Ford reveals factory-built Mustang RTR
Anti-lag tech, Dark Horse suspension bits and drift brake for Ford-produced, Ecoboost-powered RTR - jealous?
Ford no longer offers the Mustang Ecoboost in the UK because few sold when it was originally offered. But Ford has continued developing the 2.3-litre unit for its domestic market and is now launching an option pack designed and engineered by Vaughn Gittin’s RTR. With the high-end Mustang customer catered for with cars like the Dark Horse, GTD, and RTR’s Spec builds for the V8, the aim with this four-cylinder RTR was to create ‘the answer for younger buyers seeking a performance-focused Mustang.’ Good news indeed - when did you last hear of a manufacturer doing anything interesting for the kids?
There’s far more to “the most badass Mustang yet” (Vaughn Gittin’s words, not ours) than just Hyper Lime accents and new Avalanche Grey paint, too. It’s been designed to skid better, basically, which again sounds like a cause to wholeheartedly get behind. It means the RTR gets the Dark Horse’s rear subframe with stiffer bushes, which will help confidence in the driven (smoky) axle; there’s also the DH’s adjustable top mounts to dial in camber as required, and customers will be provided with optimised alignment settings for drift and circuit use to take full advantage.
The anti-roll bars from the 5.0 flagship also feature on this 2.3, which should again benefit handling stability and feel. And get this: there’s more travel in the steering, 72.5mm in fact, thanks to including the Mustang GT’s steering rack angle, to presumably help when throwing lock at oversteer and hopefully prevent an ignominious spin. Because someone definitely will be filming your drift day in a Mustang RTR, and nobody wants to see fails.
While the powertrain is untouched for this package, the 2.3 rated at 315hp/350lb ft and driving through the 10-speed auto, Ford has fitted the Ecoboost RTR with an anti-lag system like that found in the old GT race car. Again, pretty cool for a warrantied option that can be ticked when ordering from the dealer. Anti-lag, as you’ll probably know from decades of rallying, improves response by keeping the turbo spooled when the throttle is lifted - very useful given the on-off nature of drift driving. And if the standard power isn’t sufficient for your planned antics, there’s a 350hp/400lb ft “super noticeable” (Vaughn again) upgrade on offer that also keeps the warranty. A valved exhaust is standard fit.
For those starting out on their sideways story, RTR has developed a specific Track setting for the stability control that permits a bit more lateral leeway before straightening up. The GT Performance Pack’s Brembo brakes are also part of this Ecoboost glow-up, and the Magneride dampers are optional. There’s plenty to support the claim of this being the “most exciting, fun-to-drive turbocharged Mustang ever.”
Moreover, the RTR looks cool, and that has to help if you want kids to buy it. As well as the new paint and green highlights, the 19-inch wheels get a 30mm offset to fill the arches out more convincingly, the rear wing from the GT PP is included, there are RTR badges throughout and the signature illuminated nostrils will announce its special status even when not going sideways.
A pretty big deal for the humble turbo Mustang, then. This RTR package is, in fact, only the second time in the long history of the ‘Stang that Ford has partnered with a third party to create something that can be ordered from the factory. It seems unlikely to be the last - imagine a drift-spec V8 - but nothing more is in the pipeline for now. Laurie Transou, Mustang Chief Program Engineer, said: “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.”?
Orders in the US will open in the spring, ahead of summer deliveries, with prices coming soon. Given the chronic lack of coupe choice in the UK, and the fondness for the Mustang here, perhaps the RTR could be the upgrade to bring the EcoBoost back. Especially with the GT now a £60k prospect, and the Focus ST gone - maybe this is the future of vaguely affordable fast Fords. Stranger things have happened…
Not sure all this 'kids' nonsense, still an expensive motor surely and those that can will still get the V8
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