The Ford Mustang with the EcoBoost engine now has a serious performance package available.
The automaker unveiled the 2026 Mustang RTR.
The RTR Package was created in collaboration with drift experts from RTR Vehicles. The RTR is only available on the Mustang coupe and only on the four-cylinder car.
“Ready to rock. That’s what RTR stands for, and it’s what’s driven us to develop a whole line of aftermarket Ford Mustangs and Broncos. But with Mustang RTR, we’re producing the most badass, factory-built, turbocharged Mustang ever,” said RTR Vehicles founder Vaughn Gittin Jr. in a news release “When I launched RTR in 2009 at 29, I had no plan beyond making Mustangs cool and exciting for the next generation. The 2026 Mustang RTR does just that.”
So, what’s different with the RTR over regular EcoBoost Mustangs?
The car gets a host of unique exterior and interior elements, as well as various performance upgrades.
Performance upgrades
The car uses the same 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 315 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque and 10-speed manual transmission as every Mustang EcoBoost model.
The RTR builds on that with various elements taken straight from the Mustang Dark Horse, including adjustable strut alignment brackets, the Dark Horse’s Handling Pack’s front and rear stabilizer bars, and rear subframe with stiffer rate bushings.
It also gets the Mustang GT’s steering rack angle with additional travel (up 72.5 millimetres), its 600-watt cooling fan and the GT’s Performance Package’s Brembo brakes with 15.3-inch front rotors and six-piston front calipers.
The car also gets an active valve performance exhaust with quad-tipped tailpipes and Ford’s race-derived anti-lag system for improved throttle response. The anti-lag system is intended to prep the car’s turbos so they’re ready to deliver peak boost when needed.
Furthermore, the car gets unique RTR elements, including stability control tune and specific calibration for the available MagneRide dampers.
Exterior changes
The car gets numerous visual exterior elements that make it unique from other EcoBoost cars.
These elements include:
- Mustang GT front fascia
- RTR signature lit nostrils
- Grille with Mustang and RTR badges
- Tarnished dark anodized mirror caps and pony badges
- 19-inch tarnished dark anodized wheels with 30-millimetre offset
- Optional hyper lime brake calipers
- Optional hyper lime Appearance Package with hyper lime brake calipers and hyper lime graphics
- RTR decklid and fender badges
- RTR signature tarnished dark anodized hood, rocker and rear-quarter graphics
- Mustang GT Performance Pack’s raised rear wing spoiler in tarnished dark anodized colour
- Avalanche grey paint
Unique interior elements
On the inside, the car gets the following content over the regular EcoBoost models:
- Hyper lime accent stitching on the steering wheel, seats, centre console and door inserts
- Hyper lime seatbelt standard
- Powder-coated hyper lime electric drift brake lever
- Mustang RTR serialized dash plaque
- Mustang RTR co-branded lit sill plates
- Available no-cost Black Interior Package with metal grey stitching and black seatbelt
- Unique Mustang RTR welcome/farewell splash graphics
“When we set out to develop a new kind of performance Mustang in partnership with Vaughn Gittin Jr. and RTR, our mission was simple: produce the most exciting, fun-to-drive turbocharged Mustang ever,” said Mustang chief engineer Laurie Transou in the release.
“We succeeded. This is Formula Drift championship-winning know-how, Mustang EcoBoost balance and affordability, and the race-proven performance technology from Mustang Dark Horse in a factory-built Mustang, direct from Flat Rock Assembly. With the RTR Package, this Mustang is truly ready to rock.”
As of this writing, pricing hasn’t been announced and the car is not yet listed on the Ford Canada website.
For updates, visit the Ford Canada website.
Empty Tank 
Leave a comment