Latest RTR Mustang Is an EcoBoost With Dark Horse Parts

This isn't an aftermarket upfit, either. Ford is planning to build them at the factory.

Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1

By: Christopher Smith

Jan 9, 2025 at 9:32pm ET

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There were two Mustangs on display at Ford's media preview for the 2025 Detroit Auto Show. Joining the striped Mustang GTD Spirit of America on the floor—after doing several donuts and slow-speed drifts in the hands of Vaugh Gittin Jr.—is the new Mustang RTR. Yes, it's that RTR, but it isn't an after-sale upfit done at Gittin Jr.'s tuning company. It will be built by Ford at the Mustang plant in Michigan.

And it doesn't have a thumping V-8 under the hood. This new Mustang is an EcoBoost, one that Gittin Jr. says is "the most advanced, accessible, and fun Mustang EcoBoost possible." Or rather, it will be someday. The camo-wrapped car shown here is a prototype and as such, very little information is available. Ford says it borrows some parts from the Mustang Dark Horse. It has massive Brembo brakes. There's an anti-lag system for the turbo. And it will wear RTR-specific exterior bits like the grille.

Photos by: Ford

“If it involves driving fast or having fun, Ford is giving Mustang customers the tools to do it,” said Mustang Brand Manager Joe Bellino. “From Drift Brake to Line Lock to Mustang Unleashed and the new features coming to Mustang RTR, Ford won’t stop innovating with Mustang.”

RTR has tweaked Mustangs and worked with Ford for years. But the new RTR goes beyond a handshake and some donor cars. This time, it will be built by Ford and sold through Ford dealers as a Mustang trim. It's only the second time in the company's history that a high-performance vehicle was co-created with an outside collaborator and built in-house.

“I'm pumped to have the opportunity to create what we believe is the most exciting turbocharged Mustang ever,” said RTR President and Founder Vaughn Gittin, Jr. "This Mustang RTR is pure accessible fun, with many enhancements, including Mustang Dark Horse components, Mustang EcoBoost’s near-perfect weight distribution, and RTR’s signature styling, it’s ready for drifting, drag racing, back-road cruising, or ripping around an autocross track. The new Mustang RTR is truly ready to rock."

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Gallery: 2025 Ford Mustang RTR Prototype

Source: Ford

Ford won't yet reveal when the finished product will be revealed. But you can see the prototype on display at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show, running January 11-20.