RTR vehicles are the high-performance division of Ford just like the world-famous Shelby except that RTR has become a part of Ford in recent years only. At the moment, the RTR has custom builds for some of Ford’s lineup of cars like the Mustang, Bronco, and Ranger. Nevertheless, the Ford Mustang RTR is the mainstream model of the brand. Ford Mustang is where it all started. RTR was founded by Vaughn Jittin Jr, a professional drifter, and a Formula Drift Championship participant.
Ever since the RTR vehicles came into existence in 2009 and by 2010, RTR officially made a partnership with Ford for building track machines out of their sports-oriented vehicles line-up. Ever since the RTR vehicles became a highly renowned name in the world of drifting. The outgoing Mustang RTR is sold in three exciting specs or packages based on the overall performance. Now, Let’s check out the different nomenclature of the Mustang RTR.
What does RTR mean on a Mustang?
The term RTR means “Ready To Rock”. In car terms, RTR is the ready-to-race version of the already rapid Ford Mustang.
How much horsepower is in a Mustang RTR?
The range-topping Spec 3 Mustang produces 750 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque with the help of a Stage 1 Whipple Supercharger System.
Who started RTR Mustang?
As we mentioned earlier, the RTR Mustang was designed and developed by Vaughn Jittin Jr, a professional drifter from Baltimore, America.
4. Ford Mustang RTR G1 S197
The First ever Ford Mustang RTR was based on the 2010 Ford Mustang and was campaigned by Vaughn Jittin Jr himself in many drifting competitions around the world. The first gen Ford Mustang RTR came with a single spec which included features like the Ford Performance Shocks and Lowering Springs, Ford Performance Axle Back Exhaust, K&N High Flow Air Filter, Baer Cross Drilled and Slotted Rotors, Falken FK-452 racing tires, RTR Side Rocker Splitters, RTR Aluminum Spoiler, RTR Front Chin Assembly with Splitter & Support by Classic Design Concepts and plenty more enhancements that made the Mustang RTR a whole lot faster than the standard Ford Mustang.
3. Ford Mustang RTR G2 S197
The Ford Mustang RTR G2 S197 was another modified Mustang built to experience sheer speed and G’s. It was produced from 2013-2014. Unlike the new version, the first gen Mustang RTR came with two spec choices. Spec 1 is the mildly modified version which includes very minimal performance upgrades like the Falken FK-452 Ultra High-Performance Tires, RTR Axleback Exhaust System, and Ford Racing 1” lowered springs.
However, the real performance starts with the Spec 2 which adds Ford Racing Performance Calibration, K&N Air filter, RTR Axleback Exhaust System, RTR Tactical Performance adjustable shocks and struts, Cross Drilled and slotted rotors, RTR Rear chassis support, and much more. The RTR package is compatible with both V6 and Mustang GT models.
2. Ford Mustang RTR G3 S550
The Ford Mustang G3 S550 was the souped-up version of the redesigned 2015 Mustang that broke covers with its new menacing design and powerful engines. It was Mustang’s first huge leap in terms of performance and technology. With all the new powertrains and cutting-edge tech, RTR was able to make a serious race machine that was as fast as a Shelby GT500, the most extreme production Mustang model. Also, this was the first time they introduced a third spec into the spec sheet.
The Spec 1 was more of a gimmick with more aesthetic improvements and very less performance upgrades. Real Performance upgrades start from the Spec 2 which adds Ford Performance Power Pack 1, K&N Drop-in Filter, RTR Serialized Dash Plaque signed by Vaughn Gittin Jr, RTR Tactical Performance Front & Rear Sway Bars, Ford Performance Power Pack 1, RTR Tactical Performance Adjustable Shock/Strut, RTR Axle-Back Exhaust by Magnaflow, K&N Drop-in Filter, RTR Serialized Dash Plaque signed by Vaughn Gittin Jr, and more. You won’t necessarily have to go with Spec 3 which is more of a track car, it may not a good choice for roads. The major upgrade, however, is the Spec 3 which includes the Ford Performance supercharger boosting up the power to 700 horsepower.
1. Ford Mustang RTR G4 S550
The Ford Mustang RTR G4 S550 is the most extreme version of the RTR yet which is based on the current generation Mustang that debuted in 2018. The outgoing Mustang RTR has two new packages. One is just for design tweaks and the Spec 5 package is a major upgrade on the performance front. Besides, the other features and upgrades are similar to the previous versions.
Our recommendation, however, would be the Spec 2 which includes significant performance improvements like the RTR Tactical Performance Lowering Springs, RTR Tactical Performance Front & Rear Sway Bars, and RTR Tactical Performance Adjustable Shock/Strut. The Spec 2 will suffice your expectations unless you need a track-ready weapon like the Spec 3 with a 700 horsepower supercharged V8 underneath or the Spec 5 with a 750 horsepower supercharged V8 unit.
