Automotive
Ford and Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s RTR Vehicles just pulled the wraps off a new kind of Mustang fun, and it starts where you might not expect. The Mustang RTR is based on the EcoBoost, skips the manual, and still looks every bit the part with a GT face, RTR grille, and those mischievous light-up nostrils. The promise is simple. Make the most entertaining turbo Mustang yet and set it up to slide, clip apexes, and commute without drama.
Under the skin is where the story gets good. Power holds at 315 hp and 350 lb-ft from the 2.3 liter turbo four through a 10 speed automatic, but the engine gets a party trick borrowed from the Ford GT race program. An anti-lag strategy keeps the turbo spooled so power is there the instant you roll back into the throttle. On the street you will barely notice it. On an autocross, road course, or during a long, controlled slide, it is the difference between waiting a beat and feeling the car jump when you ask.
Chassis tuning was priority one, and it shows in the parts list. The RTR clears six piston Brembo front brakes cribbed from the Mustang GT Performance Package, with four piston rears to match. Front and rear sway bars, the rear subframe, and key bushings are Dark Horse spec for sharper response and better precision when you load the car mid corner or work the Electronic Drift Brake, which comes standard. Steering is retuned for cleaner feedback, optional MagneRide dampers get a fresh calibration, and Track mode stability control is reworked to let you play without crossing the line.
The look backs up the mission. A GT front fascia sets the tone, the RTR grille and nostrils add attitude, and a GT rear spoiler finishes the stance. You get RTR badges, special graphics, mirror caps, and 19 inch wheels. Lime accents show up inside on trim and, if you choose the upgrade, on the brake calipers. Illuminated RTR sill plates and a serialized dash plaque bring some exclusivity, and the digital cluster gets its own RTR graphics package.
There is purpose behind the EcoBoost choice. Dropping V8 mass off the nose helps the weight balance skew closer to neutral and makes the car more willing to change direction. Pair that with instant boost on corner exit and you get a Mustang that encourages you to toss it around and rewards clean inputs. Vaughn Gittin Jr. calls it an ultimate enthusiast experience, and you can hear the drift DNA in the way he talks about bushing stiffness, handbrake transitions, and throttle pickup.
Availability looks refreshingly simple. The 2026 Mustang RTR will be built by Ford on the same line as other Mustangs, offered on EcoBoost Premium or on the base EcoBoost with the High Equipment Group. Convertibles are out. Pricing is not final, but the team says it will be attainable for shoppers who cannot stretch to a GT, and early guidance hints that a starting price under $40,000 could be in the cards. Sales begin in summer 2026.
If you want a Mustang that looks like a GT, stops like a GT, and adds a chassis that loves to dance, this RTR hits a sweet spot. It is not a drift car, but it gives you the tools and tuning to go a little sideways on Saturday and head to work with a grin on Monday.
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Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
