2019 Ford F-150 RTR performance pickup coming soon

2019 Ford F-150 RTR performance pickup coming soon

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

RTR Vehicles, the semi-official Ford performance division founded by professional drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr., is about to expand into the pickup scene.

A year ago, RTR, which stands for “ready to rock,” rolled out the F-150 RTR concept truck at the SEMA show. It featured a number of performance upgrades, namely a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 generating over 600 horsepower.

Well, we can finally confirm that the concept is ready for production. It's coming in the first quarter of 2019, though RTR is holding back the specs until closer to the market launch.

“I am a longtime fan of the entire F Series lineup and the new F-150s are just mind-blowing on all fronts,” Gittin Jr., who recently took delivery of a Ford GT, said at the reveal of the concept. “Expanding RTR into the Ford F-150 model has been a goal since day one.”

Using the concept as a guide for what to expect on the production F-150 RTR, fans can look forward to much more than just a blown V-8.

The concept also featured a low, wide and aggressive stance thanks to specially tuned long-travel coilover suspension and off-road wheels wrapped in 33-inch Nitto Ridge Grappler tires. There was also a styling package that added RTR's signature grille and lighting package, plus a set of fender flares, custom tailgate graphics, front skid plate, and RTR badging. A leather interior and dash plaque featuring Gittin Jr.'s signature rounded out the main mods.

The good news for fans on a budget is that RTR will sell many of the F-150 RTR's parts individually. They too will be available in the first quarter of 2019.

So far Gittin Jr. and his team at RTR Vehicles have fully focused on the Ford Mustang platform. Only last month RTR showed off the 2019 Series 1 Mustang RTR.

While RTR's mods aren't as extreme as what some other performance shops offer, since they're offered as dealer-installed upgrades, in most cases you keep the factory warranty.

 

Original Article:

https://www2.motorauthority.com/news/1119907_2019-ford-f-150-rtr-performance-pickup-coming-soon

Watch The 2024 Formula Drift Season Documentary

First To Four

Mustang Owner’s Cruise 

We started the day with a Mustang cruise through some North Carolina backroads. 40 Mustang owners joined us, led by Vaughn Gittin Jr. in his 10th Anniversary Mustang RTR Spec 5, Ben Hobson in his 2024 Mustang RTR Spec 3, and even the RTR-C came on the cruise to stretch its legs on the open road.

After the cruise, everyone gathered back at the RTR Lab, where Vaughn and Ben spent time signing cars, taking photos, and connecting with fellow enthusiasts. We even captured a group photo to commemorate the experience before inviting everyone inside for a private Lab tour before the celebration officially began.

A Look Inside the Celebration

As guests entered the RTR Lab, they were greeted by an incredible display of RTR history and innovation. At the forefront was James Deane’s Championship-winning Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD, proudly positioned alongside the 2024 Formula Drift Championship trophy. Several other RTR Mustangs were also on display, including:

  • The first production Mustang RTR
  • A prototype Mustang RTR
  • RTR-X
  • Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s 2010 Championship-winning car
  • The Mustang Mach-E 1400
  • The latest RTR Mustangs, including brand-new production models and factory Mustangs
  • Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD and Ben Hobson’s new competition car

With so much history in one place, fans had the opportunity to immerse themselves in everything RTR represents—performance, passion, and innovation.

Nonstop Action & Exclusive Sneak Peek

Once inside, guests were treated to a night packed with excitement and unique experiences:

  • Photo ops with James Deane’s championship-winning Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD
  • Axe throwing competitions
  • Racing simulators for fans to test their skills
  • RTR merch available for purchase
  • A crazy cart track set up outside with Taxi Garage Crazy Carts for guests to unleash their inner racer

The night reached another level when we premiered our 2024 Formula Drift season documentary, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the trials, tribulations, and ultimate triumph of the RTR Drift Team. This documentary will officially be released on February 6, 2025—so stay tuned!

Before the screening, Vaughn Gittin Jr. gave our packed house a sneak peek at the 2025 Mustang RTR Spec 5, you can check it out HERE

A Championship Season to Remember

This season was anything but easy. From the very first round, the team faced serious adversity—James’ Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD caught fire during practice, forcing a complete rebuild before the competition even began. The challenges didn’t stop there, but through resilience, determination, and teamwork, we fought through every obstacle.

James Deane didn’t just win another championship—he made history. He is now the only driver in Formula Drift history to secure four championships, a testament to his skill, the dedication of our team, and the strength of the RTR mindset.

With 250+ guests in attendance, the RTR Lab was buzzing with energy all night. To close out the celebration, Vaughn, James, and Ben hosted a meet-and-greet and autograph session, giving fans a chance to get up close with their favorite drivers and share their excitement for what’s to come.

Looking Ahead to 2025

With the 2025 Formula Drift season on the horizon, we’re already back in the Lab, preparing for another thrilling year of competition. We want to thank every fan, partner, and team member who has supported us throughout this season—we couldn’t do it without you!

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s get ready to rock in 2025! #ReadyToRock

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