2015 Ford Mustang RTR debuts at SEMA with 725hp option
Ford and Vaughn Gittin Jr. unveiled the 2015 Mustang RTR at SEMA, offering visual upgrades and a supercharged V8 with up to 725hp for enthusiasts.
The 2015 Ford Mustang RTR made its official debut at the 2014 SEMA Motor Show in Las Vegas, marking a significant collaboration between Ford Racing and Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s RTR brand. This new model was designed to appeal to Mustang enthusiasts seeking both a more aggressive appearance and enhanced performance, and it stands as one of the first factory-backed, globally available tuning packages for the sixth-generation Mustang. Sales were confirmed to begin through Ford dealers worldwide from January 2015.
2015 Ford Mustang RTR Unveiled at SEMA
Development and Collaboration
Ford’s partnership with Vaughn Gittin Jr., a well-known professional drifter and founder of the RTR brand, brought together expertise from both the OEM and motorsport worlds. The result was a Mustang that not only provided a unique look but also offered a range of factory-supported performance enhancements. The collaboration demonstrated Ford’s willingness to work with aftermarket specialists to deliver customisation options that were previously only available through independent tuners.
RTR Spec 1: Visual Overhaul for the Sixth-Gen Mustang
The RTR Spec 1 package was created for buyers who wanted a more assertive and modern look without altering the mechanical aspects of the car. The visual upgrades included a new upper grille with integrated lighting, a lower grille, chin spoiler, rear diffuser with side splitters, rear spoiler, and rocker splitters. These additions gave the Mustang a distinctive motorsport-inspired presence that differentiated it from the standard production model. The Spec 1 package was aimed at those who valued strong street presence and a unique identity.
Spec 2: Supercharged V8 and Chassis Upgrades
For those seeking more than just visual changes, the RTR Spec 2 package delivered a substantial performance boost. The highlight was a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine, which increased output to a claimed 725hp (540kW). This made the RTR Spec 2 one of the most powerful Mustangs available through official Ford channels at launch. In addition to the V8, RTR also offered performance upgrades for the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, broadening the appeal to a wider range of Mustang buyers.
The Spec 2 package included several mechanical enhancements designed to improve both power and handling. These upgrades comprised a cold air intake system, Magnaflow bespoke exhaust, adjustable dampers, lowering springs, and uprated sway bars. The combination of these elements aimed to deliver sharper handling and a more engaging driving experience, while the visual modifications from Spec 1 remained part of the package.
RTR Mustang: Availability and Market Position
Ford confirmed that the RTR packages would be available globally through its dealer network, making it the first time Mustang buyers could access a factory-backed tuning option on this scale. The RTR Mustang was positioned above the standard GT in terms of both performance and visual impact, but below the most extreme Shelby variants in Ford’s official performance hierarchy at the time of launch. This move was in response to strong international interest in the new Mustang, which had already generated high demand in Europe and the UK following its introduction.
RTR in the Broader Mustang Line-Up
The introduction of the RTR Mustang reflected Ford’s broader strategy to embrace enthusiast culture and respond to the growing demand for customisation. Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s motorsport background was evident in the car’s aggressive styling cues and performance-oriented upgrades. While the Shelby GT350 would later become the official track-focused flagship, the RTR offered a blend of street presence and power that was designed to appeal to a different segment of buyers at launch. This approach allowed Ford to cater to a wider audience, from those seeking visual distinction to those desiring significant performance enhancements.
Summary of RTR Mustang Features
| Feature | RTR Spec 1 | RTR Spec 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Upper grille with integrated lighting | Yes | Yes |
| Lower grille | Yes | Yes |
| Chin spoiler | Yes | Yes |
| Rear diffuser with side splitters | Yes | Yes |
| Rear spoiler | Yes | Yes |
| Rocker splitters | Yes | Yes |
| Supercharged 5.0-litre V8 | No | Yes (up to 725hp) |
| Cold air intake system | No | Yes |
| Lowering springs | No | Yes |
| Adjustable dampers | No | Yes |
| Uprated sway bars | No | Yes |
| Magnaflow bespoke exhaust | No | Yes |
