There’s still nothing quite like the all American mystique of a Ford Mustang. For decades it’s been the best selling American sports car. Yet with the release of the 2018 Ford Mustang RTR, this piece of Americana receives some distinctly European and Asian inspired refinement.
With limited availability only at selected Ford dealers, this car is something precious. Its exterior features body stripes, LED daytime running lights, and an RTR Design Package that includes forged alloy wheels and a dash plaque signed by Formula D driver Vaugh Gittin Jr.
While Ford has remained quite tight-lipped about specifics of its Spec 1, Spec 2, and Spec 3 versions of the vehicle, we do know that the Spec 3 model will receive a ramped up 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces up to 700 hp along with a Ford Performance supercharger, intercooler, and an upgraded fuel injection system. Past RTR Mustangs also included adjustable sway bars, lowering springs, and a sports exhaust system.
The RTR models are a result of a collaboration between Ford and Gittin Jr. to produce cars with contemporary, aggressive styling and street-challenged and track-proven performance features. The lines are heavily influenced by a mix of Japanese drift culture and European sports car styling sensibilities. The top-level motorsports enthusiasm of the RTRs trickles down into more consumer-focused packages transformed by prototyping, a state-of-the-art shop, and race car assembly for the Formula Drift World Championship.
For true Mustang fans, the 2018 RTR is a model that isn’t to be missed.