2025 Mustang RTR is a Drift-Focused, Powered-Up EcoBoost Pony
A higher-performance EcoBoost is back on the Mustang menu later this year.
Ford had a surprise for the assembled guests and journalists ahead of the Detroit Auto Show. At a dedicated event within the Huntington Place halls late Thursday evening, the company debuted the first special edition of the already-quite-special Mustang GTD. We knew it was coming. What we didn't expect was another new Mustang to literally drift into the scene, one that re-introduces a high-performance four-cylinder into the mix. Say hello to the 2025 Ford Mustang RTR.
Those well-versed in modern pony car lore will recognize RTR, or Ready to Rock. It is the brand from Formula Drift driver Vaughn Gittin Jr, whose day job involves getting Mustangs very sideways. The RTR is a full collaboration between Gittin Jr and the Blue Oval—which, as the company is quick to point out, is only the second time this has happened since the original Mustang debuted.
For this new model, Ford and RTR are turning to the Mustang EcoBoost as their base. The dizzying wrap design of the debut model might hide some styling tweaks, but not all. Up front, there are large light-up portholes nestled in the grille, an RTR signature. Move to the sides and there are unique 19-inch alloy wheels framing disc brakes with acid-green calipers. A larger spoiler seemingly plucked from the Mustang GT sits atop the rear deck.
That's not all this new model has borrowed from siblings. Gittin Jr confirmed the RTR pulls bits from the Mustang Dark Horse, though didn't elaborate on exactly which.
Another bit we'll have to wait for: official power figures. Ford made a song and dance out of not announcing those improvements at the show, which suggests the RTR could be making more than the standard EcoBoost's 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.
We'll know soon enough, as the 2025 Mustang RTR will arrive later this year.
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2025 Ford Mustang RTR Prototype: All The Details
Kyle began his automotive obsession before he even started school, courtesy of a remote control Porsche and various LEGO sets. He later studied advertising and graphic design at Humber College, which led him to writing about cars (both real and digital). He is now a proud member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), where he was the Journalist of the Year runner-up for 2021.
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