Right after the debut of the seventh-generation Mustang, Ford announced no less than six racecars but it appears that was not all. This year, there is another track-only surprise for fans of the pony car, in the form of the Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD, which is designed to compete at the Formula Drift Championship.
The model, developed by Ford and RTR, will be driven by two-time champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. who returns in his bucket seat after taking a year off. In a couple of official videos, the professional drifter and founder of RTR Vehicles revealed his new ride and highlighted the “electronic drift brake” that is available in the production-spec 2024 Ford Mustang.
Read: Ford CEO Asks If They Should Make A Road Version Of The 2024 Mustang GT3
Starting with the Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD, there are three examples based on the regular Mustang with a large number of modifications and custom parts so it better serves its new role. The Formula Drift racecar features a stripped-out interior and a bespoke bodykit with ultra-wide fenders, bumper extensions, and aerodynamic skirts. The light blue livery was inspired by photos from the James Webb Space Telescope and is combined with sponsor decals and lime green accents.
More important changes are hiding under the skin, with the heavily tuned engine producing more than 1,300 hp (956 kW / 1,318 PS), plus an overhauled suspension. This combo allows the Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD to move sideways for prolonged periods of time, smoking its rear tires all around the track.
The 2023 Formula Drift schedule starts on April 7-8 at Long Beach, California, but Vaugn Gittin Jr.’s return will take place on May 11-13 at Braselton, Georgia, as he will compete in select events. The model will also be driven by Chelsea DeNofa, Adam LZ, and three-time champion James Deane. The Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD might be a track-only affair, but RTR Vehicles said it will soon announce consumer vehicle packages and components for the S650 Mustang.
Electronic Drift Brake For The 2024 Mustang
All that power-sliding inspired Ford engineers to create the “Electronic Drift Brake” for the production model, working together with RTR Vehicles. Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Chelsea DeNofa can be seen collaborating with Ford to fine-tune the system
The electronic drift brake, which is optionally available as part of the Performance Pack for both the 2.3-liter EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V8 variants of the model, utilizes advanced electronics to emulate the functionality of the hydraulic drift brake on Formula Drift vehicles. Ford says it provides more than three times the braking force of a conventional mechanical parking brake system
According to Ford’s press release, “a novice can use the electronic drift brake to learn drifting and later change the system settings to use in track-only competition”. Of course, there is a note throughout the video suggesting that the system must only be used on the track. However, judging from the accidents caused by Mustang drivers, we can’t help but worry about its potential use in car meets. Hopefully, the new Mustang owners will comply with logic and safety, having fun with their muscle cars in a closed environment.
