Ford is giving the 2026 Mustang Ecoboost a factory performance package with bits pulled from V8 powered Mustangs.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Ford Mustang? If you’re like me, you probably thought of tire shredding V8 power. And for much of the pony car’s history, that’s been what the Mustang has been known for. Unfortunately that V8 powered image often overshadows a fact that not many like to admit: the regular Ecoboost powered Mustang is nothing to sneeze at. Even rental spec Mustangs are putting out 315 horsepower, handily matching or out-powering Mustang GTs of the past. But Ford has always shown the V8 powered Mustangs more love, from performance packages to Shelbys to the current Dark Horse. That’s changed a bit for 2026, as Ford has given the Ecoboost Mustang a new performance variant that’ll get you sideways – in a good way.

Developed in conjunction with RTR Vehicles, the Mustang RTR is basically a drift package straight from the factory. It’s also something that was needed in the lineup. Apparently, race car driver and RTR founder Vaughn Gittin Jr. approached Mustang brand manager Ryan Shaughnessy about collaborating on a factory performance tuned Mustang. Shaughnessy admits that a more affordable performance option was something that was missing from the lineup. 

“We had GT, Dark Horse, and Mustang GTD covering the higher end, but we were missing that accessible entry point for younger performance buyers.”

Well that gap has been filled. At least on the performance front. While Ford isn’t talking price of the Mustang RTR just yet, there’s a lot of goodies here. On the exterior, the changes start with the paint, which is an almost white-like hue called Avalanche Gray. Up front, where the Mustang GT’s front fascia is thrown on. This facia gets a unique grille with RTR badges and RTR lit nostrils. Along side, you’ll notice the 19-inch dark anodized wheels, matching side mirrors and Mustang badges. This same dark finish is also used on the hood, rocker and rear graphics. Around back is the rear spoiler from the Mustang GT’s performance package finished in the same dark anodized finish. An optional Hyper Lime package throws on unique decals and brake calipers that are covered in an eye catching green color.

Inside, Hyper Lime is used for the accent stitching, the e-brake lever and seat belts – which is also strange considering these colors are standard inside, but require an option package to get on the outside. If all that bright colored green is too much for you, a Black Interior pack will turn things down a bit with gray stitching. Door sill plates and a special dash plaque will remind you you’re driving something special. Another reminder will be the unique welcome and exit graphics that get played on the infotainment screen.

While that’s all well and good, the real goodies are under the skin. The Mustang RTR should impress with its handling as the adjustable strut alignment bracket, rear stabilizer bars, handling package and stiffer bushings were all lifted from the Dark Horse. The steering rack, cooling fan and the Mustang Performance Package’s 15.3-inch front brake rotors (with 6-piston calipers) are from the Mustang GT. Ford gave RTR free reign with the stability control tuning and the suspension calibration; both were specifically tuned by RTR, though it’s implied that the latter is only available on optional MagneRide dampers. 

Sadly none of this comes with any boost in power. The Mustang RTR is powered by the same 2.5-liter Ecoboost I4 with 315 and 350 lb-ft of torque. It should sound pretty great too as Ford made the active valve performance exhaust as standard. If you want more power, Ford has got you covered, you’ll just have to pay a bit more. Ford Performance has a tune that ups power to 350 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Even if you don’t go for the tune, the Ecoboost should feel more than responsive. Using tech from the race world, Ford threw in an anti-lag for improved throttle response. Don’t even be concerned about thrashing this thing around either. Ford says that the Mustang RTR is covered by a 3 year/36,300-mile warranty. There is a downside to the Mustang RTR that may piss off some. While this is being pitched as a drift friendly Mustang – one that’s so friendly Ford says it can make drifting “easier for novices” – you won’t find a manual transmission here. Despite being an enthusiasts’ package the Mustang RTR is only available with the 10-speed automatic transmission. Why would Ford do something that many in the enthusiast world would consider blasphemy? Simply put, Ford wants broader appeal. The company said as much in it’s press release:

 “We built a car to meet the vast majority of customer demand, even in this enthusiast-focused segment. We’ll continue to offer manual transmissions on Mustang GT and Mustang Dark Horse. ”

Ford isn’t talking pricing for the Mustang RTR just yet, but based on a bit of information Ford mentioned, we can guess. If you want a Mustang RTR, it doesn’t look as if you’ll be able to throw the package on a rental spec Mustang and walk away with one for under $35,000. If you go for the base Mustang, you’ll have to part with an extra $2,195 for the High Equipment Group. Including destination charges, that’ll set you back $37,600. If you go for the Mustang Ecoboost Premium, you have to choose either the standard equipment group or the $3,000 High Equipment Group for $39,035. It’ll be a shocker if the Mustang RTR comes in under $45,000. While you can probably head down to your local Ford dealer and get on a list for the Mustang RTR, it’s going to be a bit of a wait. Ford says the Mustang RTR isn’t going on sale until Summer 2026. But from the looks of things, it might be worth the wait.