The Spec 3 struggled with traction and launch performance compared with the Spec 5, posting a 0–60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a 12.3-second quarter-mile at 124.3 mph in test runs.
The Spec 3 is down 50 hp and 35 lb-ft relative to the Spec 5 and arrived on narrower Nitto tires despite sharing suspension hardware, requiring low launch rpm, careful clutch release, and throttle feathering to avoid vaporizing the rear tires. Full throttle in first or early second commonly broke traction, though a no-lift shift into third could be used once the car was up to speed.
The Spec 3 also proved lively in turn-in and prone to abrupt oversteer under trail-braking, reflecting a drift-oriented setup that demands precise inputs. By contrast the Spec 5, which ran on wider Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and which testers suspect had different suspension calibration, managed 0–60 in 3.9 seconds and an 11.8-second quarter-mile at 126.6 mph; testers noted suspension or tire changes could likely improve Spec 3 results but evaluated cars as delivered.
This report is based on information originally published by MotorTrend.
Read the full article at MotorTrend.
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