Performance credibility, backed by lessons learned in motorsport, is core to the Mustang brand. From road courses to drag strips, Ford competes with Mustang to give customers faster, more agile, and more exciting options. The 2026 Mustang EcoBoost RTR combines lessons learned through championship campaigns in Formula Drift with high-performance parts from the Mustang Dark Horse.
“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. “We succeeded. This is Formula Drift championship-winning knowhow, 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.”
Standard factory-installed performance equipment includes the Electronic Drift Brake and the Active-Valve Performance Exhaust with four driver-selectable exhaust modes and the menacing quad-tipped rear fascia.
Brembo brakes are borrowed from Mustang GT Performance Pack with six-piston calipers in front and four-piston calipers at the back, while the front and rear sway bars and rear sub-frame are shared with Mustang Dark Horse to make the most of the Mustang EcoBoost’s near-perfect weight distribution. The goal was a stiffer, more responsive, and more accessible handling character.
The twin-scroll turbocharger in Mustang’s standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost already spools up quickly and its 350 pound-feet of torque. But Mustang RTR’s standard anti-lag system, based on patented tech from the Le Mans-winning Ford GT race car, makes that performance all the more accessible, sharpening the throttle response by keeping the turbocharger ready to deliver peak boost during intense driving sessions.
In addition to anti-lag, Mustang RTR features a unique tune for the stability control in Track mode, while the available MagneRide dampers receive an optimized tune, with both changes aimed at better performance while drifting. Additionally, Mustang RTR has an optimized steering gear with increased travel.
Mustang RTR is only the second time in the 60-plus-year history of Mustang that Ford has partnered with a third-party on a factory-built, high-performance model. Taken as a whole, Mustang RTR provides elevated handling and agility along with a unique driving experience relative to V8-powered Mustangs.
“’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. “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.”
Mustang RTR pairs Tarnished Dark Anodized and Hyper Lime accents inside and out with a new color, Avalanche Gray. It’s available in addition to the standard Mustang color palette for 2026.
Mustang RTR-specific exterior changes include:
- Mustang GT front fascia
- RTR signature grille LEDs
- Mustang RTR grille with RTR badge
- Tarnished Dark Anodized pony
- Tarnished Dark Anodized mirror caps
- 19x9.5-inch Tarnished Dark wheels with 30-millimeter offset
- Hyper Lime brake calipers
- RTR decklid and fender badges
- RTR Signature Tarnished Dark Anodized hood, rocker, and rear quarter graphics
- Tarnished Dark Anodized Mustang GT Performance Pack rear spoiler
Additionally, Mustang Fastbacks with the RTR Package will be available with an optional Hyper Lime Exterior Package, which replaces the black Brembo brake calipers with the available Hyper Lime calipers and adds Hyper Lime elements to the Tarnished Dark Anodized graphics for Hyper Lime gradient graphics.
The Mustang RTR cabin includes additional Hyper Lime accents on all trims, giving splashes of color to the cloth/vinyl of the base model, as well as the standard ActiveX and optional Black Onyx leather of the Mustang EcoBoost Premium.
Hyper Lime stitch is also present on the dash, center console and door pockets, while a Hyper Lime Drift Brake lever focuses the attention on Mustang’s industry-first technology.
For customers who prefer a low-key look, they can select the standard stitch on the upholstery and finish on the Drift Brake as a no-cost option. Lit RTR sill plates and a serialized RTR dash plaque are standard, too. And when opening the door or starting the engine, Mustang RTR-specific graphics, packed with neon details, play across the twin displays.
The RTR Package will be available with the Fastback body style only and on the base Mustang EcoBoost with the High package and Mustang EcoBoost Premium. Deliveries are slated to begin in summer 2026. Learn more about the 2026 Ford Mustang RTR here.
1 comment
Brian West
Can’t wait to see one in person. 3.73 or 3.55 torsen? When will we get more details on the anti lag? Looks like all the best S650 bits like the Mach I had all the best S550 pieces.
Can’t wait to see one in person. 3.73 or 3.55 torsen? When will we get more details on the anti lag? Looks like all the best S650 bits like the Mach I had all the best S550 pieces.