{{Infobox automobile | image = Series 1 Mustang RTR .jpg | caption = Series 1 Mustang RTR Powered by Ford Performance | name = Ford Mustang RTR | manufacturer = [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] | production = 2009–present | model_years = 2010-present | class = [[Muscle car]] | layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|FR layout]] | related = [[Ford Mustang]] | engine = 5.0L [[Ford Modular engine|"Coyote"]] [[V8]] | transmission = 6-speed [[Manual Transmission|manual]] }} '''RTR Vehicles''' is an American automotive company founded in 2009 by [[Vaughn Gittin Jr.]] involved and specializing in designing, developing, and manufacturing OEM+ performance vehicle packages for [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]’s product line, making body packages and components, primary for the [[Ford Mustang|Mustang]], [[Ford F-150|F-150]], [[Ford Ranger|Ranger]], and [[Ford Bronco|Bronco]]. '''RTR''' stands for “Ready to Rock!".

Gittin stated the purpose of launching the RTR brand in 2009 was to reinvigorate interest in the Ford Mustang for the younger generation, whose primary clientele was an aging demographic.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Drift-Ready from the Factory: Inside the Development of the 2026 Mustang RTR |url=https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/us/en/articles/2025/inside-2026-mustang-rtr-development |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=Ford From the Road |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Tom |date=Jan 13, 2026 |title=New Raptor-Infused Ford Bronco RTR Is 'Not For Everyone,' But Priced Like It Could Be |url=https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/raptor-infused-ford-bronco-rtr-001518778.html}}</ref> Noting the interest of the youth in low-displacement, high-boost [[Import scene|imports]], Gittin and Ford reasoned that the drifter's influence could help market the high-displacement Mustang in a new way.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-08-23 |title=Drift away: Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Chris Cobetto face off |url=https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/a1947876/drift-away-vaughn-gittin-jr-and-chris-cobetto-face/ |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=Autoweek |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-16 |title=Ford and Vaughn Gittin Jr. Team Up for the 2026 Mustang RTR |url=https://www.autoweek.com/news/a69036291/2026-mustang-ecoboost-rtr-package-reveal/ |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=Autoweek |language=en-US}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Mustang RTR-C === In 2009, RTR announced the launch of a collaborative limited edition of the [[Ford Mustang (fifth generation)#2010 Mustang|Ford Mustang]] entitled the Mustang RTR-C to be revealed at [[SEMA (association)|2009 SEMA Show]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=TheSpeedhunters |date=2009-11-13 |title=Car Spotlight>> Sema 09: The Mustang Rtr-c |url=https://www.speedhunters.com/2009/11/car_spotlight_gt_gt_sema_09_the_mustang_rtr_c/ |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=Speedhunters |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-06-22 |title=Vaughn Gittin’s One Off All-Carbon Mustang RTR Heads to Auction |url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/1706-vaughn-gittins-one-off-all-carbon-mustang-rtr-heads-to-auction |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=MotorTrend |language=en}}</ref> The RTR-C features an all-[[Carbon-fiber reinforced polymer|carbon fiber]] body, HRE CF40 carbon-fiber wheels, 4-piston Wilwood brakes, and 5.0L 4 valve engine with a Ford Racing Supercharger producing over 650 horsepower. The model was limited to 10 units.<ref>{{Cite web|title=RTR-C and RTR Mustang - Ready To Rock|url=https://www.motortrend.com/features/m5lp-1006-rtr-c-and-rtr-mustang-ready-to-rock|website=MotorTrend|date=2010-05-13|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en|first=Dale|last=Amy}}</ref>

=== Mustang RTR-X === In 2011, RTR Vehicles produced the Mustang RTR-X, a custom one-off [[Ford Mustang (first generation)|1969 Ford Mustang]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Finnegan |first=Mike |date=2012-03-13 |title=1969 Mustang RTR-X - Slideways |url=https://www.hotrod.com/features/hrdp-1202-1969-ford-mustang-rtr-x-slideways |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=MotorTrend |language=en}}</ref> The RTR-X features a [[Boss 302 Mustang#Second generation (2012–2013)|Boss 302R]] crate engine producing over 440 horsepower with Kinsler [[Throttle#Throttle body|individual throttle bodies]] and updated tuning.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-10-28 |title=1969 Need For Speed RTR-X Mustang - Tire Smoke At Speed |url=https://www.motortrend.com/features/mdmp-1111-1969-need-for-speed-rtr-x-mustang |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=MotorTrend |language=en}}</ref> The bodywork and track width has been heavily widened and lowered, and carbon-fiber accents have been added to both the exterior and interior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TheSpeedhunters |date=2011-12-06 |title=Car Feature>>this Is The Rtr-x |url=https://www.speedhunters.com/2011/12/car_feature_gt_gt_this_is_the_rtr_x/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=Speedhunters |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Mustang RTR === [[File:Ford Mustang RTR convertible (53931497939).jpg|thumb|Sixth-generation Ford Mustang Convertible with a dealer-installed RTR Spec 1 package]] Beginning in 2011, RTR Vehicles has produced aftermarket Mustang RTR packages, including styling elements such as signature grille lights and body kit parts, as well as tuning and chassis upgrades. These packages could be installed at select Ford dealerships, or ordered directly from RTR Vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peterson |first=Andrew |date=2010-06-11 |title=Drifter Inspired: 2011 Ford Mustang RTR Package Developed by Vaughn Gittin Jr. |url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/drifter-inspired-2011-ford-mustang-rtr-package-developed-by-vaughn-gittin-jr-3585 |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=MotorTrend |language=en}}</ref> These packages also have escalating levels of customization, ranging from Spec 1 to Spec 5. For example, the 2026 RTR Spec 5 model offers a wide-body kit, extensive modifications, and tuning, producing over 870 horsepower from a Whipple-supercharged engine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2026 Mustang RTR Spec 5 |url=https://www.rtrvehicles.com/pages/mustang-rtr-spec-5 |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=RTR Vehicles |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-09-30 |title=Is this 870bhp, $160k RTR Spec 5 a half-price Mustang GTD? |url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/modified/870bhp-160k-rtr-spec-5-a-half-price-mustang-gtd |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251127010443/https://www.topgear.com/car-news/modified/870bhp-160k-rtr-spec-5-a-half-price-mustang-gtd |archive-date=2025-11-27 |access-date=2026-01-28 |work=Top Gear |language=en}}</ref>

==== Production model ==== [[File:Ford Mustang EcoBoost RTR.jpg|thumb|2026 Ford Mustang Ecoboost RTR]] In October 2025, Ford and RTR announced an official production Ford Mustang RTR model for the [[Ford Mustang (seventh generation)|2026]] model year.<ref name=":0" /> This is the first RTR model to be offered from the Ford factory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-15 |title=Ford and RTR Announce the First-Ever Ford Mustang RTR |url=https://www.rtrvehicles.com/blogs/news/ford-and-rtr-announce-the-ford-mustang-rtr |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=RTR Vehicles |language=en}}</ref> The model features updated styling, the 2.3&nbsp;L [[Ford EcoBoost engine|EcoBoost]] turbocharged 4-cylinder, active exhaust system with quad tips, Brembo brakes from the Mustang GT's Performance Pack, and chassis parts from the Dark Horse.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost RTR Is a Four-Pot Pony That's Ready to Drift|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69046535/2026-ford-mustang-ecoboost-coupe-rtr-package-revealed/|website=Car and Driver|date=2025-10-16|access-date=2026-01-28|language=en-US}}</ref> The Mustang RTR highlights [[Drifting (motorsport)|drifting]] capabilities, featuring the "drift brake" handbrake, steering components with more travel, and the stability-control system with a special tune in Track mode.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-15 |title=Ford’s New RTR Mustang Is a Factory Special That’s Built to Slide |url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/2026-ford-mustang-rtr-first-look-review |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=MotorTrend |language=en}}</ref>

=== Bronco RTR === In January 2026, Ford and RTR announced an official production Bronco RTR model for the [[Ford Bronco#Sixth generation (U725; 2021)|2027]] model year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Born in the Desert, the Bronco RTR Is the Fun High-Speed Racer That Won’t Break the Bank |url=https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/us/en/articles/2026/2027-ford-bronco-rtr |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=Ford From the Road |language=en}}</ref> The model features updated styling, the 2.3&nbsp;L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder, 33-inch tires and lifted suspension as standard. The addition of the Sasquatch package adds 35-inch tires, upgraded Fox dampers, and a locking front differential.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-14 |title=2027 Ford Bronco RTR Will Be a More Affordable Alternative to the Widebody Bronco Raptor |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69990910/2027-ford-bronco-rtr-revealed/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=Car and Driver |language=en-US}}</ref>

== In media == The Mustang RTR appears in the video game ''[[Need for Speed: The Run]]'' as a playable car. ''[[Need for Speed: Payback]]'' and ''[[Need for Speed: Heat]]'' also features RTR parts that can be installed on the 2015 Ford Mustang GT Premium in-game.

The Mustang RTR-X appears in ''[[Need for Speed: World]]'', ''[[Shift 2: Unleashed]]'', ''[[Need for Speed: The Run]]'', and [[Need for Speed#Need for Speed: Edge (canceled)|''Need for Speed: Edge'']].

The 2018 Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5 was shown on season 3, episode 1 of ''[[The Grand Tour]]''. Co-host [[Jeremy Clarkson]] drove the Spec 5 against co-host [[Richard Hammond]] in the [[Dodge_Challenger#SRT_Demon|Dodge Challenger SRT Demon]], and co-host [[James May]] in the [[Hennessey Performance Engineering#Hennessey Exorcist|Hennessey Camaro ZL1 “Exorcist”]] in a series of challenges. The Spec 5 recording the best time on their makeshift race track and being declared the car Richard Hammond would buy of the three with his own money.

== RTR Motorsports == [[File:City-Race-Rdam-2013-DSC 0207.jpg|thumb|Gittin drifting the 2013 RTR Motorsports Mustang]] In 2013, Vaughn Gittin Jr. formally announced the launch of his own RTR Drift Team in [[Formula D|Formula Drift]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=FormulaD |date=2013-03-26 |title=Vaughn Gittin Jr. reveals the livery of the all new Monster Energy Nitto Tire 2014 Ford Mustang RTR |url=https://news.formulad.com/2013/behind-the-scenes/vaughn-gittin-jr-reveals-the-livery-of-the-all-new-monster-energy-nitto-tire-2014-ford-mustang-rtr/ |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=Formula DRIFT BLOG |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Formula DRIFT - Drivers - Vaughn Gittin Jr |url=http://formulad.com/drivers/profile/vaughn-gittin-jr.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531105813/http://formulad.com/drivers/profile/vaughn-gittin-jr.php |archive-date=2013-05-31 |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=formulad.com}}</ref> The Formula D team later expanded in 2017 to include a second driver, [[Chelsea DeNofa]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-20 |title=RTR Motorsports Goes Big: 2017 Formula Drift Team Brings On Chelsea DeNofa as Second Team Driver |url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/1703-rtr-motorsports-goes-big-2017-formula-drift-team-chelsea-denofa-driver |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=MotorTrend |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-22 |title=Chelsea DeNofa Insider: New Year, New Team |url=https://www.drivingline.com/articles/chelsea-denofa-insider-new-year-new-team/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=DrivingLine |language=en}}</ref> Gittin won the championship in [[2020 Formula D season|2020]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-24 |title=Formula Drift finished the season at Irwindale, and Vaughn Gittin Jr. was crowned the 2020 Formula Drift championship |url=https://www.drivingline.com/articles/fd-irwnidale-2020-aasbo-wins-round-7-gittin-takes-championship/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=DrivingLine |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=FormulaD |date=2020-11-23 |title=RESULTS FROM THE FINAL ROUND OF THE 2020 FORMULA DRIFT PRO CHAMPIONSHIP |url=https://news.formulad.com/2020/fd-news/results-from-the-final-round-of-the-2020-formula-drift-pro-championship/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=Formula DRIFT BLOG |language=en-US}}</ref>

With Gittin's retirement from Formula D after 2021, [[Adam LZ]] has taken his place on the RTR Motorsports team alongside DeNofa.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-10-23|title=INTERVIEW: Vaughn Gittin Jr. on stepping back from drifting|url=https://racer.com/2021/10/23/interview-vaughn-gittin-jr-on-stepping-back-from-drifting/|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230410012122/https://racer.com/2021/10/23/interview-vaughn-gittin-jr-on-stepping-back-from-drifting/|archive-date=2023-04-10|access-date=2026-01-27|work=RACER|language=en-US}}</ref> Gittin returned in part-time capacity in [[2023 Formula Drift season|2023]], and [[James Deane (drift driver)|James Deane]] was also added to the four-driver lineup.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-23 |title=James Deane Joins Team RTR |url=https://www.rtrvehicles.com/blogs/news/james-deane-joins-rtr-for-2023-formula-drift-season |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=RTR Vehicles |language=en}}</ref>

DeNofa went on to win the 2023 Formula Drift championship, and retired from the sport.<ref>{{Cite web |last=FormulaD |date=2023-10-16 |title=DENOFA CLAIMS 2023 FORMULA DRIFT PRO CHAMPIONSHIP AS NOBACK WINS ROUND 8 |url=https://news.formulad.com/2023/fd-news/denofa-claims-2023-formula-drift-pro-championship-as-noback-wins-round-8/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=Formula DRIFT BLOG |language=en-US}}</ref>

Deane continued to have two successful championship seasons in [[2024 Formula Drift season|2024]] and [[2025 Formula Drift season|2025]], with 4 wins and 2 podium finishes, and 3 wins and 3 podium finishes, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=FormulaD |date=2024-10-21 |title=JAMES DEANE WINS 2024 FORMULA DRIFT PRO CHAMPIONSHIP AND ROUND 8 IN IRWINDALE |url=https://news.formulad.com/2024/fd-news/james-deane-wins-2024-formula-drift-pro-championship-and-round-8-in-irwindale/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=Formula DRIFT BLOG |language=en-US}}</ref> Deane became the first and only four-time and five-time Formula Drift champion, and RTR Motorsports became a four-time championship team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Formula Drift Champion James Deane on Making History in a Mustang |url=https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/eur/en/articles/2025/formula-drift-champion-james-deane |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=Ford From the Road |language=en-GB}}</ref>

The team has also backed Gittin in the Ultra4 USA racing series at the [[King of the Hammers]], and in [[NASCAR Canada Series|NASCAR Canada]] from 2014 to 2015.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Vaughn Gittin jr. |url=https://centerlinewheels.com/team/vaughn-gittin-jr/ |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=Center Line Wheels |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Creason |first=Don |date=2014-08-07 |title=Vaughn Gittin Jr To Try His Hand At NASCAR This Weekend |url=https://www.fordmuscle.com/news/vaughn-gittin-jr-to-try-his-hand-at-nascar-this-weekend/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=FordMuscle |language=en-US}}</ref>

==References== [[Category:Muscle cars]] [[Category:Ford Mustang]] <references /> {{Ford Mustang}} [[Category:Automotive accessories]] [[Category:Automotive motorsports and performance companies]] [[Category:American auto racing teams]] [[Category:Auto tuning companies]] [[Category:Drifting (motorsport)]] [[Category:Auto parts suppliers of the United States]]