Journalists from around the country, representing tire industry and automotive enthusiast magazines, arrived in South Haven, Mich., at the Gingerman Raceway for the launch of the Cooper Zeon RS3 – one designed specifically for ROUSH Performance’s new customized Mustang line-up.
While the two companies may seem to be on different ends of the spectrum, they’re actually a perfect fit for one another, according to Jack Roush, chairman of Roush Enterprises and CEO and co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing.
“To be our supplier on our Stage 1, 2 and 3 and the P51B Ford Mustangs, Cooper’s engineering and technical capabilities and continued commitment to designing and developing a tire for our Mustangs was unwavering,” he said.
“Cooper’s ultra-high performance tires were the only tires that met the standards and cutting-edge styling of our brand and its unmatched in performance.”
The car customizer will place Cooper Zeon 2XS tires in two sizes – 275/40ZR18 and 255/35ZR20 – on both its Stage 1 cosmetic-only modified Mustang and on Stage 2 versions, which include an upgraded suspension package for improved handling.
Cooper’s new Zeon RS3 will be available in 275/40ZR18 on Stage 3 and P51B customized Mustangs. All four customized versions are now available at select Ford dealerships nationwide.
“The Roush name is an icon in American motorsports and vehicle modification, synonymous with superb quality and unparalleled performance,” said Roy Armes, Cooper chairman, president and CEO. “We want to work with companies that have a tremendous passion for cars and driving. This association gives us a platform to showcase our products on one of the fastest and best- handling vehicles available today. In addition, the new partnership allows Cooper to tie into an original equipment platform.”
The OE partnership gave Cooper the opportunity to design and develop a new extreme max performance tire to match the power of the Stage 3 and P51B Mustangs and other ROUSH Performance platforms, the tiremaker noted. As a result of some 18 months of collaboration, Cooper engineers developed the new Zeon RS3 to match up to the customized Mustangs.
Designed to provide “superior performance,” said Cooper, the Zeon RS3 features a unique tread pattern, profile and construction. According to Cooper engineers, the RS3 features its “cutting edge” R-Tech technology, which allows the tire to deliver “maximum dry traction, unrivaled grip with split-second steering response, and a unique footprint” engineered for consistent handling performance at high G-forces. In addition, the Zeon RS3 provides a high level of wet traction and hydroplane resistance.
The W-rated Cooper Zeon RS3 is a summer tire, with a UTQG of 220 AAA.
Cooper’s Director of Channel Marketing, David Craig, expects “welcomed reception for the Zeon RS3 within the replacement market. The tire is being released to dealers for additional applications that demand an extreme max performance tire.”
In recognition of this unique and new relationship, Terry Karges, the car customizer’s senior vice president, pointed out that the company is building a handful of special edition Stage 3 Mustangs that will carry an RSC signature; the “C” stands for Cooper.
The Stage 3 RSC Mustangs will be modified with a special package that includes upgraded suspension, 18×9 lightweight alloy wheels, carbon fiber rear race wing, and six piston front brake calipers.
