Roush pays homage to WWII fighter with P-51A Mustang

Tuning company Roush has taken the covers off a new version of the Ford Mustang called the P-51A, which was debuted at the SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas today. The car was designed along the lines of the legendary WWII fighter with which it shares its name, and with 510hp and 691Nm (510lb-ft) of torque it turns out to be one of the most powerful modified Mustangs at the show.

The man behind the project is Jack Roush himself, who owns two of the original P-51 Mustang warbirds and has dreamed of building this car for the past ten years but never had the right platform, technology or timing until now.

This is the most complicated Mustang powertrain Roush has built and includes a host of rebuilt internal components such as the forged steel eight-bolt crankshaft, forged aluminum pistons, and forged steel H-Beam connecting rods. These upgraded parts were necessary for the stock 4.6L engine to be able to withstand the additional power generated from the new ROUSHcharger forced-induction system.

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

Its distinctive look is courtesy of a custom bodykit with a new front bar, chin spoiler, hood scoop and rear spoiler. The car also sits on forged 18in alloys and a Stage 3 suspension set-up. These include specially-engineered and tuned front struts, rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear sway bars and jounce bumpers. The front brakes are also upgraded with 14in front two-piece rotors and four-piston calipers.

Final pricing will be announced closer to the car’s sale date in the first quarter of next year and only 100 examples will enter production.