2010 Roush 427R Mustang

The tuner car business is hit or miss sometimes, but every now and then a true masterpiece comes on the market that marries the spirit of the original vehicle with the finesse of a custom builder.  The 2010 Roush 427R Mustang is one such example.  The 2010 Ford Mustang represents a great step in the pony car’s history, marrying classic styling and modern power.  The Roush 427R takes everything that makes the Mustang great, and makes it better.

Roush has been creating tuner Mustangs for years and they have had five years experience with the S197 Mustang platform.  Also, the company was given inside access to Ford’s development cycle for the 2010 Mustang, further improving their mastery of the vehicle’s mechanical make-up.  It also guanteed that they were the first tuner company to have a version of the 2010 Mustang on the market.

On the outside, there isn’t too much difference between the 427R and the stock Mustang, excluding, of course, numerous Roush badges and decals.  This was a wise choice on the part of Roush, as the stock Mustang is a real looker, so why fix what isn’t broken?  There is a subdued rear spoiler, a rear fascia reminiscent of a diffuser, and a front chin lip, but these additions simply add to the stock components rather than rebuilding them.

The big difference between the Roush and the stock Mustang GT is found when you turn the ignition.  The rumble of a V8 has never sounded so good.  Whether at a burbling idle or a high-RPM roar, this is what a muscle car is supposed to be like.  At the front end of Roush’s custom exhaust is a retooled version of Ford’s 4.6-liter V8 affixed with Roush’s custom supercharger.  The power may seem fairly modest at 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque (especially considering that the 2010 Shelby GT500 Mustang has more for about the same price), but the way that power is applied makes all of the difference.

The power band of the Roush engine is wide.  Very wide.  It doesn’t matter if you’re pulling off the line or accelerating to pass on the highway, the power is always there and the throttle response is always quick and smooth.  If you’ve already gotten a 2010 Mustang GT, pick up Roush’s supercharger and exhaust kits, because they’re two of the best features of the 427R.

The next best feature is the handling.  The suspension work on the stock Mustangs has to walk a fine line.  On the one hand, Ford needs to provide enough grab and cornering ability to satisfy the true muscle car enthusiasts.  On the other, they need to make the ride smooth enough and comfortable enough to attract the casual driver who wants a cool, quick car, but won’t ever take it to the track (which makes up the large portion of the market).  The result is a mixed bag.  A bit rough if you live in an area with bumpy roads, and a bit loose if you want to drive at the limits.  The 2010 Roush 427R targets the enthusiast and performance market, and they really deliver.

The main upgrades are new front shocks, new rear struts and springs, and thicker sway bars at both ends.  The result is a nimble car that has little to no body roll and very natural and responsive steering.  And yet, it’s not too stiff to be an everyday car.  Definitely stiffer than the stock suspension, but not by too much.  And, for those who want to get a 427R as a dedicated track car, they do offer a track specific suspension package, along with a substantial racing brake package (which works equally well on the street, though maintenance may get a bit pricey.

The interior didn’t get too much attention in the base 2010 427R, with the only changes being a few Roush badges, new floor mats, and a new shift knob.  The options list, though, has a few hidden gems.  One of these is a short throw shifter, which is an absolute must.  If you’re buying a Roush, then you want speed and performance, and this shifter is a little slice of heaven.  Other options include a redesigned instrument cluster, a new leather/Alcantara seating trim, a vent pod, and a few others.  None of them are bad, but some seem a bit unnecessary (like lighting fixtures in the door sills).

At the end of the day, the 2010 Roush 427R Mustang really sets the standard for what tuning companies should do.  They retained the spirit of the original, but made it more prevelant.  There’s plenty of power on tap, you can scream around corners without worrying about slamming into guard rails, and the exhaust note is spot on.  The 427R package runs about $20,000, give or take a bit depending on options, which will put the final price (including the stock car) at a cool $50,000.  Considering the quality of the car, and the full factory warranty, that’s a steal.

Roush 427R Mustang Pictures Gallery