Ford has brought a significant surprise to the 2025 Detroit Auto Show to celebrate 60 years of Mustang heritage: the Mustang RTR Prototype. This marks only the second time in history that Ford has collaborated with another manufacturer to build a special Mustang directly on their assembly line. The first instance was the legendary partnership with Carroll Shelby, who gave us the GT350 and GT500.
This new collaboration is with RTR Vehicles, founded by two-time Formula Drift Champion Vaughn Gittin Jr., who has worked with Ford for over a decade on high-performance drift vehicles. The result is a turbocharged Mustang EcoBoost with upgraded performance, enhanced handling, and unique RTR styling.
While exact numbers for the Mustang RTR are still under wraps, Vaughn Gittin Jr. hinted that it could feature an anti-lag system. With RTR’s enhancements, expectations point toward at least 400 horsepower from this four-cylinder turbocharged setup.
The Mustang RTR stands out with its unique prototype wrap designed by Vaughn Gittin Jr. and RTR-specific styling elements. At the front, the car features RTR-specific LED daytime running lights around the grille nostrils, adding a distinct visual signature.
Underneath, the Mustang RTR borrows several components from the Mustang Dark Horse and GT models, including upgraded braking systems, suspension enhancements, and structural bracing. The car features MagneRide adaptive suspension and thicker sway bars, ensuring precise handling.
The RTR rides on 19-inch V-spoke wheels with a flat titanium gray finish, and the RTR logo embossed into the design. The wheels are paired with Continental summer tires, with 255mm widths and a 40-series sidewall at both the front and rear. Stopping power comes from six-piston Brembo calipers in a striking electric lime finish.
