Performance: 4/5

The Mustang GT3's engine is nothing short of spectacular. The Coyote V8 not only sounds magnificent but also packs a ton of power. This car is unique in its ability to steer from the rear, thanks to its impressive mid-range torque, which allows for aggressive cornering and rapid exits. However, the same torque can be a challenge on mid-to-slow corners, causing snap oversteer. Short shifting is often necessary to maintain stability.

Once the power is down, the Mustang excels on the straights, out-dragging many of its competitors. True to its American muscle heritage, the Mustang GT3 shines when it can fully stretch its legs.

Handling: 3.5/5

As expected from a front-engined GT3 car, the Mustang suffers from understeer, particularly with the default aggressive setup in ACC. Trail braking does little to help with turn-in, and the car struggles to hit apexes mid-corner. The understeer is most noticeable on entry, requiring precise steering and throttle control to mitigate its effects.

However, the Mustang GT3 excels in braking. Few cars in ACC can match its braking performance and stability, with only the BMW and Bentley coming close. This strength, combined with its ability to handle curbs, makes it well-suited for tracks like Zolder or the Nurburgring. The car's braking stability allows for later braking points and more aggressive braking zones, providing an edge in tracks that demand sharp deceleration.

Despite these strengths, the Mustang GT3 is not the most accessible car. The combination of entry understeer and exit oversteer makes it a challenging vehicle to master. This duality requires drivers to balance their approach, as the car's dynamics shift from understeer when entering a corner to oversteer when exiting. Drivers must carefully manage throttle application to avoid snap oversteer, particularly when exiting slower corners. This car demands a high level of skill and familiarity to fully exploit its potential, making it rewarding but tough for newcomers.

5 Practical Tips to Make the Mustang GT3 Faster in ACC

• Adjust Wheel Rates: Use soft front wheel rates (around 105,000 N/m) and stiff rear wheel rates (up to 165,000 N/m) to increase front grip and reduce understeer on corner entry. This setup helps in improving the car's balance and handling through turns.
• Circuit-Specific ARB Settings: For tracks with long, high-speed corners use stiffer ARBs to support the rear and add stability at the front. Adjust Traction Control and Differential Settings
• Play around with Traction Control Levels: Utilize the car's second level of traction control (TC2) to fine-tune engine power cut at the slipping threshold set by TC1. Keep TC settings between 0 and 2 in dry conditions for faster setups. Increase the preload differential and rear wing angle to add stability during acceleration.
• Gear Management: The Mustang’s gear ratios are unique, with significant torque in first gear and a noticeable drop in second gear.  
• High Rear Wing: Utilize a high rear wing setting even on tracks like Monza and Spa. This setup provides better rear stability with minimal top speed loss, making the Mustang more stable and predictable in high-speed sections.

Conclusion

The 2024 Ford Mustang GT3 is a powerful and exhilarating addition to the GT3 class in Assetto Corsa Competizione. Its impressive straight-line speed and exceptional braking capabilities make it a formidable contender on certain tracks. However, its handling quirks, particularly the pronounced understeer and tricky power delivery, require time and practice to master. For those willing to invest the effort, the Mustang GT3 offers a rewarding and thrilling driving experience.