Ford and drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. have teamed up as soon as once more to create a particular model of the Mustang made to let all of it hang around as sideways as attainable. However in accordance with Ford, this is not a high-end restricted version like earlier RTR collaborations. Quite the opposite, the 2026 Mustang RTR is designed particularly to be an “accessible entry level for youthful efficiency patrons.”
To that finish, Ford and RTR made some selections which may be stunning. Below the hood lies not the Coyote V8, however the EcoBoost turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4. Some could imagine that is the alternative of what the Mustang is all about, however giving this therapy to a extra entry-level mannequin helps maintain the worth down for these youthful efficiency patrons. The EcoBoost’s customary 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque are an amazing begin, and a Ford Efficiency Elements plug-and-play tune can enhance that to 350 hp and 400 lb-ft. That is a lot to mild up the tires, which is what drifting is all about, moderately than the quickest lap instances. Ford offers the RTR an anti-lag system to maintain the turbo spooled up and that energy on faucet. The lighter engine additionally improves dealing with, bringing the entrance/rear weight distribution to a reasonably well-balanced 54/46.
This engine alternative additionally eliminates a handbook transmission choice, which Ford faraway from Mustang EcoBoost fashions in 2024. Meaning the RTR will get a ten-speed computerized, eliminating using any drift strategies involving a clutch. Nevertheless, it does make left-foot braking a lot simpler, and permits individuals who do not know find out how to drive a handbook to get in on the enjoyable. Ford additionally mentions in passing that the Drift Brake is customary gear for the RTR. This can be a greater deal than Ford is making it out to be: a factory-equipped drift lever that may lock up the rear brakes anytime you need (so long as the automobile is in Observe mode), on a mannequin meant particularly for drifting.
Elements bin engineering at its finest
We typically have a look at elements bin engineering as a foul factor, however that is not the case with the Mustang RTR. Ford has put in a few of the finest bits of high-end fashions on this lower-spec EcoBoost to make important dealing with enhancements. The RTR will get Brembo brakes from the GT Efficiency package deal, with six-piston entrance calipers and 15.3-inch entrance rotors. It additionally will get the GT’s extra highly effective cooling fan and a modified GT steering rack with practically three inches of extra journey to carry these drift angles. The Mustang Darkish Horse donates its rear subframe, adjustable strut alignment brackets, and the entrance and rear stabilizer bars from its dealing with package deal. Ford has created a particular Drift/Observe efficiency alignment spec, which sellers can set the automobile to on the buyer’s request. MagneRide dampers are optionally available, and in addition get RTR-specific settings. A distinctive RTR-tuned Observe mode permits drivers to get sideways, however reels the automobile in earlier than it will get too far uncontrolled, giving amateurs an opportunity to get a really feel for drifting with an digital security web.
A drift automobile has to look cool, and the RTR will get a bunch of upgrades in that division as effectively. It positive aspects the nostril of a Mustang GT. This may very well be to cover the truth that it isn’t a GT, however extra more likely to higher combine the particular grill with RTR signature lit nostrils. The automobile appears white, however Ford calls the colour Avalanche Grey. Quite a few Tarnished Darkish Anodized parts praise the colour, probably the most notable of that are the 19-inch wheels. Particular graphics, mirror caps, pony badges, and a raised rear wing spoiler from the Mustang GT Efficiency Pack full the package deal. RTR likes its brilliant Hyper Lime calipers, seat belt, and Drift Brake, however they’re additionally out there in Darkish Tarnished if the brightness does not attraction to you.
Ford has not introduced pricing, however the RTR package deal will likely be out there solely for the EcoBoost Excessive Bundle and EcoBoost Premium, each within the coupe physique model solely. Including a couple of thousand to the bottom value of these would probably put this within the $35,000 to $40,000 vary. That is greater than a Toyota GR86, nevertheless it’s additionally much more automobile with much more horsepower. Whereas it isn’t chump change, it is nonetheless effectively under the $50,000 common value of a brand new automobile as of late for a potent efficiency package deal.
