Ford’s seventh-generation Mustang with ICE power was revealed last fall. It is one of the most capable Mustangs in Ford’s history. Dark Horse, with its 500 horsepower and excellent track abilities, has been the center of excitement until recently. RTR Vehicles has released a special edition that is, to quote their tagline “Ready to Rock.” Vaughn Gittin Jr., Formula Drift champion and owner of RTR Vehicles, announced the release date for the 2024 Mustang RTR Spec 2. This is the first special edition announced by a tuning-car design firm. Ford dealers will offer the Spec 1 and Spec 2 package when the new Mustang arrives in showrooms during the summer of 2023.
2024 Mustang RTR Spec 2
It’s not the first time the company has entered the Mustang specialty market. Gittin is the president and founder of RTR Vehicle, which was founded in 2010. Ford Motor Company, and its hot-rod division Ford Performance, have a close relationship. Ford Motor Company and the North Carolina-based tuning firm have collaborated on high-profile projects, skunkworks builds, and major sponsorships of Ford’s Formula Drift professional teams that include four competition-ready Mustangs. Our initial impressions of the Mustang RTR Spec 2 were positive. The wheel/tire package and style updates give it a more aggressive appearance. And the suspension upgrades are extensive. You can test this car on autocross, the road course, or in any other driving environment that suits you.
2024 Mustang RTR Spec 2 Review
The seventh-generation Mustang shares a chassis with the S550, which allows aftermarket companies easy access to products. The Mustang RTR Spec 2 is equipped with RTR Tactical Performance Suspension for a more enjoyable driving experience, both on and off-track. The group did more than simply create a racier-looking stance. They also lowered the springs to achieve a lower stance. Tactical shocks, struts, and anti-sway bars are all adjustable. This allows enthusiasts to take on the canyon roads and hard turns of their favorite road courses. Gittin boasted in the press event about the tire-shredding fun of the RTR drifting heritage. He and his team were involved in the development of the electronic brake for the new Mustang.
Futures
The press release hinted that customization would go beyond the standard Spec 1 or Spec 2 packages. We will assume, as we have with previous RTRs, that there will be a future supercharged version. The Gen-4 Coyote engine is an upgrade from the Gen-3. Dark Horse has 500 hp, while the GT base model is said to have 480 hp. It’s expected that aftermarket tuning will be available soon, as the platform is based on the same ECU used in the current F-150. Recently, companies like SCT and HP Tuners unlocked the ECU to improve performance and fuel economy.
2024 Mustang RTR Spec 2 Specs
Lindsay Ross, RTR Vehicles’ lead designer, and creative Director, said: “We treated OEM sheet metal as drapery. The RTR components pushed themselves outwards through the Mustang volumes, inviting you to experience the Mustang.” When presenting the styling and performance improvements, the build team emphasized the theme of “Movement Through Space”.
RTR’s accent lighting is not the only improvement on the front fascia. The accent lighting is part of the new upper grill. This is enhanced by a lower and side grill package designed by RTR. The rearview mirror will reveal an RTR with a new undertray and a splitter that improves aerodynamics. The group did not stop at the front fascia; rocker splitters are used to enhance the side of the vehicle, which gives it a distinctive look. A new wing is added on the rear deck, as well as other accents.
Changes
The new RTR wheels look fantastic. The 20×9.5 multispoke wheels are a welcome change from black. Nitto has been a partner of RTR Vehicles for many years and is also a sponsor of the RTR Drift Team. It is therefore no surprise that these new Aero 5 wheels are fitted with Nitto G2 tires (275/35/20). The rest of the vehicle is adorned with a standard assortment of badges, graphics, and other accessories. It’s not overdone like some tuner cars on the market. The Mustang RTR is backed by a warranty of 3 years/36,000 miles.
2024 Mustang RTR Spec 2 Review
2024 Mustang RTR Spec 2 Release Date
The Spec 1 and Spec 2 upgrades will be available from the summer of 2023 when the Ford dealers begin to receive the 2024 Mustangs. Spec 2 conversions start at $12,494 over the sticker price. We look forward to the Spec 3, and other new models that will be available later this year. You can expect us to test a variety of RTR vehicles when they become available.
