Imagine a Mustang that doesn’t just roar straight, but dances like an ice skater who just discovered turbocharging. Ford has joined forces with RTR Vehicles to create the 2026 Mustang EcoBoost RTR Package—the first factory Mustang built to drift. It’s not just a car, it’s a love letter to drifters, with a little cynicism and a lot of joy. Get ready for a dance where tires are the victims and gas is your best friend.
Ford Mustang has been a legend since 1964, but this time the Blue Oval decided to do something bold. Instead of just increasing the horsepower or adding another spoiler, they called in Vaughn Gittin Jr., the king of drifting, and his team at RTR Vehicles. The result Ford Mustang EcoBoost RTR? The first factory Mustang designed for side-by-side driving without sacrificing the soul of American muscle. And yes, this is only the second time in six decades that Ford has allowed outside masters – the first being Shelby – to meddle in the Mustang's DNA.
RTR is no stranger to the sport. Since 2009, Vaughn and his team have been building Mustangs that are more works of art than cars. Their motto "Available to all, but not for everyone" says it all. This car is not for those who drive to the store and back. It's for those who see every parking lot as a potential drift arena.
A heart that beats with turbo and without delay
Under the hood of the Ford Mustang EcoBoost RTR is the familiar 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pushes out 315 hp (235 kW) and 350 lb-ft (475 Nm) of torque. It's not as much raw power as the GT or Dark Horse, but it's not about brute force. It's about precision. Ford carried over from the Le Mans-winning GT anti-lag technology that keeps the turbo on standby even when you take your foot off the gas. The result? Instant response when you decide it's time for another lap.
Power is sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission – manual lovers, unfortunately, you’ll be left empty-handed this time. But don’t cry too much; the active quad-pipe exhaust system ensures that the Mustang still roars like a true beast, even if it only has four cylinders.
Chassis: Made for dancing
RTR is not just about looks, it's about feel. Ford took the best of its powerful brothers and put them in the EcoBoost. Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers at the rear are straight from the GT's Performance Package. Dark Horse contributes front and rear stabilizer bars and a reinforced rear subframe. The steering system has been given a 72.5 mm additional stroke, which means a larger turning angle – crucial for those long, smoky drifts.
Electronic handbrake? Sure, standard. The stability control system is tuned for Track mode, where it becomes your dancing partner, not your babysitter. If you choose the optional MagneRide adaptive dampers, they get a special RTR calibration that ensures the car remains manageable even when the tires scream in pain.
A look that attracts attention and raises eyebrows
The exterior is a mix of elegance and boldness. The front grille is the same as the GT, but the RTR adds its own illuminated nostrils and darker emblems. Tarnished Dark Anodized graphics run across the hood, sides and rear quarters, giving the car a look like it just rolled out of a racing garage. 19-inch wheels with 30mm offset hide optional brakes in the Hyper Lime green color that screams: "Look at me!"
The interior continues this theme with green stitching on the steering wheel, seats and centre console. The electronic handbrake lever is powder coated, and there’s a serial plaque on the dashboard to confirm that you’re driving something special. If neon accents aren’t your thing, there’s also a Black Interior Package available with more subdued grey stitching.
Specifications that speak for themselves:
- Model: 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost RTR Package
- Engine: 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder
- Power: 315 HP (235 kW), 475 Nm (350 lb-ft)
- Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
- Brakes: Brembo, 6-piston front, 4-piston rear
- Rims: 19×9.5 inches, Tarnished Dark Anodized
- Special features: Anti-lag system, active exhaust system, electronic parking brake, optional MagneRide shock absorbers
- Top speed: Not officially listed
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h: Not officially stated (approximately 5.5 s, based on the base EcoBoost)
Ford hasn't revealed exact top speed or acceleration figures yet, but based on the base EcoBoost, we expect the car to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in around 5.5 seconds.
Price and Availability: How much for this dance?
Pricing hasn't been revealed yet, but the base EcoBoost fastback for the 2026 model year costs $34,315, the High Package adds $2,195The RTR package will only be available for fastback models – there will be no convertibles. First deliveries are scheduled for summer 2026, which means you still have some time to practice your drifting skills in the parking lot.
Conclusion: Drift or nothing
2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost RTR Package is not a car for everyone. It's for those who dream of smoke, screeching tires and completely controllable sideslips. Ford and RTR have created something that is both accessible and specialized - a rare combination in a world where performance cars are often just toys for the rich. Anti-lag technology, a tuned chassis and an electronic handbrake are proof that Ford not only listens to its fans, but also gives them what they want.
Is this Ford MustangA game-changer? Maybe. Is this the car that will turn every parking lot into a dance floor? Absolutely. Although the price is not yet known, it is clear that this Mustang will attract attention and raise the heart rate. "Available to all, but not for everyone" – and if you're one of those who understands why that's important, this car is your new best friend.
What do you think? Would you go on a drift adventure with the RTR Mustang? Share your thoughts and get ready for the summer of 2026 when this beast hits the roads!
