Ford is Growing its Mustang Brand With Another Performance Model - See the New RTR

For the second in history, Ford will sell a Mustang that was created with the help of an outside company. The new Mustang is performance based, but keeps the EcoBoost engine.

The Ford Mustang is one of the best-known models in automotive history. It also can be one of the most powerful vehicles on the road depending on the performance package the buyer is interested in. The new Ford Mustang RTR will be a track-focused high-performance package that Mustang enthusiasts can order straight from the factory.

“From Mustang GTD to Mustang Dark Horse to the new Mustang RTR, there’s a high-performance pony for every Mustang fan and customer,” said Jim Baumbick, vice president, Ford Product Development. “The RTR team has so much passion and experience on and off the track that we’ve partnered to develop the most exciting, enthusiast focused EcoBoost Mustang ever.”

“If it involves driving fast or having fun, Ford is giving Mustang customers the tools to do it,” said Mustang Brand Manager Joe Bellino. “From Drift Brake to Line Lock to Mustang Unleashed and the new features coming to Mustang RTR, Ford won’t stop innovating with Mustang.”

Ford Mustang RTR

The Ford Mustang RTR was designed with the help of RTR Vehicles. The President and Founder of RTR is two-time drift champion, Vaughn Gittin, Jr. The Mustang RTR combines Mustang Dark Horse hardware, RTR styling, and lessons learned from multiple Formula Drift Championships to create a track- ready turbocharged-EcoBoost sports car. RTR previously helped develop Mustang’s class-exclusive available drift brake on current seventh-generation Mustang Performance Packages, which brings even more track-based performance to Mustang with options for every level of driver.

The Mustang RTR gives customers another option alongside the Mustang GT Performance Package, Mustang Dark Horse, and Mustang GTD. It brings a different look to the Mustang EcoBoost. The RTR package is recognizable by its Hyper Lime Brembo brake calipers and pedestal spoiler. The Mustang RTR preview model features a one-off body wrap inspired by naval camouflage and designed by RTR.

“I'm pumped to have the opportunity to create what we believe is the most exciting turbocharged Mustang ever,” said RTR President and Founder Vaughn Gittin, Jr. "This Mustang RTR is pure accessible fun, with many enhancements, including Mustang Dark Horse components, Mustang EcoBoost’s near-perfect weight distribution, and RTR’s signature styling, it’s ready for drifting, drag racing, back-road cruising, or ripping around an autocross track. The new Mustang RTR is truly Ready to Rock.”

Why Buy Performance Upgrades Straight from the Factory

One of the benefits of ordering the vehicle from the factory means that the buyer can add the extra options in to the purchase price and spread the cost over the life of the loan as opposed to buying the upgrades in the aftermarket and having to pay for them all at once. The upgrades should also be covered by the factory warranty. Often, modifying a vehicle voids the factory warranty, which can be an expensive mistake.  It also means that the people most familiar with building the Mustang are the ones doing the upgrades.

At this point, Ford is not indicating how much the RTR package will cost or when it will be available. The Ford Mustang RTR is on display at the Detroit Auto Show.

Ford Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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