Ford Released the 2027 Mustang RTR

The new performance vehicle features a 2.3-liter engine and drifts with a specialized braking system.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Performance Vehicles

Bold vector editorial illustration of an automotive stabilizer bar and brake caliper mechanism, depicting precision performance engineering. — Ford launched the 2027 Mustang RTR, a performance model priced at $43,695 featuring specialized drifting capabilities and a 10-speed automatic transmission. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you prefer a manual transmission for the driving experience, even if automatic options are faster?

Ford has launched the 2027 Mustang RTR, a performance model equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. The vehicle, priced at $43,695, is designed to offer specialized drifting capabilities at an accessible price point.

Why it matters

Ford omitted the manual transmission in this release because only 10% of sixth-generation Mustang buyers opted for it. The company aims to prioritize market demand by offering the vehicle with a 10-speed automatic transmission instead.

The Mustang RTR features a 2.3-liter engine delivering 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The car weighs 3,783 pounds and carries a base price of $43,695.

The players

Ford

Ford is a major American multinational automobile manufacturer that produces a wide range of cars, trucks, and performance vehicles.

The details

The vehicle integrates a second caliper on the rear rotor to assist with drifting. It also utilizes stabilizer bars and a rear subframe borrowed from the Dark Horse model to improve handling.

The Ford Focus RS exited the market in 2018.
The new Mustang RTR was released on October 7, 2026.

Roadmap

This vehicle serves as a strategic successor to high-performance compacts like the Ford Focus RS, which left the market in 2018. It signals Ford's ongoing commitment to niche performance segments while aligning with data-driven manufacturing decisions.

Buyers can expect a base MSRP of $43,695 for the new Mustang RTR. The exclusion of a manual transmission means drivers will rely exclusively on the 10-speed automatic transmission for daily operation.

The takeaway

The move reflects a broader industry trend toward automatic transmissions as consumer interest in manual shifting wanes. Prospective buyers should consider whether the specialized drifting hardware meets their specific driving needs.