The Ford Mustang team got serious to create a pair of models that take performance to another level.

The first of these two models is ultra rare, prohibitively expensive and available to only a few; while the other should be something closer to what mortals can afford and buy.

The two include the Mustang GTD Spirit of America and the Mustang RTR. Let’s take a look at both below.

Mustang GTD Spirit of America

The Mustang GTD Spirit of America builds on the ultra-rare, ultra-expensive, high-performance GTD model, which packs a V8 motor with 815 hp and 664 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s also the first car made by an American company to lap Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack in less than seven minutes. It also happens to be partly built in Canada, at Markham, Ont.- based Multimatic.

The GTD engine remains unchanged. What the Spirit of America gets over the GTD is a performance wide body design, and exposed carbon fibre aerodynamic elements, including a front splitter, rear diffuser and spoiler. The spoiler has “MUSTANG” written on the underside.

Owners can choose red or exposed carbon fibre mirror caps while red brake calipers are standard and the Mustang GTD Performance Package is also standard.

The red and blue stripes match the design elements of the vehicle used by Craig Breedlove when he became the first person to break the 500-mph and 600-mph land speed barriers.

The inside features a seat option featuring a focused, all-glass cockpit.

Ford didn’t specify how many of these will be built or how much they will cost. The standard GTD is already being built in low volume and news reporting suggests it has a price tag of $300,000 U.S.

One expects the Spirit of America would be rarer still and more expensive.

Mustang RTR

The second model we’ll highlight in this article is the Mustang RTR.

The RTR is a higher performance version of the entry-level Mustang with a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, which produces 315 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.

Ford already has a similar higher performance version of its V8-powered Mustang GT called the Dark Horse. The RTR is similar, but for the smaller engine models. It also shares performance parts with the Mustang Dark Horse.

Ford said it’s the most exciting enthusiast-focused turbocharged Mustang ever.

The model was co-created with RTR Vehicles, which is led by two-time drift champion Vaughn Gittin Jr.

It draws on the RTR team’s experience in Formula Drift championships and the 18-year partnership between Ford and Gittin.

“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, in a news release. “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.”

The RTR team previously collaborated with the Mustang folks on the drift brake that’s available on the current Mustang performance packages. Ford said the drift brake allows drivers of any level to smoke some tires or practise reverse entry cornering on the track.

“I’m pumped to have the opportunity to create what we believe is the most exciting turbocharged Mustang ever,” said Gittin, RTR Vehicles president and founder, in the release. “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.”

The Mustang RTR and Mustang GTD Spirit of America debuted at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show.

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