Factory built Ford Mustang RTR transforms EcoBoost into track ready drift machine
Published on Oct 16, 2025 at 4:20 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Oct 16, 2025 at 5:35 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The factory-built Ford Mustang RTR for 2026 has transformed the EcoBoost muscle car into a true drift machine.
While other muscle cars have disappeared or gone electric, Ford has kept its own going.
Given the name ‘Ready to Rock’, the new Ford Mustang RTR comes with significant mechanical upgrades.
The result? A track-ready muscle car that’s built for drifting.
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The Ford Mustang RTR for 2026 kicks things up a notch
Ford produced this track-ready beast for a very specific purpose.
“Our mission was simple: produce the most exciting, fun-to-drive turbocharged Mustang ever,” Mustang’s Chief Program Engineer Laurie Transou said.
That certainly looks to have been the case with this muscle car.
It also represents just the second time in the car’s history that Ford has developed a factory high-performance model with another partner.
One of its other aims is to bridge the gap between daily drivers and track-ready fun.
It looks just as mean as other Mustangs, with an added presence from the RTR nostrils.
Tarnished Dark Anodized mirror caps add more menace, as do the new wheels and various pony badges.
There is also the Hyper Lime Appearance Package, providing matching calipers and new external graphics.
What you will find under the hood
Under the hood is the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine.
The engine still makes the standard 315hp and 350lb-ft of torque, but it now has the RTR anti-lag system.
Based on GT race car technology, it provides a bit more of a kick to the car, even with the standard engine.
New adjustable strut brackets, front and rear stabilizer bars are on the car.
It also has a Mustang Dark Horse subframe, and all of this has upgraded the handling.
The chassis is now much sharper in its responses, making it as good at drifting as the Fast & Furious Mazda RX-7.
The Mustang GT steering rack adds 7.5mm of travel.
That allows for more precise steering inputs, which is perfect for drifting.
All of these changes make this one of the best Mustangs to ever hit the track.
Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
