NEW FORD MUSTANG RTR ECOBOOST BRINGS DARK HORSE PARTS TO THE 4-CYLINDER

There’s a new, hot EcoBoost Mustang in town, and Ford chose to partner with Vaughn Gittin Jr’s RTR for the project.

Ford dropped the Performance Package for its four-cylinder turbo Mustang for 2025. That was a big bummer for anyone interested in getting all the good handling and braking goodies, but not the GT’s V8 engine. Thankfully, there’s already a replacement, and it’s a unique RTR model built in collaboration with Ford. This is the deepest RTR’s ever integrated itself with Ford before, as Ford calls it a “co-creation” and is offering it as a factory model.

Unfortunately, details are sparse to non-existent, but Ford teased a few features at its debut Thursday evening. The big one is that this RTR Mustang will feature performance parts yanked directly off the Dark Horse. Expect upgraded suspension with more serious dampers and springs, added bracing, and unique chassis/steering tuning. We can physically see the big Brembo brakes hiding behind the wheels, and the debut car is fitted with Continental SportCompact 6 summer performance tires.

Gittin Jr. let slip at the presentation that the car would have an anti-lag system and the Drift Brake, but didn’t specify a transmission. It would be a surprise if Ford fitted it with anything other than the 10-speed automatic since the manual hasn’t been offered with this generation of EcoBoost Mustang from the beginning.

The coupe’s appearance is classic RTR with the company’s signature grille treatment and logos everywhere. Since Thursday evening's reveal is still very much a preview, the whole car is wrapped in camouflage for us to wait for a full official reveal to come later with specs and features.

This RTR ‘stang will be on display at the Detroit Auto Show this month, and further details will be available at an unspecified future date.

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2025-01-10T02:23:40Z