The 2008 ROUSH Performance P-51A Mustang

Jack Roush loves his Mustangs. Roush also loves his airplanes. When he combined the two themes in 2007, the world received the ROUSH P-51A Mustang (See Photos). This 510 hp limited-edition pony car features styling cues from the classic P-51 fighter plane, which made history in World War II as one of the toughest predators in the sky. In addition, it's been said the original Mustang was named after the plane (although many people dispute this claim).

Roush's P-51A special-edition Mustang was unveiled at the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev. In a statement issued at the SEMA Show, Roush said, “I’ve often said that there was never a Mustang built that I didn't like and that includes both the car and the airplane. This is the type of product that ROUSH has wanted to produce for at least 10 years but the right platform, the right technology, and the right timing never intersected until now.”

The Engine

According to ROUSH, the P-51A Mustang is the most powerful Mustang the company has ever produced. The car features a modified 4.6L, 3V engine. Modifications include 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. Most importantly, the engine features a ROUSHchargerTM supercharger system. This brings the horsepower from 300 to 510hp. Other factors which attribute to the increase in power include a custom aluminum upper and lower intake manifold for the high capacity air-to-water intercooler, custom fuel rail and high-flow fuel injectors, a high-flow capacity fuel system, and a dual electronic throttle body. The end result is 510 hp and 510 lb.-ft. Torque.

Exterior Features

The exterior of the P-51A Mustang is easily identifiable from other Mustangs. The car's yellow and red accent colors come from those used by 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. The P-51A Mustang features a ROUSH aerobody kit which includes a front fascia, chin spoiler, hood scoop, and rear spoiler. In addition, it features a black high-flow grill with cooling side shields. The P-51A Mustang hugs the road with 18-inch ROUSH forged five-spoke wheels aided by a vaunted Stage 3 suspension beneath the vehicle. The car is designed to stop on a dime, courtesy of its 14-inch front two-piece rotors and four-piston calipers.

Inside the Car

Take a look inside the P-51A Mustang, and you'll notice the guys at ROUSH Performance didn't cut corners. The car features ROUSH sport leather seats and custom floor mats, both sporting an embroidered P-51A emblem. A ROUSH short throw shift lever and retro black ball make driving the car all the more enjoyable. Accents such as white face gauges and billet aluminum pedals complete the interior of the vehicle.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for the P-51A has been set at around $61,900. The vehicle was slated to begin production in February and was originally to be limited to 100 vehicles. On December 19th, 2007, ROUSH Performance announced that 151 vehicles would be produced, due to an overwhelming demand for the vehicle. "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 car will feature a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.