Ford's RTR Mustang Revives the Handbrake for Drifting Enthusiasts

Key points

• The RTR package costs $6,520 over the base EcoBoost Mustang, bringing the total price to approximately $44,860.
• It features a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
• Key hardware upgrades include a Torsen limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, a Dark Horse rear subframe, and a physical handbrake that functions as a drift brake in Track mode.
• The package adds approximately 200 pounds to the vehicle's weight and includes nearly 20% more steering angle than the standard model.
• The RTR is the first factory-built collaboration between Ford and Gittin's Ready to Rock (RTR) company, built at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan.

Background

The Mustang has been in continuous production since 1964, evolving from an affordable classic to a tech-rich performance car. Recent recalls affected 2024-2026 models due to wiring and piston defects. Ford has also teased off-road variants like the Baja, but the RTR focuses on street and drift capability.

How outlets are covering it

The Drive praises the RTR's nimble handling and the novelty of the physical handbrake, noting it feels 'right' for enthusiasts despite the weight penalty. Motor1 criticizes the package as 'mild,' arguing it lacks the power of previous performance packages and retains cheap interior plastics, though it acknowledges the fun of the drift mode. The Autopian highlights the emotional appeal of the Mustang brand and the accessibility of the RTR for first-time buyers, emphasizing the drift clinic experience with Vaughn Gittin Jr. All sources agree the car is not a serious track weapon but a fun, approachable drift platform.

Why it matters

The RTR fills a gap in the sub-$45,000 performance segment, offering a rear-wheel-drive, high-output option with drift capabilities that competitors like the Nissan Z lack. It revitalizes the base EcoBoost model, which had been seen as merely the cheapest option, by adding enthusiast-focused features without the cost of a V8 engine.

What to watch

Ford may expand the RTR package to other models or introduce further performance variants. The success of the RTR could influence future collaborations with Gittin, potentially leading to more aggressive factory-built drift or track packages. Monitoring sales data will indicate if the market accepts this 'hooning' focused approach.