Roush fitted the arguably...
Roush fitted the arguably ugly back end of the '10 Mustang with its own rear fascia and decklid spoiler. The fascia incorporates a diffuser, as well as side-trim detail that ties it in with the side rocker panels.
The NHRA-sanctioned quarter-mile offers Wednesday and Saturday test-and-tune events, and the track's executive general manager, Don Robertson, gave us first crack at the track when it opened. After we heated up the Dunlops for a few gratuitous burnout photos, we used the heat-soaked 427R to mostly hone our launch technique on the first two runs. We then let it cool down for about an hour, which isn't much given that the ambient air temperature was a tropical 85 degrees. Still, we pulled to the line, raised the revs to 3,500, and slipped the clutch while applying the throttle. With a few chirps emitting from the rear tires, we were off and logged a 2.05-second 60-foot time, which was followed by a 13.26 at 107.81. We then hot-lapped the car and ran a 13.45 at 106.43 (2.06 60-foot). Feeling that the 2.0-second 60-foot range was optimal for the tire and track conditions, we were pretty confidant that our 13.26 would hold up for the rest of the evening-and it did.
With a shorter, stickier tire and/or more rear gear-perhaps 4.10s-the times should drop quite a bit. Trap speed was very close to the 107/108 mph we clocked with the previous-generation 427R at Englishtown, where we ran a 12.32. That was with a shorter tire, a much better 60-foot time, and a much cooler air temperature.
Our test vehicle wore the...
Our test vehicle wore the optional 20x9-inch, chrome-plated alloys wrapped in 275/35/ZR20 Dunlop rubber. Our source at Roush tells us a 20-inch Cooper RS3 tire is in the works and should be available later this year.
Base price for the '10 427R comes in around $47,000; ours, which was loaded to the gills, checked in at $55,538. The '10 427R escapes the gas-guzzler tax, which should help with the bottom line, but Roush's latest offering features stiff competition from Shelby, not to mention the new Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger.
Roush plans to offer its Stage 1 and Stage 2 models for 2010, as well as the 427R. Those looking for the Stage 3 will have to wait awhile. Roush is still considering the model's content package and an arrival is yet to be determined.
Aside from budget considerations, we don't know why anyone would want any other Roush. The 427R is the complete package, with a bold aggressive look that is unmistakable.
We made several passes down...
We made several passes down the Gainesville Raceway 1,320. With 85 degrees of Florida heat, our best effort produced a 13.26 at 107.81 with a 2.05 short time. The engine coolant temperature was a bit lower than the normal operating range thanks to an hour-long cool down. With a shorter (and lighter) rear wheel/tire combination, we think we could improve upon this further.
The updated '10 Mustang GT...
The updated '10 Mustang GT interior is further improved with optional Roush white-faced gauges, a vent-mounted boost gauge, a short-throw shifter, illuminated sill plates, and Ruby Red suede seat inserts.
A Vent-mounted boost gauge...
A Vent-mounted boost gauge provides information while maintaining its heating/cooling ability.