The world of performance cars just got louder, bolder, and far more exciting. Ford’s latest creation—the RTR Mustang 2025—is not your average pony car. Developed in collaboration with drift legend Vaughn Gittin Jr., this model blends raw American muscle with precision engineering, making it “drift ready from day one.”
In an era when most enthusiasts spend thousands on aftermarket modifications, Ford delivers a factory-built drift machine that’s ready to dominate both the streets and the track.
The Birth of a Drift Icon
The Ford Mustang has always stood as an icon of American performance. From its first debut in 1964 to the current seventh generation, the Mustang represents power, personality, and freedom. But with the 2025 RTR Mustang, Ford is adding something completely new — a factory special designed specifically for drifting and high-performance control.
The partnership between Ford Performance and RTR Vehicles, led by Gittin Jr., is not new. RTR (which stands for “Ready to Rock”) has previously offered performance packages for Mustangs. However, the 2025 RTR is the most integrated collaboration yet, combining Ford’s advanced engineering with RTR’s motorsport expertise to create something that feels custom-built but comes straight from the factory.
Design That Screams Performance
Exterior Styling – Bold, Functional, and Aerodynamic
At first glance, the 2025 Ford RTR Mustang is unmistakably aggressive. The front fascia is redesigned with a signature RTR grille featuring integrated LED accent lighting, a feature that has become an RTR hallmark. The wide, muscular stance gives the car a planted, confident look that reflects its drifting intentions.
Aerodynamic improvements include a front splitter, rear diffuser, and functional vents designed to enhance airflow and stability. The RTR badging and custom 20-inch wheels complete the look — subtle enough for the street but sharp enough for the track.
Interior — Built for Control
Inside, the RTR Mustang’s cabin is driver-focused. Recaro performance seats provide the lateral support needed during hard cornering, while the flat-bottom steering wheel gives precise feedback. The digital instrument cluster can be customized to show real-time data such as tire temperature, drift angle, and power distribution.
Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system with voice control and Apple CarPlay ensures modern connectivity without distracting from the driving experience.
Powertrain and Performance – Built to Slide
The Heart of the Beast
Under the hood, the 2025 RTR Mustang features Ford’s legendary 5.0-liter Coyote V8, tuned for enhanced throttle response and higher torque output. While Ford has yet to confirm the final horsepower figures, expectations hover around 500+ hp, depending on the specific RTR trim.
The power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission, both optimized for fast, responsive shifts. The manual version includes rev-matching technology, a dream for drift enthusiasts.
Suspension and Handling Upgrades
This is where the RTR Mustang truly separates itself from the rest. The suspension system is fully adjustable, featuring coilovers developed by RTR in collaboration with Ford engineers. The car sits slightly lower than the standard GT model, offering improved center of gravity and better grip in corners.
The electronic stability control system has been retuned to allow for more driver control—meaning you can push the limits without losing the car. Whether you’re on a winding mountain road or a closed drift course, the RTR Mustang feels balanced, predictable, and incredibly fun.
Drifting DNA – Engineered by Vaughn Gittin Jr.
Vaughn Gittin Jr., a two-time Formula Drift Champion, has poured his racing knowledge directly into this car. Every aspect of the RTR Mustang has been tested and refined to perform in high-angle drifts while maintaining driver confidence.
From custom suspension geometry to chassis stiffening and power delivery, Gittin’s team ensured the RTR could transition smoothly, maintain consistent tire wear, and recover instantly from slides.
As Gittin Jr. himself stated, “This is a Mustang that’s as happy going sideways as it is going straight.”
Smarter Tech for a Smarter Drive
Driving Modes Tailored for Performance
The RTR Mustang offers multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Track, and Drift. The Drift Mode fine-tunes the car’s traction control, throttle mapping, and suspension settings to optimize slide control.
The system also uses sensors and algorithms to provide real-time torque vectoring, allowing power to shift seamlessly between wheels for maximum control.
Advanced Safety and Connectivity
Even though the RTR is a high-performance machine, Ford hasn’t ignored safety. It comes equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, and pre-collision assist.
For daily driving, the car remains as practical as it is exciting. You can enjoy your commute during the week — and hit the drift track on weekends.
Why the RTR Mustang Matters
The 2025 Ford RTR Mustang represents more than just another special edition — it’s a statement. It shows how carmakers can blend factory reliability with motorsport passion, delivering vehicles that feel tailor-made for enthusiasts.
For decades, drivers have turned to the aftermarket world to modify their cars for performance. Now, Ford is bringing the performance lifestyle directly to consumers, backed by a factory warranty and expert engineering.
Moreover, the RTR Mustang fits into Ford’s broader vision of “freedom of movement” — combining emotion, technology, and accessibility in one package.
Final Thoughts — The Factory Drift Revolution
With the 2025 Ford RTR Mustang, the muscle car world has entered a new era. It’s more than just horsepower and straight-line speed — it’s about precision, balance, and the joy of control.
For enthusiasts who dream of drifting but don’t want to sacrifice reliability or comfort, the RTR offers the best of both worlds. It’s proof that performance doesn’t have to be built in a garage — it can come straight from the factory.
