2010 ROUSH 427R Mustang Test Drive

Jack’s New Rumble Monster

Jack Roush knows what it takes to win on race day. He also knows what it takes to build winning race cars. His newest Mustang, the 2010 427R, is one such car. It’s fast, it’s sleek, and it’s full of rumble. With a base price of $47,296 ($55,218 as tested), the 2010 ROUSH 427R Mustang is close in price to Shelby’s $46,325 GT500. But is the car a worthy competitor? Read on.

First things first, I’ve always found it easy to spot a ROUSH Mustang on the road. They have distinctive body kits, spoilers on some, wings on others, complete with one-of-a-kind ROUSH wheels on most. Well, the new 427R is definitely distinct, although somewhat toned down in looks when compared to previous models. In fact, from a distance it looks a little like a 2010 Mustang GT. Of course, when you get closer you see it’s clearly a different machine. The words “Roushcharged” tell you there’s a serious force to be reckoned with beneath that hood, and of course the words ROUSH along the top of the windshield are a dead giveaway. The car also features 18-inch cast chrome wheels with optional 20-inch cast chrome wheels. Power is transferred to the road via Cooper Zeon RS3 high-performance tires or optional Dunlop Sportmaxx tires.

For me, the key exterior features are the car’s rear fascia, side splitters, and its three-piece rear spoiler. These add a definite “toughness” to the Mustang not found on the stock ride. Other features of the 427R include a redesigned front fascia and front splitter, 427R racing stripes, front chin spoiler, and optional rear quarter window louvers.

On the inside, the ROUSH 427R I tested featured leather Alcantara seats, Embroidered Floor Mats, a vent pod with boost gauge, and white faces gauges in the instrument panel. The two items that stood out most were the car’s short throw shifter, complete with its black ball knob, and the 427R’s illuminated door sill plates, which light up at night, spelling out the word ROUSH. Both items are optional and will set you back $410 and $220 respectively.

In all, the 427R’s interior improves upon the refinements already featured on the standard 2010 Mustang. We’re talking electronic traction control, a refined dash, stereo controls on the steering wheel, and more. Bottom line, the seats were comfy, engine noise was loud but not too loud, and those optional accessories made a world of difference.

The car is also loaded with power. Put your foot to the floor and your ears will perk up to the sound of the ROUSHcharger kicking into action. When it comes time to stop at the light, other motorists will look your way as the car crackles to a stop thanks to good ole’ backpressure and that optional ROUSH exhaust.

After driving this car for a week, I have no doubt the 427R can hold its own on the road. Sure, the GT500, Camaro SS, or the Challenger SRT8 all have plenty of power, but the 427R is a mover in its own right. Beneath its hood you’ll find a supercharged 4.6L V-8 engine capable of producing an estimated 435 hp and 400 lbs.-ft of torque. My daily driver is a 2008 Bullitt Mustang. The 427R significantly improves upon this experience with the help of its supercharger, air induction system, and ROUSH calibrated ECM.

When you factor in all the options, the 427R’s price will set you back more than the $46,325 you’d pay for a base Shelby, but I think the 427R is worth every penny. Now all we need is a Trak Pak version of the 427R and I’ll be set.