A sideways ready pony
For years, Ford’s Mustang lineup has had a clear hierarchy: V8s get the glory, while the EcoBoost models are left holding the participation trophy. The 2026 Mustang RTR flips that dynamic on its head. Developed with drift legend Vaughn Gittin Jr., this new factory-built RTR (short for “Ready to Rock”) is designed not for the track-day elite but for everyday drivers who want to get sideways without spending a fortune.
This isn’t some pricey limited-edition garage queen. Ford says it built the RTR as an accessible entry point for younger performance buyers — a car that trades top-speed bragging rights for tire-shredding fun.
A drift car you can actually buy
At the heart of the Mustang RTR is Ford’s familiar 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost inline-four. It’s the same engine found in the base Mustang, putting out 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, but Ford Performance will sell you a plug-and-play tune that bumps those figures to 350 hp and 400 lb-ft — all while keeping your warranty intact. An anti-lag system, borrowed from Ford’s racing programs, keeps the turbo spooled up and power ready at a moment’s notice.
Ford
There’s no manual transmission option, since Ford dropped the stick shift from EcoBoost models back in 2024, so the RTR uses a ten-speed automatic — good news for anyone who’s never mastered the art of clutch kicks but still wants to try their hand at controlled chaos. A factory-installed electronic drift brake comes standard, allowing drivers to lock the rear wheels on demand in Track mode.
Running on borrowed tech
The real magic of the RTR lies underneath. Ford raided the parts bins of higher-end Mustangs to turn the humble EcoBoost into a drift weapon. The RTR gets Brembo brakes from the GT Performance Package, the Dark Horse’s rear subframe and stabilizer bars, and a modified steering rack with nearly three inches of extra travel for big drift angles.
Ford
Drivers can opt for adaptive MagneRide dampers with RTR-specific tuning, and Ford even developed a dedicated “Drift/Track” alignment spec that any dealer can set up. There’s also a unique Track mode designed to let the rear end slide just enough before electronic stability control quietly steps in — perfect for rookies who want to practice getting sideways without wrapping the car around a light pole.
Looks that mean business
Visually, the RTR bridges the gap between a tuner special and a factory-built performance car. It borrows the Mustang GT’s front fascia to better integrate the RTR’s signature LED “nostrils” and rides on dark-anodized 19-inch wheels.
The car is finished in Avalanche Gray, accented by bright Hyper Lime brake calipers, seatbelts, and drift brake handle — though Ford will happily sell you a more subdued setup if highlighter yellow isn’t your vibe. A raised rear wing from the GT Performance Pack rounds out the look. Inside, subtle touches hint at the car’s purpose-built attitude, with unique trim and badges reminding you this isn’t your average EcoBoost Mustang.
Final thoughts
Ford hasn’t confirmed pricing, but the RTR package will only be available on the EcoBoost High and EcoBoost Premium fastbacks. That suggests a sticker price somewhere in the $40,000 range — squarely between the base Mustang and the V8-powered GT.
That’s not exactly cheap, but it’s still far below the average new car price and well within reach of buyers who might otherwise be cross-shopping hot hatches like the Honda Civic Type R or VW Golf R. It’s also a fraction of what you’d pay for a fully built drift car, so it seems to be a win all around.
