Mustang RTR Spec 5 Packs More Power Than A GTD For Half Price – Deane Says It’s ‘Closest’ To His FD Car
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Formula DRIFT’s five-time champion, James Deane, declared that the newly unveiled 2026 Mustang RTR Spec 5 “has got to be the closest you can get to owning one of our drift cars.”
Since he’s referring to his full-blown, comp-spec FD car, it’s quite the statement – especially considering it’s half the price of the GTD.
Although the Spec 5 wasn’t specifically designed as a drift car, former FD champ Vaughn Gittin Jr. had a big say in the project.
Unsurprisingly, this ensured it was capable of sliding with the best of them. It’s “got full steering angle,” unlike the GTD, which Gittin says is “very limited.” He did, however, state that it’s “not a drift car, but can drift.”
The drift-ready vibes are evident throughout the build, especially considering it’s “not a drift car,” as Vaughn claims. That’s gotta come with a wink, surely?
The fender was completely redesigned to accommodate both the drift-ready low ride height and full steering lock.
This is combined with the factory Electronic Drift Brake co-developed by Gittin, Chelsea DeNofa, and Ford, owners can “initiate controlled drifts, execute smoky donuts, or rip precise J-turns with ease,” states the RTR press release.
Former RTR FD driver Chelsea DeNofa said, “Being an integral part in engineering a 100% OEM Drift Brake (handbrake) that’s available on all performance pack Mustangs was not on my Bingo card!”
(Way) more power than Ford’s $300,000 flagship
What’s craziest is that the RTR Spec 5 delivers over 870 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque from a Whipple Stage 2-blown 5.0L Coyote V8, which is significantly more power than Ford’s own $339,000 (with optional extras) 815 horsepower GTD at roughly half the price.
Considering that the Spec 5 starts at ‘just’ $159,999, which includes the base Mustang GT 401A with Performance Package, it’s actually impressive value for money in comparison. Limited to just 50 units for 2026, it’s also rarer than most supercars while delivering similar (or better) performance.
The massive 20×10.5-inch front and 20×11-inch rear RTR Aero 5 Evo forged wheels come wrapped in chonky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber (305/30/20 front, 315/30/20 rear). They’re designed to handle the car’s immense power, whether you’re carving the corners or laying down black lines. (Any guesses which we’d be doing?)
Built for multiple personalities
The Spec 5 is insanely versatile, and it’s not just capable of going sideways. Built on the latest S650 Mustang platform, it incorporates the RTR Tactical Performance Suspension System with 30-way adjustable coilovers up front, allowing owners to dial in between daily comfort and track aggression as needed.
Its stunning widebody design, with its huge flared fenders and exposed carbon fiber trailing edges, isn’t just there to drop jaws, either.
Unlike most widebody cars, which use bolt-on parts, these are fully integrated panels that flow seamlessly from the factory chassis. Thankfully, they kept the design classy by not using a massive (BGW) wing, too.
On top of that, the list of carbon fiber components is pretty much endless, and every aero element actually serves a functional purpose.
Paint options range from 20 standard and premium choices to full paint-to-sample customization for $15,000. Each car gets a serialized dash plaque personally signed by Vaughn Gittin Jr., making this a genuine piece of motorsport history.
The interior features Recaro bucket-style seats wrapped in suede and leather with RTR branding throughout, making it equally perfect for daily use and hitting the track. Thankfully, buyers have the option to choose between a six-speed manual and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
RTR’s signature intake-mounted LED lights and the RTR-tuned Borla active exhaust ensure the Spec 5 looks and sounds as aggressive as it performs. Gittin says the car is “An absolute dream turned reality.”
When a factory car earns praise from Vaughn Gittin Jr., James Deane, and Chelsea DeNofa for its drift capabilities while packing more power than Ford’s halo GTD at half the price, you know RTR has built something special.
It’s time to get saving for this ultimate street-legal RTR weapon. Although, admittedly, it might take a while…
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Bill is a writer and photographer who has been part of the Drifted team since 2015. His work extends to various print and online publications, including Wangan Warriors.
As part of the King of Nations team, he traveled extensively for several years, capturing top-tier international drift events worldwide. His hands-on experience, including rebuilding his own Nissan Silvia S15 drift car, gives him unique insights into drift car building and global drift culture.
When not behind the lens or keyboard, Bill can be found browsing classifieds for his next JDM project or shredding virtual tires on popular simulators like Assetto Corsa, CarX, and Forza.
You can learn more about Bill’s story here or follow his socials on X (formerly Twitter), Flickr, Facebook, and Instagram.
