The last time we drove a Roush Mustang – a 2010 427R – we declared that the company had set the bar for Mustang tuners around the country. But that was nearly two years ago. Since then, the pony car landscape has evolved immensely. Ford has revamped the entire Mustang lineup, introducing the new 412-horsepower 5.0-litre V8 Mustang GT, dropped weight off the Shelby GT500 with a new aluminum block 5.4-litre V8 and successfully launched the track-ready, M3-fighting Boss 302. Every Mustang that comes from the factory now offers more performance than ever and a $70,000 aftermarket Mustang with a paltry 435 horsepower simply can't compete with an OEM-developed 'Stang.

But Roush hasn't been sitting idly by. It's answer to hottest factory options from Ford comes in the form of the 2012 Stage 3 Mustang. Offering up 540 supercharged horsepower, a fresh look and Roush's legendary suspension tuning, the "RS3" is perhaps the company's most appealing Mustang yet. But does it still have the magic of Roush's previous pony cars?

 

I have always preferred the Roush over the Saleen, mind you I will still take a GT500 first

 

Not a bad looking ride at all! Makes some sweet hp too.

 

A lot of the tuner Mustangs are over done to the point of being gaudy, but that one looks pretty clean. I wouldn't quite call it understated, but it's not fugly either.

 

^^^very well put. Personally I would lose the stripes and call it a day.

 

I've always preferred Roush as well, although at member at my golf club has a S281 Saleen and its a pretty sick ride. I've always thought Roush spent a bit more time than everyone else on handling. There's a Top Gear where they run an 07' Roush 427R against a 07' GT500 and even though the 427R had 65 less horsepower it made up for it in handling on the track and hung with the Shelby.

 

handling is of little use to me, well same for the hp tehehehe