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In partnership with RTR, Ford set out to create the most thrilling, fun-to-drive, turbocharged Mustang ever. Hear from Ryan Shaughnessy, Mustang brand manager, and Vaughn Gittin, Jr., RTR Vehicles founder, about the inspiration and dedication behind the collaboration:
Ryan: Vaughn, the RTR Package is about to hit the streets as the first factory-built Ford Mustang RTR. Take me back to where this whole idea started for you.
Vaughn: Man, Ryan, this is such a pinch me moment that has been the dream since I launched RTR back in 2009. I was 29 years old with no real master plan except one thing: make Mustang cool and exciting for the next generation. I took Mustang drifting, went head-to-head with the cars and drivers that built the sport, and proved that a V8-powered American muscle car could throw down with the smaller and perceivably more nimble sports cars on their own turf. Now, 15-plus years later, we're showing what a factory-built, RTR-badged Mustang is all about. This is every bit as meaningful as any race I've ever won.
Ryan: And when you first came to us with this concept, I remember thinking – this is exactly the gap we need to fill in the lineup. We had GT, Dark Horse, and Mustang GTD covering the higher end, but we were missing that accessible entry point for younger performance buyers.
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Vaughn: Exactly! We also had a challenge with our RTR-built, Mustang-based “Spec” models in which our starting prices really hurt the accessibility of many to be able to get into the Mustang and RTR family. That mutual want to create better accessibility made this partnership so perfect. You guys saw the same opportunity I did.
RTR has been building a very youthful fan base since day one and this factory-built Mustang RTR is the answer for younger buyers seeking a performance-focused Mustang, it has the same goals as any V8-powered model: take the fight to the world's best sports cars, elevate the brand, and have a ton of fun doing it. When we were developing this thing together, we baked as much Fun-Haver DNA into it as we could. I am very happy to say that this Mustang RTR is the true definition of Ready to Rock. It’s so fun to do any of the many things I like to do behind the wheel including Drifting, Hitting the twisty backroads, drag racing and is just a blast to drive.
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Ryan: Let's talk about why we chose the EcoBoost platform as the foundation for the RTR Package. I know some people might have expected us to go with a V8, but the EcoBoost just made so much sense for what we were trying to achieve, didn't it?
Vaughn: One hundred percent! The Mustang EcoBoost is so underrated in my opinion, it is such a fun car.
One of the standout features that I like over the V8 is the excellent 54/46 weight distribution. The front end feels sharper and nimbler right out of the gate and the power and weight balance of the turbocharged EcoBoost engine with the 10-speed automatic transmission is enough to put a smile on any driver’s face. The base suspension characteristics were great, but we had to make the handling truly special. It needed to be stiffer, and more responsive, especially for the drift performance we wanted to ensure it had.
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Ryan: And that's where we started pulling in all those Dark Horse components. I remember when we first tested the rear subframe swap – the transformation was immediate. The whole back end just planted itself differently.
Vaughn: Oh yeah, I was pumped when the mustang engineers suggested that rear subframe; it was a game-changer. Then we grabbed the front and rear sway bars from the Dark Horse Handling Pack to control the roll even more.
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But you know what really put a smile on my face? Those adjustable strut top mounts from the Dark Horse Handling Pack. Allowing Mustang owners to adjust front camber to maximize the contact patch depending on the type of fun they are having behind the wheel is an element of being “Ready to Rock” when it comes to the chassis. I love the adjustability that allows owners to dial in their preferences.
Ryan: We spent a lot of time dialing in that unique drift-ready tune for the Track stability setting, too. It had to walk this fine line between keeping drivers safe but also letting them explore the limits and have fun.
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Vaughn: I was very excited that we could create a bespoke Track mode stability control setting that allows our owners to drive a bit more sideways before it kicks in and straightens the car out, this is huge for the amateur. I do love that we are offering the MagneRide dampers as an option with an RTR- to give customers even more dynamic chassis control! We were so thorough in making sure our owners had all the answers we also created a Drift/Track alignment spec that any Ford dealer or good alignment shop can set up. It basically optimizes the toe and camber at all four corners to maximize that contact patch.
Ryan: The Brembo brakes from the GT Performance package – six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers – those were non-negotiable for us. If we're calling this drift-ready and track-capable, it needs to stop as well as it goes.
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Vaughn: For sure. And on track, the driving experience is exactly what we wanted. The EcoBoost is already balanced and approachable, but the changes we made for RTR give it this more eager, engaging character. There's an accessibility to it that's most apparent on the skid pad. Mustang RTR makes it easier to achieve and control a slide, including that new steering gear with increased travel. We really did create the most badass turbocharged Mustang ever. Mission accomplished!
Ryan: Okay, we have to talk about the anti-lag system. When you first proposed this, I thought you were crazy. Anti-lag in a factory Mustang? Our engineering team had some serious debates about this one.
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Vaughn: I'm still kind of shocked we figured out how to get it done! I know I pushed hard for the flame-spitting setup like you see in Formula Drift or World Rally, where excess fuel and spark party in the exhaust manifold to keep the turbo spooled...
Ryan: But that's when our engineering team got creative. They said, "We already have anti-lag technology – we just need to adapt it." This was originally developed for the Le Mans-winning Ford GT race car, but Ford is all about that race-to-road tech transfer and it’s exactly what we did here.
Vaughn: That was such a Ford move – taking proven racing technology and bringing it to the people. So yeah, RTR doesn't spit flames, but it keeps the turbo spooled for quicker responses to throttle inputs. This is especially noticeable when lifting off the throttle then getting back onto it fast in drifting or on the more technical road courses and autocross. I am pumped to have this Ford-patented anti-lag system in the Mustang RTR. Such a huge move!
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Ryan: We also made sure the Drift Brake and Active-Valve Performance Exhaust came standard. No point making people option into the core features that define the RTR experience.
Vaughn: That was so important to me, too. We touched as many parts of this vehicle as we could to create a complete experience.
Ryan: Now, styling – this is another place where RTR's DNA really comes through. I love the RTR signature grille lights on the upper grille. Tell me about the teams thinking behind that design.
Vaughn: Grille lights have become synonymous with RTR. When we concepted this in 2014, we wanted an unmistakable signature that when you see those lights in your rearview mirror, you'll know exactly what's about to pass you. For this vehicle We took the Mustang GT fascia and made it unmistakably RTR. The rear wing comes from Mustang GT Performance Pack, and the mirror caps, graphics, and badging all wear that Tarnish Dark Anodized finish.
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Ryan: Another thing I love is how the optional Hyper Lime brake calipers pop behind those Tarnish Dark Anodized 19x9.5-inch RTR wheels. That 30-millimeter offset at all four corners really gives it an aggressive stance. And we're debuting Avalanche Gray as a new Mustang color with this car.
Vaughn: That color is perfect for RTR. Really shows off the body lines the graphics and the aggressive stance!
Ryan: We gave customers two interior options – the Hyper Lime accents with the Hyper Lime belts come standard or an owner can opt for a non-accented black interior. I figured some buyers would want that bold look with the Hyper Lime seat belts, stitching, and Drift Brake lever, while others might want something more understated. This mindset is brought to the exterior as well given that owners can get the standard Dark Tarnished graphics or opt for the Hyper Lime accents!
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Vaughn: Gotta make it available to all, but we understand the Hyper Lime may not be for everyone. Either way, you're getting those unique co-branded lit sill plates, serialized IP badge, and the super-sick RTR-specific welcome and departure graphics that we developed exclusively for the Mustang RTR on the 12.4-inch digital cluster and 13.2-inch touchscreen. Every time you get in, you know you're in something special.
Ryan: This will go on sale Summer 2026. We’re making it available on EcoBoost High Package and EcoBoost Premium in Fastback body style. We haven’t announced pricing yet, but the whole point was making this vehicle more accessible to younger performance enthusiasts.
Vaughn: And this is just the beginning. I'm so excited to see this Mustang RTR we have worked so hard on with Ford finally get out there – giving young and young-at-heart enthusiasts a performance model that combines RTR's DNA and love of car culture with 60-plus years of Mustang history and drive to beat the world's best sports cars. That's what it's all about.
Ryan: Here's to the next chapter of Mustang performance.
Vaughn: Let's go have some fun.
The 2026 Ford Mustang RTR will be available for fans to see at the Formula Drift Season Finale in Long Beach, California October 17-18.
