with stronger parts including forged aluminum pistons (with an increased dish to lower the compression ratio from 9.8 to 8.6), forged steel H-Beam connecting rods and a forged steel crankshaft and there is an upgraded high-capacity fuel delivery system installed. ROUSH also upgrades the clutch and includes a custom-calibration for the ECM to manage the performance of the next-generation TVS2300 ROUSHcharger(r).
Among the changes for the 2009 P-51B are the addition of the ROUSH 6-piston brakes, which can be seen through the new black chrome wheels, and a ROUSH vent pod gauge with a boost gauge. The car will be fitted with the new Cooper RS3 ultra-high performance tires, which, combined with the ROUSH Stage 3(tm) suspension will give a road-hugging ride and nearly unmatched cornering ability. The Ford factory Vapor paint code will be accented with Olive Drab green badging to match the World War II motif, and a rear decklid blackout panel is included. The P-51B logo adorns the shifter ball, floor mats and is embroidered into the leather seating. Further matching the history of the fighter plane, which often saw different metal panels used to patch the planes back into flying and fighting condition, the six-piece ROUSH aero body kit will have both Vapor and Silver colors utilized for a subtle, but highly unique, look on the road.
The 2009 P-51B continues the yellow and red checkerboard accents, which pays tribute to the brave pilots of the 357th Fighters Group, Eighth Air Force ETO (European Theater Operations) who were unofficially known as "The Yoxford Boys" after a village near their base. Its victory totals in air-to-air combat are the most of any P-51 group in the Eighth Air Force and third among all groups fighting in Europe. The 357th flew 313 combat missions between February 11, 1944 and April 25, 1945 and is officially credited by the US Air Force with having destroyed 595.5 German airplanes in the air and 106.5 on the ground.
Jack Roush has played a major role in designing both the 2008 ROUSH P-51A and the new 2009 P-51B Mustang, which ties into his affection for both the history of the fighter plane as well as his hobby of restoring and flying them.
"The 2009 ROUSH P-51B is really the closest thing we can do to truly match the performance and styling of the fighter plane," said Jack Roush. "Just like the airplane, the P-51B Mustang has the power to outrun most anything, can turn like virtually nothing else, and will make those other 'pilots' have second thoughts before engaging in a skirmish."
The 2009 ROUSH P-51B is now starting to arrive at ROUSH-authorized Ford dealers and has a suggested retail pricing starting at $65,800 including destination fees and gas-guzzler taxes. The few options available include a ROUSH trunk tool kit, enhanced ROUSH resonator exhaust and an Escort Passport 9500ci radar/laser defense system. As with all ROUSH vehicles, the 2009 P-51B has 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.