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Road Trip: 2008 Roush 427R TrakPak Mustang - EXCLUSIVE VIDEO FEATURE


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Take a Road Trip on and off track with The Auto Channel in an exciting Roush supercar.

Produced and edited by Marc J. Rauch

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David Ray, Founder and Group Leader of Hooked on Driving
The Auto Channel was recently invited by David Ray and Roush Performance to take an in-depth look at their modern day muscle car. After weeks of waiting for a return to tourbook beautiful California weather, we were finally rewarded with with two great days at Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca in Monterey.


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Vehicle Overview

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The number 427 has been intertwined in the Ford product line for many years, both as a car model and one of the most powerful and legendary engines in their line. It is only natural that ROUSH, as perhaps the best Ford engine builder in the country, is the company to reintroduce the number to the automotive lexicon using modern engine technology.

Jack Roush knows a thing or two about racing and Mustangs. His road racing career includes more than 110 wins and 20 national championships, and this vast expertise is evident throughout the ROUSH 427R Trak Pak.

Designed for the daily driver who enjoys pushing his car to the limits on open track days, the ROUSH 427R Trak Pak Mustang has plenty of specialized content to accommodate the unique needs of those who like driving up to the edge on the racetrack in a safe, controlled environment.

With the addition of the intercooled ROUSHchargerTM the 427R Trak Pak Mustang has 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, plenty of power to quickly get up to speed on the straightaways. The cooling system has been enhanced with a black bar high flow front grille and radiator cooling shields. There is a functional strut tower brace under the hood to help strengthen the chassis and decrease unwanted twisting.

The suspension system has been completely revamped to easily manage the twists and turns of a road course. The ROUSH 427R Trak Pak suspension includes adjustable front and rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear stabilization bars, front and rear jounce bumpers and adjustable camber/caster plates.

To whoa this pony down ROUSH adds 6-piston front calipers with 14-inch, two-piece slotted front rotors and slotted rear rotors. The brake pads are replaced with high-performance racing quality versions, and the new ROUSH brake cooling system and high temperature brake fluid will ensure that the brakes will be ready when you need them the most.

The ROUSH three-piece aerobody kit gives the car a menacing look as it roars past the other cars on the track, and consists of a front fascia, front chin spoiler and hood scoop. The car rides on 18-inch forged wheels painted a dark charcoal and mounted to ultra-performance tires for maximum grip on the racetrack. The functional hood pins, unique graphics and badging add to the overall styling of the car.

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Inside the cockpit the driver will immediately notice the addition of the new three-gauge dash pod with engine oil temperature, coolent temperature and a boost gauge. A shift light has also been integrated into this dash pod as well. The ROUSH sport leather seating, short throw shifter with retro-style ball, and four-piece performance pedal kit help to round out the interior styling.

About Hooked on Driving
Hooked On Driving is a group of friendly, passionate, enthusiasts who have decided that the wonderful cars that we all enjoy should be driven, and driven well. And to accomplish this with the levels of performance that are available, the public highways are just unsafe to even get close to the capabilities of these great cars. Instead, the core activity of Hooked On Driving is to provide performance driving events, primarily held on closed course race tracks, with a focus on safety, fun and driving skills coaching.

It is made clear at every HOD event that we do NOT hold competitive events. In fact, a key philosophy that HOD drivers are guided by is “It’s not how fast we drive, it’s how well we drive…” We see that developing and exercising driving skills and the related ecstatic enjoyment of our chosen marque is a hobby unto itself. In addition, we have found that our drivers with this common perspective tend to become very good friends and develop long-term relationships among themselves. Many of our drivers are also active in other clubs, primarily associated with their specific car brand, but find that participating in a diverse group of cars is fun as well. And, while we have many competitive drivers who participate with HOD at the advanced skill levels, at our events, their competitive fire is left behind in favor of a sporting, rather than frantic pace. Hooked On Driving’s focus is on a progression of skill, while having a blast in a safe and controlled environment.

For more information about Roush Performance CLICK HERE.

To learn more about Hooked on Driving CLICK HERE.