WHAT’S NOT to like about excess? That’s certainly the vibe Mustang Motorsport (MM) was going for when selecting how to tune this grand-touringfocused Mustang. And with polished, cast-aluminium wheels and a baritone-esque soundtrack, this version of Roush’s RS3 hits the spot. Your $107,009 (including the price of a previous-gen six-speed auto Mustang GT) gets you a Stage 3 2.3-litre supercharger in Phase 1 guise.
2018 Roush RS3 Mustang
The ADR compliant (and complied) package also includes heavy-duty half shafts, one-way adjustable (height) coilovers, a passive exhaust system and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. Most impressive is the power and acoustics. When wound up this ‘lesser’ kit covers ground at an astonishing rate.
What doesn’t work as well is the auto ’box, which never seems to find the right ratio to handle 670 horses – manual mode, with paddles, is better. Backroad blasts suit the RS3 and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres offer plenty of bite. There’s surprising dynamic agility, but also a lack of steering feel.
The irony is this road-centric offering is that it has a harsher ride than the track-focused RS3, with mid-corner bumps unsettling it more. It’s no back-breaker and, for the price, presents impressive touring ability with pace and factory feel. – Trent Giunco
SPECS:
5.0 V8 S/C; 500kW @ 6850rpm; 739Nm @ 5000rpm; RWD; 1750kg; $107,009
