As it happens, the number 427 has a long history within the purview of Ford performance. The 7.0-liter 'FE' engine was introduced in 1963 and intended primarily for NASCAR use, although it found its way into drag racing and street applications, as well. Shrouded in its own peculiar lingo, such as top oilers and side oilers, there was also a single overhead cam (SOHC) version introduced in 1965. These days, you can build a Ford 454-cid engine by combining a 427's heavy duty engine block with a 428's crankshaft and be rewarded with more than 600 HP.

The romanticists among you may scoff when I clarify that the 427 moniker, in this context, refers to 427 horsepower, not cubic inches of displacement but, really, you knew that already... you were just hoping for more.

Last year, we were able to do the same with a Roush Stage 3 Mustang, on which the 427R is based. As a result, we've got a pretty good feel for the differences - some of them quite subtle - between the two models. The 427 horsepower rating is up slightly from the 415 HP rating on the ROUSHcharged Stage 3 model. This was accomplished using a revised ECM calibration, tuned to support a more free-flowing exhaust system. Premium fuel is mandatory.

Externally, the 427R is distinguished by unique, bold striping and, what appears to us to be, a cleaner set of lines. While Roush says that the car is "slightly less in content", we think that this is a prime example of less being more. No need to apologize here!

The distinctive Roush front fascia is maintained, along with the hood scoop and rear spoiler. That spoiler has a considerate cutout in the middle to minimize interfefence with the rearward view. The new exhaust system is distinctly louder than others used by the company. At idle, it has a robust, throaty sound that clearly states this is no 'secretary's car.' The system does exhibit some resonance around the 1800 rpm mark, but you soon push past that in normal driving.

In regular highway use, exhaust noise intrusion is minimal, leaving the car with great potential for longer trips. The 427R inherits the Stage 3's highly competent suspension and 18-inch, chrome finished wheels. Our tester was shod with BF Goodrich g-Force KD tires, although this may be changing, as more recent examples have come from the factory with Cooper's Zeon performance tires. Our tester had the Roush short throw shifter, with classic white cue ball handle, that seemed to be a little 'notchier' than we remember the Stage 3's shifter being.

Optional items also found on our 427R included white face gauges, interior carbon fiber dash trim kit, the short throw shifter, door sill plates and ROUSH sport leather seating. FYI: Roush has one of the largest, if not the largest, carbon fiber production facility in North America, so - yes - they make all their own stuff. The CF interior pieces are top notch, with a deep and lustrous finish.

Overall, our impression of the 427R is that it is an edgier version of the Stage 3 that gains not so much from the power increase, but from a brawnier overall presentation. We're reminded of the differences between the 2003 Mach I and a 2003 Mustang GT.

The Mach definately had a signature exhaust note, additional power and some in-your-face appearance enhancements. If the 'reduced content' in the body package makes the car seem a little less finished, it actually works well... no, make that very well, here.

When the 427R was first introduced, Joe Thompson, general manager of ROUSH Performance Products, said "I expect that this will become one of the most popular vehicles that ROUSH Performance has ever offered." The intervening months have clearly demonstrated that he was right. There is a unique combination of high capability engineering and dead-on product profile that makes the 427R stand out, not only from its Roush siblings, but from the rest of the pony car market.

Additional information and pricing is available through the Roush web site or by calling 800-59-ROUSH.