Thanks jwkessler1 for imformation on static, sounds like you are very knowledgeable about electricity. I tried your suggestion of maintaining contact with the metal as I get out and yes it worked. It is hard to remember all the time to do this. The humidity levels were high here today so my shocks were not strong at all, the drier it is the worse the shocks. I bought a nice seatcover today for the drivers side, and will see if it helps as I think the problem is the seats. Also, the drivers seat is beading, or napping at the point of where the seat and back meet. This is a sure sign of some wool content in the fabric. Ever notice how all wool sweaters pill, or nap at the elbows quickley. Wool also causes lots of static. The seat cover has a lot of leather so,if it works I'll get another for the passenger side, so the car will look uniform up front.
ND I have followed your story from months back when you were having so many problems with your first zx3. I would write the people at fmc that you wrote to before letting them know what is happening now. I firmly believe in documentation regardless of whether the problem will be solved. At least you will have it on record that you are trying as a consumer to cover all bases with your attempts at rectifying the problem. If you are not satisfied with what is being done for you, you can continue to battle fmc, but also the attorney general in your state is a great resource as well. Good luck at any rate.
I had been looking at the z for a long time. When I finally was able to buy, I went to the local dealer, as I believe in supporting local business. Their attitude was that they had a autumn orange on the lot, if I wanted a z from them that is what I would have to take, of course they lost my business. Nothing agains Autumn Orange, it's just not what I wanted. I then went to their competitor 7 miles down the road. I told them exactly what I wanted with my first choice being zinc yellow. The dealor got on the phone and started hunting, within two days I had the car I wanted. They had to go 350 miles to get it, but I was thrilled. Bottom line, if your dealor is not willing to work with you when you are buying a car, ask yourself, how are they going to respond when you have a problem. You should get the car you want, with what you want, it is your hard earned money.
im with pat on this one... ive never been shocked by my Z... and im kinda glad about it too.
LIMBUS: I just moved to tampa about 2 weeks ago and have been looking for a good reputable dealer in the area that i can start using as my service center for my Z... you said Jarret-Bodiford Ford in Plant City... what is your husbands sales persons name? and do they have a reliable service department?
The lack of a pulse would be one really good reason. But assuming you are still among the living, there are way too many other variables to really give a simple reason. I also have yet to get a shock from the zinker. We are such good pals now I think it just doesn't want to hurt me. My Escort GT on the other hand zaps me all the time. Even in a pouring rain I've been given a mighty jolt. I must have gotten it POed at me at some point.
Some possible variables;
Tire formulation (brand and model.) Road surface material (concrete vs. black top.) What other materials have been added to black top, like old tires, ground glass, etc. Moisture level in the road surface. Atmospheric Humidity. What you are wearing. The materials in the shoes you wear. Your egress technique. The moisture level on your skin. What you ate for lunch. The phase of the moon.
Just got back yesterday from a quicky 600 mile round trip adventure w/o any problems ( I am now at 9,500 miles took delivery 6/24). As usual, took forever to get through all the posts...
The one "concern" would be I THINK I heard a slight tick coming from under the hood stopped at a light...very subtle - even when I turned the air off - I could be paranoid and hearing things...
And regarding the SHOCK...I thought it was just me!!! I know it's going to happen every time I get out of my Z and just get it over with and touch the door on my way out. Looks like I'll just have to try keep my foot on the ground when I get out. But with my short legs...
I'm seriously considering buying a Focus ZX3 but really hate the fact that the body side strips are ALWAYS black no matter what colour you choose. Do you think it possible to have these rub strips painted body colour w/o harming the car?
I can now come out of the closet and say, yes too, I do get a shock every time i get out of the car. I'm so glad I got that off my chest. I feel so liberated ! Actually, I hold on to the brass-looking door latch on the door-post every time I exit. I have to tell my passengers to do so, too. No shocks since then. My z's just turning 5000 miles. Up for it's first oilchange. I'm gonna leave these changes for every 5000 miles. I think that's just fine.
I think you can safely repaint the side strips - I have seen pics of 1/2 a dozen or so ZX3's - but I'm not certain if these owners removed the strips for repainting (Ford uses adhesive to mount them to the body panels) or left them on and masked the body panels.
If I were to buy a Focus, I would look into getting an extended warranty because of the questionable reliability I could expect. What are the Ford dealers charging for the ESP warranty plans lately?
s852: I bought the ESP (premium Coverage Plan) it cost about $975+6% NJ State Tax... total just over 1,000... it broke down to about $25/month extra integrated into my 3 year payment plan... It's nice since i have already been reimbursed for one rental car through FORD... they also extend the basic coverage to 5yr/75,000 miles and add rental car reimbursement, and some thin like $500 hotel/food reimbursement incase ya break down in the middle of nowhere... I felt it necessary to buy since i bought the car and moved 1200 miles away from home within 3 weeks..
these plans are always negotiable and there are different terms and variables.i never buy them for a new car, however i wouldnt hesitate covering a used car. my son + daughter have already had work done on their used vehicles where the repairs were higher than the initial plan cost. in these two cases,it was well worth it. if i decide to keep this z beyond 3 yrs. i may consider covering it under an extended warranty. if peace of mind is what you are after,by all means go for it.
nj- dont you miss new jersey? its been nasty up here the past few days,including today. raw and rainy. hows the new bass box? i think i heard you on i-95.boom-boom-boom!
My sis and bro-in-law purchased MATCHBOX CAR #84 of 100. Guess what it is. Yep a Ford Focus ZX3 in what I think is ORANGE, but my sis says is Sandgrea Red. You all deside.
Get out of the car without touching any metal bits, hold your key firmly on the metallic part and place it about a quarter of an inch away from the door lock. you can watch the spark discharge but you will not get a shock. Works every time.......Yowwww!
This works because a normal, painful, discharge concentrates all the electrical energy at one tiny point. If the discharge is through a key, the electrons (current) still pass through your body, but the current path is spread over the surface area where you are holding the key. Instead of many amps at one tiny point, there are a few amps spread over many points. You don't feel the diffused energy.
I would wonder if this could eventually harm the electronic module in the key though. I doubt the key was designed to withstand that type of abuse repeatedly.
pcleveland2 - Yup - Static control around explosives is at least as critical as in the electronics field. And the results of sloppy practices can be a lot more spectacular. Of course a zapped critical flight control element on a 747 can be spectacular as well.
One of the first examples of an ESD related faux pas occured when a plastic cover was removed from a military solid rocket booster back in the 1960s. The resulting zap ignited the rocket, and the result was not pretty. From here the military became a leader in ESD control.
Will the fact that the rub strips have a deep grain in them affect the way the paint looks? Will it be as glossy as the paint on the metal? Will the paint adhere properly to the material the rub strips are made of? I don't want it to look odd. thanks.
Damn Cobie i was posting when yours came in and lost mine.
Okay....I'll try again.
The Body side moldings are adheared to the body after painting and are one of the final things done to the car on the assembly line.
I would not try to paint them as the bother outways the cost of purchasing new body side moldings from your nearest auto parts supply.
Many people paint the fascia plastic the same as they paint the car and the paint peels and fractures. These moldings are to protect your car from dings. Most likely the paint will chip if you use enamel, arcrylic laquer, or base coat clear coat.
The molding you can buy has a impregnated top coat that will resist chipping.
On a hot day our using a heat gun carefully peel off your body side molding. You might want to wipe over the goo that's left with isoprypol alcohol.
I had more to add but i don't have the time to type..gotta run
Ha! That is very cute! Autumn orange, just like my baby, I've gotta get one! It's funny, my first car was a VW bug, and I have a whole collection of toy bugs. Now I can have a ZX3 to match my "big" one!
I have seen a couple of Focus' on the lots with the sony xplode package. leather seats, sony cd player, etc. if you're interested in a luxury type car at decent price. just a thought.
the first thousand miles are goin to be tough , between knowing i need to be gentle with the car during its breakin and the overpowering desire to floor it down a country road i am at my wits end !
well off to drive just thought i would say thank you to all who have posted , your valuable insight into this car has helped me make the discision to buy )
well man.. unfortunately... my broke a** decided that $400-450 on a bass system just before i moved wasnt a smart idea... so i used the $ for gas and food and all that good stuff... im now broke again, living off of rice-a-roni until i get my first check (still 3 weeks away... but I will get it installed sometime in the near future... probably cheaper here too... but NO NO NO NO NO!! i dont miss NJ one bit... went from the armpit of america to paradise lol
nj- now thats good eating! my son had spent hundrerds as well and wound up selling his box in less than a year. i thoroughly enjoy the stock system. then again i had started out with an 8 track player. what a difference today in choices.,it can be overwhelming . i still prefer the old tube amp for home . good to hear from you,glad alls well,enjoy the z. the latest kbb trade-in value is 11,565. i still cant believe how well the value is holding. thats a great sign for the future. i still love the z warts and all.
if only they could still make em like that though... i forget what show i heard it on, but someone said that "back then there was no ff or rewind... the whole thing had to be good..." The joys of cd burners are bringin that back... selective recording... lose the crap tracks...
Hi all (again). I bought my ZX3 in late July, and LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT (see previous posts), but I'm now noticing that sometimes, when I release my foot from the brakes, there's a "creaking" sound...also sometimes happens when I step on the brake pedal, slowly. This concerns me, since it's less than 3 months old, and has less than 3,000 miles. At the end of October, I take it in for it's first Three-Month Maintenance Check-Up (free)...but wonder if this is something I should have looked into ASAP, instead of waiting til then. Ideas?? Thanks...
I just got my newest issue of Motor Trend today...
I was flipping the pages, when low and behold a customized red ZX3 was sitting there with "AEM" across the front window... Aparently, Ford is offering an AEM installation kit with AEM springs (2 inch lowered ride), AEM air intake, AEM stainless steel exhaust, and the Wings West kit AT the ford dealerships... Get this, its ALL under the focus warranty too! Thats just sweet... (until the suped-up focus comes out in MY2002)
Hello everyone on this msg board. New poster here and hopefully new Focus owner too soon. I plan on buying a 2001 model within the next 2 weeks and have narrowed it down to the Focus Zx3 , Honda Civic exe or the Senta GXE( in that order of preferance) Which ever one fully loaded. I'm planning on trading in my 92 Sentra with 100005 miles on it. The only 2 peeves I wish Ford would have changed is using a timing chain instead of a belt( like the Sentra) and wish it had foldable mirrors. I was wondering if anyone buy's the zx3 with the auto-transmission since the majority of you perfer stick. And also what should I expect to pay for a 2001? (notice the invoice is $16,241 and the MSP is $17,360) Also can anyone please tell me if the Zx3 has power windows and do the side windows open at all? thanx.
Thanks for all the answers, folks. I guess I'll just have to get my Focus in a dark colour so the side mouldings don't show up so much. At least the chin and (hopefully) lower side and rear bumpers no longer are black on all cars. Now... get the mirrors and door handles the same color as the car. Ford?
I was looking for cds at amazon.com and stumbled upon a section where you can buy a new car. If I wanted to, I could pick up a new 2001 Zx3 for $12,341.
the dark side moldings used to bother me, but they don't at all now. Neither do the dark undermoldings or handles, they kept this car within a price range I could afford, under 12,000 with ac and abs! It looks sharp anyway and I couldn't ask for more! Would be nice for you all with the $ to have the options though.
dropped of my car to the dealer to finaly fix my window and replace the climate control face plate, check the alignment and the stalling problem. My loaner, a giant silver F150 extended cab. Last time it was a Montero Sport. Love the free upgrades.
Hi from a potential z owner, and a question: any musicians out there? In particular, any upright bass players? Does a standard 3/4 size URB fit in the zx3 with the rear seats down? Does the peghead end fit between the front seats; does it get in the way of shifting on a 5 speed? Thanks for any info!
zx3, zx3, zx3, zx3, zx3, zx3, zx3, zx3, zx3, zx3 is the only choice!~
When I brought my zx3, I sold my Sentra. The zx3 is just so much more fun to drive. And the Civic, ho hum, but I have to admit that I wish I still had my old, well very old, Civic General Flea as a summer car. You just don't see them any more.
Did you ever find the tranny drain plug. Was back in Part XII and saw where you were looking for it. Think this was posted on the "Discussion Board.com" Focus Site. You'll have to "search" for it there. Was pictures and all. It is there, just difficult to find.
I did find the drain plug - Ford hid it pretty well. I drained and refilled my manual transmission with Redline D4 ATF, and noticed only a slight improvement in cold shiftability - no change in the slight gear rattle heard at very low speeds.
Greetings from a new poster and a wannabe Z-owner. I appreciate all the information, shared-experiences and, most importantly, the passion you all (or at least most of you) share for ownership of this vehicle. I admit that I have been seduced as well. I now am considering weaning myself from the warm bosom of Honda and the attendant comfort and security their vehicles offer. Also add engineering sophistication and unrivaled quality. But, ... the ZX3 has a quirky spirit that has moved me. So, I will continue to investigate the new Foci. Question for RADVLIK: your post indicated an OTD price of $15108. My calculation indicates this is virtually dealer invoice price for equipment cited. What dealer did you buy from (I'm also from Michigan)? Thanks.
You can e-mail him if he doesn't respond here. All you have to do is click on his (blue) name to get his profile. E-mail address is or should be in his profile. Not everybody keeps up on a daily basis.
Roush developing full-line of Ford high-performance vehicles Published: September 22, 2000 Source: Roush Technologies By: Robert Lane
Jack Roush's commitment to excellence transcends the race track as does his love for cars, and as a result, produces not only race-winning cars but award-winning vehicles as well. Roush, chairman of Roush Industries and an avid car enthusiast, challenged his Design, Engineering and Marketing groups to create a true high-performance, reliable and exciting Mustang, "A True Muscle Car." The result, a Roush Stage III (GT Mustang), is currently being developed thanks in part to a recent initiative by Ford Motor Company and SEMA. To complete this project, Roush engineers will utilize the technical support and information offered through the recently established Technology Transfer Program made possible by SEMA's "Partner in Technology" initiative with Ford Motor Company.
As a result, Roush Industries, headquartered in Livonia, Mich., will develop a full-line of Ford high-performance production vehicles. Currently, the Roush Performance team has an established line of Staged vehicles that includes performance and styling features such as suspension, wheels, tires, exhaust, aerodynamics and interior. The new Stage III vehicles will go a step further by providing engine enhancements developed by the same core of engineers who produce Roush Racing's 700-plus horsepower Winston Cup motors. Roush Racing is the most successful Ford racing team in history and Jack Roush intends to continue to build upon that reputation with the vehicle line. Roush Performance vehicles will introduce performance and quality levels unprecedented in the performance industry.
This project is the largest financial commitment in Roush Industries' 30-year history, and will launch with the Roush Stage III (GT Mustang). The vehicle will be introduced at the annual SEMA convention on October 31 in Las Vegas. Though the Mustang will be the first Stage III vehicle developed by the Roush Performance team, horsepower upgrades for the Focus, F-150 and Expedition are planned and anticipated to be introduced later in the model year.
The new Roush Stage III vehicles will touch on all of the major areas of the car &endash; styling and aerodynamics, brakes, exhaust system, power train, suspension, wheels and tires, seating and ergonomics, and interior. Completing this project has required Roush to expanded its level of resources to respond to the challenge. To adequately service this project Roush Industries is dedicating over 250,000 sq. ft. for vehicle assembly between its Orange County, Calif., Dallas, Texas, Mooresville, N.C., Denver, Colo., and Livonia, Mich., facilities. It also marks Roush Industries' first opportunity to focus and combine its engineering, prototyping, tooling, testing, manufacturing and assembly capabilities on an internal project.
"I have challenged my engineers to create a car that delivers affordable performance and quality at a level never delivered outside the OEM's," said Jack Roush. "Our goal is to become America's premiere manufacturer of performance vehicles. I'm confident we have the engineering talent, racing heritage and the means of production that will get us to our goal."
Roush Performance, a subsidiary of Roush Industries, is committed to the development and manufacturing of OE-quality high-performance niche vehicles. Headquartered in Livonia, Mich., Roush Performance has a dealer base of 250 dealers across the Continental United States and a dedicated staff of more than 50 employees. Roush Performance details are accessible through the Internet at www.RoushPerf.com.
I was wondering since NorwayGuy is pretty hip to info from the continent and what not. Does he or anyone know if the rear tail lights from Europe have the "rear fog light". The reason is my bud with the Golf just put a light bulb in the back with a Euro spec headlight control unit and it was pretty cool. I was looking into getting a set of euro [amber turn sig's and all] since the clear taillights may not be law enforcement friendly here.
My #1 problem with the black plastic trimings on the Focus is that the car Im driving now now has the same type of thing, and it started to fade about 4 years into owning the car, and now they are just a pile of mess... Think about painting them if you have the $$$ for it.
In Europe (and elswhere outside N.A.), the Focus has amber rear turn signals which are seen much better than the red ones. Will the European Focus taillamp assmembly fit onto the American version? Thanks
I got a call today from ford, remember they were working on some things for me, they checked my alignment and now they cant find my key. Now I have to, some how, get my spare from home and bring it to them so they can unlock my car and finish the work. I was assured that I wasnt going to be charged to replace the key.
drebe, from what I've heard, you also need both of your original keys inorder to make a third. It still costs like 25$ or something but it is much much higher if you don't have both original keys, I think. Ask them to make you a third!
Comments
Question I have is why don't I get this static shock from my ZX3? What am I doing differently from everybody else?
Pat
ND I have followed your story from months back when you were having so many problems with your first zx3. I would write the people at fmc that you wrote to before letting them know what is happening now. I firmly believe in documentation regardless of whether the problem will be solved. At least you will have it on record that you are trying as a consumer to cover all bases with your attempts at rectifying the problem. If you are not satisfied with what is being done for you, you can continue to battle fmc, but also the attorney general in your state is a great resource as well. Good luck at any rate.
I had been looking at the z for a long time. When I finally was able to buy, I went to the local dealer, as I believe in supporting local business. Their attitude was that they had a autumn orange on the lot, if I wanted a z from them that is what I would have to take, of course they lost my business. Nothing agains Autumn Orange, it's just not what I wanted. I then went to their competitor 7 miles down the road. I told them exactly what I wanted with my first choice being zinc yellow. The dealor got on the phone and started hunting, within two days I had the car I wanted. They had to go 350 miles to get it, but I was thrilled. Bottom line, if your dealor is not willing to work with you when you are buying a car, ask yourself, how are they going to respond when you have a problem. You should get the car you want, with what you want, it is your hard earned money.
LIMBUS: I just moved to tampa about 2 weeks ago and have been looking for a good reputable dealer in the area that i can start using as my service center for my Z... you said Jarret-Bodiford Ford in Plant City... what is your husbands sales persons name? and do they have a reliable service department?
thanks,
NJ
Some possible variables;
Tire formulation (brand and model.)
Road surface material (concrete vs. black top.)
What other materials have been added to black top, like old tires, ground glass, etc.
Moisture level in the road surface.
Atmospheric Humidity.
What you are wearing.
The materials in the shoes you wear.
Your egress technique.
The moisture level on your skin.
What you ate for lunch.
The phase of the moon.
Yup - Static can be a fun thing to analyze.
Just got back yesterday from a quicky 600 mile round trip adventure w/o any problems ( I am now at 9,500 miles took delivery 6/24). As usual, took forever to get through all the posts...
The one "concern" would be I THINK I heard a slight tick coming from under the hood stopped at a light...very subtle - even when I turned the air off - I could be paranoid and hearing things...
And regarding the SHOCK...I thought it was just me!!! I know it's going to happen every time I get out of my Z and just get it over with and touch the door on my way out. Looks like I'll just have to try keep my foot on the ground when I get out. But with my short legs...
Actually, I hold on to the brass-looking door latch on the door-post every time I exit. I have to tell my passengers to do so, too. No shocks since then.
My z's just turning 5000 miles. Up for it's first oilchange. I'm gonna leave these changes for every 5000 miles. I think that's just fine.
treva
I think you can safely repaint the side strips - I have seen pics of 1/2 a dozen or so ZX3's - but I'm not certain if these owners removed the strips for repainting (Ford uses adhesive to mount them to the body panels) or left them on and masked the body panels.
Is it a hand crank sliding roof like older Volvos and BMWs have, or is it a pop-up or removable glass panel?
What are the Ford dealers charging for the ESP warranty plans lately?
It's nice since i have already been reimbursed for one rental car through FORD... they also extend the basic coverage to 5yr/75,000 miles and add rental car reimbursement, and some thin like $500 hotel/food reimbursement incase ya break down in the middle of nowhere... I felt it necessary to buy since i bought the car and moved 1200 miles away from home within 3 weeks..
hope this helped.
NJ
are different terms and variables.i never buy
them for a new car, however i wouldnt hesitate
covering a used car. my son + daughter have
already had work done on their used vehicles where the repairs were higher than the initial plan cost. in these two cases,it was well worth
it. if i decide to keep this z beyond 3 yrs. i may
consider covering it under an extended warranty. if peace of mind is what you are after,by all means go for it.
up here the past few days,including today.
raw and rainy. hows the new bass box?
i think i heard you on i-95.boom-boom-boom!
Maybe its got something to do with my job hauling gasoline and jet-a. Can't afford to get any of that static.
Jimmy
I would wonder if this could eventually harm the electronic module in the key though. I doubt the key was designed to withstand that type of abuse repeatedly.
pcleveland2 - Yup - Static control around explosives is at least as critical as in the electronics field. And the results of sloppy practices can be a lot more spectacular. Of course a zapped critical flight control element on a 747 can be spectacular as well.
One of the first examples of an ESD related faux pas occured when a plastic cover was removed from a military solid rocket booster back in the 1960s. The resulting zap ignited the rocket, and the result was not pretty. From here the military became a leader in ESD control.
Okay....I'll try again.
The Body side moldings are adheared to the body after painting and are one of the final things done to the car on the assembly line.
I would not try to paint them as the bother outways the cost of purchasing new body side moldings from your nearest auto parts supply.
Many people paint the fascia plastic the same as they paint the car and the paint peels and fractures. These moldings are to protect your car from dings. Most likely the paint will chip if you use enamel, arcrylic laquer, or base coat clear coat.
The molding you can buy has a impregnated top coat that will resist chipping.
On a hot day our using a heat gun carefully peel off your body side molding. You might want to wipe over the goo that's left with isoprypol alcohol.
I had more to add but i don't have the time to type..gotta run
Good luck
Whyford.
The 2000 owners that have had their body molding painted have first sanded the texture off.
But on the bright side, the 2001 model ZX3 comes with body colored molding not black!
I will try and dig up a picture!
Gabe
What the do have is body-matched chin molding (the front lip under the car now matches)
see this link for pictures, there are pictures at the top as well as farther down the thread:
http://www.teamfocaljet.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000504.html
the first thousand miles are goin to be tough , between knowing i need to be gentle with the car during its breakin and the overpowering desire to floor it down a country road i am at my wits end !
well off to drive just thought i would say thank you to all who have posted , your valuable insight into this car has helped me make the discision to buy )
NJ
hundrerds as well and wound up selling his
box in less than a year. i thoroughly enjoy
the stock system. then again i had started
out with an 8 track player. what a difference today in choices.,it can be overwhelming . i
still prefer the old tube amp for home . good
to hear from you,glad alls well,enjoy the z.
the latest kbb trade-in value is 11,565. i still
cant believe how well the value is holding.
thats a great sign for the future. i still love the z
warts and all.
back on subject...
drove to work and back and all was fine lol
I was flipping the pages, when low and behold a customized red ZX3 was sitting there with "AEM" across the front window...
Aparently, Ford is offering an AEM installation kit with AEM springs (2 inch lowered ride), AEM air intake, AEM stainless steel exhaust, and the Wings West kit AT the ford dealerships...
Get this, its ALL under the focus warranty too! Thats just sweet... (until the suped-up focus comes out in MY2002)
is the only choice!~
When I brought my zx3, I sold my Sentra. The zx3 is just so much more fun to drive. And the Civic, ho hum, but I have to admit that I wish I still had my old, well very old, Civic General Flea as a summer car. You just don't see them any more.
Pat
Published: September 22, 2000
Source: Roush Technologies
By: Robert Lane
Jack Roush's commitment to excellence transcends the race track as does his love for cars, and as a result, produces not only race-winning cars but award-winning vehicles as well. Roush, chairman of Roush Industries and an avid car enthusiast, challenged his Design, Engineering and Marketing groups to create a true high-performance, reliable and exciting Mustang, "A True Muscle Car." The result, a Roush Stage III (GT Mustang), is currently being developed thanks in part to a recent initiative by Ford Motor Company and SEMA. To complete this project, Roush engineers will utilize the technical support and information offered through the recently established Technology Transfer Program made possible by SEMA's "Partner in Technology" initiative with Ford Motor Company.
As a result, Roush Industries, headquartered in Livonia, Mich., will develop a full-line of Ford high-performance production vehicles. Currently, the Roush Performance team has an established line of Staged vehicles that includes performance and styling features such as suspension, wheels, tires, exhaust, aerodynamics and interior. The new Stage III vehicles will go a step further by providing engine enhancements developed by the same core of engineers who produce Roush Racing's 700-plus horsepower Winston Cup motors. Roush Racing is the most successful Ford racing team in history and Jack Roush intends to continue to build upon that reputation with the vehicle line. Roush Performance vehicles will introduce performance and quality levels unprecedented in the performance industry.
This project is the largest financial commitment in Roush Industries' 30-year history, and will launch with the Roush Stage III (GT Mustang). The vehicle will be introduced at the annual SEMA convention on October 31 in Las Vegas. Though the Mustang will be the first Stage III vehicle developed by the Roush Performance team, horsepower upgrades for the Focus, F-150 and Expedition are planned and anticipated to be introduced later in the model year.
The new Roush Stage III vehicles will touch on all of the major areas of the car &endash; styling and aerodynamics, brakes, exhaust system, power train, suspension, wheels and tires, seating and ergonomics, and interior. Completing this project has required Roush to expanded its level of resources to respond to the challenge. To adequately service this project Roush Industries is dedicating over 250,000 sq. ft. for vehicle assembly between its Orange County, Calif., Dallas, Texas, Mooresville, N.C., Denver, Colo., and Livonia, Mich., facilities. It also marks Roush Industries' first opportunity to focus and combine its engineering, prototyping, tooling, testing, manufacturing and assembly capabilities on an internal project.
"I have challenged my engineers to create a car that delivers affordable performance and quality at a level never delivered outside the OEM's," said Jack Roush. "Our goal is to become America's premiere manufacturer of performance vehicles. I'm confident we have the engineering talent, racing heritage and the means of production that will get us to our goal."
Roush Performance, a subsidiary of Roush Industries, is committed to the development and manufacturing of OE-quality high-performance niche vehicles. Headquartered in Livonia, Mich., Roush Performance has a dealer base of 250 dealers across the Continental United States and a dedicated staff of more than 50 employees. Roush Performance details are accessible through the Internet at www.RoushPerf.com.
Jimmy
Think about painting them if you have the $$$ for it.