Kia has brought several new and modified vehicles to the 2018 SEMA Show, including a few versions of its new Telluride offroader, and even one of the Kia Stinger set to be used by Queensland Police.
But of most interest are the two cars it has had customised by DUB, as well as its new Forte GT and a Red Bull drift car.
Starting with the actual production car, the Kia Forte GT is a 150kW hot liftback/compact sedan powered by a 1.6-litre turbo four, with a manual transmission available.
Into the realm of the aftermarket, Kia also revealed a lime green Forte Federation which features aggressive aerodynamic changes such as a larger spoiler, altered diffusers and lips, and even a performance exhaust by Borla.
Aftermarket magazine DUB also had a crack at a couple of Kia’s models, namely the Stinger and the K900. They’re a little more extreme In terms of styling, and performance modifications seem to have taken a back seat.
The Stinger cops a widebody with extreme rear arches, 22-inch Dropstars wheels, and carbon fibre accents to contract the brushed steel finish.
The K900 is rather blue, with air suspension and huge 24-inch TIS forged wheels. It fits the DUB aesthetic almost perfectly, but we’ll let you decide if you like it or not.
Finally, and perhaps best was left until last, is the Forte drift car built for a Kia marketing campaign, powered by a 280kW version of the Stinger’s twin-turbo V6 engine and laden in Red Bull livery.
The rear-drive drift car features a custom intake manifold, six-speed sequential transmission, quick change rear differential and a hybrid drift/grip suspension.
It’s even got a hydraulic handbrake and a roll cage. We want one.
In a breathtaking piece of irony, Volkswagen Australia’s recent ‘Too powerful for TV’ ads depicting its updated Amarok V6 have been banned from TV, after the body charged with processing advertising complaints, Ad Standards, deemed it “unsafe”.
The TV and digital ad uses models and graphics to mock up various scenes of the Amarok overtaking other vehicles, in a cleverly alternative piece of content designed to not attract the ire of the notoriously sensitive Ad Standards board.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work, with several complaints filed with the board. A single complaint can see an ad pulled from broadcast.
One complaint to the board, for example, suggested the ad “could encourage dangerous overtaking actions,” while another suggested that it was “irresponsible advertising taken by Volkswagen.”
The one scene that appears to have sparked all the outrage is a depiction of a model Amarok passing a pair of model road trains. Ad Standards said the scene – made with models – depicts “driving which is reckless and would breach road rules.”
The Amarok V6 has been recently updated, with the brand pushing its maximum torque figure of 580Nm from its 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 engine as an advertising tagline. There is a power war of sorts amongst various dual-cab ute competitors that includes Ford’s 500Nm Ranger Raptor and the incoming Mercedes-Benz V6-powered X-Class, which boasts 550Nm.
Volkswagen has agreed to pull the ad – which has won plaudits from the TV industry – but has pointed out the ad features a “fictitious” ad director who has an unrealistic vision of the “world’s most impressive car advertisement”.
“We respect the findings of Ad Standards and of course will adhere to them; but, as the original ad shows, we are acutely aware of the many number of restrictions placed on car advertising in this country, and have several edits of the ad,” VW Australia spokesperson Kurt McGuiness told WhichCar.
“Of course, the irony of having the ban placed on the commercial and winning ‘Ad of the Month’ on an advertising industry publication on the same day was not lost on us.”
Ford has revealed the next of its GT supercars, the 2019 Ford GT Carbon Series.
With more ‘visible’ carbon fibre than any previous model, Ford says its use of the material has saved roughly 18kg compared to a standard GT, leaving 1367kg of GT remaining.
According to The Blue Oval, the weight saving comes primarily thanks to “carbon fibre wheels, a titanium exhaust, titanium wheel nuts and a lightweight polycarbonate rear hatch, with additional venting.”
Air conditioning and an infotainment system are still present, but engineers reportedly ‘drew the line’ at cupholders and storage space in the driver’s seat. No tall lattes in the GT.
Performance is scarcely mentioned by Ford in its announcement of the Carbon Edition, as the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 retains its 482kW output.
On the GT Carbon’s rather distinctive bodywork, the two main stripes are exposed carbon fibre, while silver, orange, red, or blue accents can be found down the centre, on mirror caps, and brake callipers.
Ford Performance marketing manager Lance Mosley says the GT Carbon is “just another example of how [Ford] listens to customers.”
“While the Ford GT Competition model appeals to hardcore racing enthusiasts, we found more customers asking for more exposed carbon fibre with the air conditioning and radio still intact. So we developed the Carbon Series to satisfy that need, while providing a distinct look.”
Ford estimates one will be built per week at most, and says that “approved customer applicants can order the Ford GT Carbon Series now.”
The final application process for “select global markets” opens on November 8, though it’s unclear if this special edition GT will follow the same contractual obligations from buyers to retain a car for 2 years before selling on.
CHEVROLET’S eCOPO Camaro concept is a weird and wonderful contradiction, blending old and new technologies in the dead-eyed pursuit of straight-line performance.
It represents a new generation for the iconic high-performance COPO Camaros, making the transition from combustion to electric power.
Thrusting the drag-special down the track is a pair of two BorgWarner electric motors joined together to make a single unit producing “the equivalent of more than” 521kW and 813Nm.
While testing of the concept is ongoing, Chevrolet estimates it’ll be able to achieve quarter-mile times in the nine-second range, doing so with a combination of technology developed decades apart.
The transmission is an old school Turbo 400 automatic, while the solid rear axle is lifted from the ‘regular’ COPO Camaro.
Chevy has refrained from listing what the kWh capacity is of the batteries which power the eCOPO, only that they are capable of 800-volts.
This indicates the eCOPO is able to discharge large amounts of energy in short bursts – perfect for drag racing – as well as using high voltage fast charging systems.
Chevrolet says the electric motor fitted to the eCOPO uses the same bellhouse mounting pattern and crankshaft flange as an LS V8. What this means, is the electric unit could be mated with any of the Chevrolet Performance transmissions offered by the company.
That’s handy, particularly with Chevrolet hinting that they could start offering electric crate motors in the future.
“The possibilities are intriguing and suggest a whole new world for racers,” said Russ O’Blenes, head of performance parts at GM.
“The eCOPO project points to a future that could include electric crate motors for racing, or even your street rod. We’re not there yet, but it’s something we’re exploring.”
Is this the future of the LS swap? Let us know in the comments.
Mopar has announced a massive 7.0-litre supercharged Hemi V8 crate engine at the 2018 SEMA Show, calling it the ‘Hellephant’.
The 746kW/1288Nm V8 made its debut under the bonnet of the Dodge ‘Super Charger’ concept car, a 1968 Charger modified by FCA’s Product Design Office.
The engine, which Mopar says is essentially ‘plug-and-play’, is an all-aluminium block, derived from those used in Mopar’s Dodge Challenger drag racers and reconfigured for the road.
Head of passenger car brands at FCA North America, Steve Beahm, says the Hellephant is “a plug-and-play package that is unique in the industry.”
“Our enthusiasts crave power and performance and our new ‘Hellephant’ Mopar Crate Hemi engine and kit deliver huge horsepower and torque,” Beahm says.
“The 1968 Dodge Charger is one of the hottest classic cars, which is why we decided to use it as a starting point for the ‘Super Charger’ Concept. It’s an amazing vehicle and a great showcase for our ‘Hellephant’ engine.”
The Super Charger itself puts that 746kW to the ground through an unmodified six-speed Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat transmission, though there are no guesses as to how quick it would be.
Its design was taken in a ‘cleaner and more streamlined’ direction, Mopar says, with FCA’s designers removing aspects such as the door handles, and even fixing the headlights in place behind the grille rather than keeping the moveable ‘hidden’ headlights.
Mopar says its design has to be “adapted” when it came to the engine bay and surrounds to accommodate the Hellephant.
The Hellephant will be available in the US from early 2019, though Australian availability isn’t confirmed, nor it expected to be officially any time soon.
Beleaguered brand Holden has been thrown a potential lifeline from its Detroit head office, with access granted to General Motor’s entire future product line-up.
It might pave the way for the return of a rear-wheel-drive sedan… which could even be powered by a V8 engine.
Sales success with the Opel-sourced ZB Commodore has thus far eluded Holden, despite it leading the shrinking large car category with around 670 sales a month.
To give that a little perspective, the medium-sized Toyota Camry sedan – which shares a similar tale to Holden’s switch from local to overseas manufacture – notches nearly twice as many registrations per month as the Commodore.
And, aside from the promising new Acadia, Holden’s product cupboard is looking a bit thin, with the recent demise of the Barina, the soft performance of the vital Equinox mid-sized SUV and the surprising inability of the entirely decent Colorado dual-cab to take on Toyota’s incumbent HiLux and Ford’s dominant Ranger.
But the recent appointment of former Toyota Australia industry stalwart David Buttner – coaxed out of retirement to help Holden – is already netting results, with Mr Buttner reportedly securing an undertaking from Holden’s parent company General Motors that it will widen its consideration of potential right-hand-drive projects going forward.
This is a key victory for Holden, which has been forced to watch GM divest itself of many of its poor-performing outposts, including Opel in Germany and Vauxhall in the UK, as the American giant focuses on growing its market share China and the US.
And while the near future will see the company concentrate on the future of products like the next-generation Colorado (heavily tipped to be sourced from the US, with Australian design influence) and convincing the Americans that the handsome Chevrolet Blazer SUV would be a much more endearing mid-sized competitor than the bland Equinox, there is strong potential for the return of a perennial favourite – if the numbers stack up.
GM’s Cadillac brand has long been touted as a potential addition to the local Holden roster, and the addition of the Chevrolet-badged Camaro to the local mix (albeit in limited numbers and as a right hand conversion job) shows that Holden is still toying with the notion of adding other GM badges to Holden dealer lots.
As well, the sale of Opel – the source of the current ZB Commodore – to Peugeot-Citroen last year, could see a particular set of circumstances play out that could potentially see the return of the rear-wheel-drive large sedan to Aussie roads.
The Cadillac CT6 is a large rear-wheel-drive sedan that’s based on an older GM platform, which is set to be replaced in 2020 by a more flexible architecture. That means GM can still offer its markets around the world a large, rear-wheel-drive sedan that fits under its new strategy of minimising complexity across its brands.
And it would be a relatively easy job to spec a Holden Commodore – or indeed an Aussie-fied Cadillac CT6 – with GM’s latest 4.2-litre twin-turbo V8 for right-hand-drive consumption, along with an array of turbocharged six-cylinder motors beneath it.
And despite softening demand among private buyers for such a car, consider the fact that there are still a number of markets for it. Limo companies, emergency services and rental fleets, for example, all need a passenger vehicle that can carry five people and luggage over long distances in relative safety. NSW police forces have even been forced to look at premium BMW 5 Series diesel sedans as replacement Highway Patrol vehicles.
No one at Holden, of course, will confirm nor deny future product plans, and there’s also the matter of GM’s performance twins, the Corvette and Camaro, to consider as potential spoilers to a Commodore rear-drive revival.
But with the keys to the GM kingdom now in his hand, the temptation – even as a limited run – to bring back one of the most loved cars in Australia’s history must be strong for David Buttner and his team at Holden.
Holden’s Captiva replacement has arrived to up the ante against popular seven-seaters such as the Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-9. Built by Holden’s US sister brand GMC in Tennessee, the Acadia is big and brash but has surprisingly good road manners for a large SUV. It’s also the most advanced Holden to date, with its full suite of active safety technology on display in the LTZ-V, which tops the three-variant range ahead of the LT and LT-Z.
VALUE
The Acadia LTZ-V AWD retails for $67,490 and, excluding limited edition variants, is currently the most expensive vehicle to wear a Holden badge.
The LTZ-V is also available with 2WD for $4000 less, with both versions costing $20,000 more than their entry-level LT counterpart. 2019 Acadia pricing is as follows:
- Acadia LT 2WD – $43,490
- Acadia LT AWD – $47,490
- Acadia LTZ 2WD – $53,490
- Acadia LTZ AWD – $57,490
- Acadia LTZ-V 2WD – $63,490
- Acadia LTZ-V AWD – $67,490
For a limited time Holden is offering keen drive-away pricing on all Acadia variants offering the LTZ-V for $67,990 including on-road costs. Almost everything is included in the price with options confined to accessories, and prestige paint which attracts a $550 premium.
All Acadias are powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine with nine-speed automatic transmission that, with AWD, drinks regular unleaded petrol at a rate of 9.3L/100km.
The Acadia also benefits from fixed priced scheduled servicing with 12-month or 12,000km intervals, and is covered by Holden’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty.
STANDARD FEATURES
The Acadia LTZ-V is brimming with comfort and safety features starting with the standard equipment across the range that includes:
- The latest generation MyLink infotainment viewed via an 8.0-inch touchscreen
- Android Auto/Apple Carplay
- Satellite navigation
- Rear Park Assist
- Rear View Camera
- Traffic sign recognition with intelligent speed assist
- Hitch View System
- Towing package (accessory ball mount & tow ball required)
- Keyless entry/push-button start
- Tri zone climate control
- Alloy Wheels
- LED Daytime Running Lamps
- Autonomous emergency braking with bicycle and pedestrian detection
- Forward collision alert with head-up warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lateral impact avoidance
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Following Distance Indicator
- Driver Mode Control
Add to that the comfort features found in the LTZ, including:
- Leather-appointed trim
- 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat
- 8-way power adjustable front passenger seat
- Heated front seats
- Auto-dimming interior mirror
- Chrome door handles
- Front fog lamps
- Rain sensing wipers
- Wireless phone charging (compatible devices)
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Front Park Assist
- Advanced Park Assist
Plus all these features exclusive to the LTZ-V:
- 10-way power adjustable front passenger seat
- Driver’s seat memory
- Ventilated front seats
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Dual-panel sunroof
- Bi function HID headlamps
- ‘FlexRide’ adaptive suspension
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
- All-speed autonomous emergency braking
- 360-degree camera
- Digital dashboard display
- 8-Speaker Bose Premium Audio with amplifier and subwoofer.
SIZE
The Acadia’s 4.98m length, 1.92m width and sizable 2.86m wheelbase translates to genuine three-row accommodation for up to seven adults. The middle row seats slide back and forth to provide good legroom in the third row without compromising anyone else’s comfort.
The Acadia LTZ-V stands at 1.77m high, which means good headroom in all three rows even with the panoramic sunroof.
With all seats in place the boot holds 292 litres, which expands to a capacious 1042 litres. Fold down both the third and second rows and you can store up to 2102 litres behind the front seats.
SAFETY
The Acadia takes safety features introduced to the ZB Commodore a step further with active safety and driver assistance tech designed to protect vehicle occupants as well as other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
This includes traffic sign recognition that can work with the speed limiter to automatically govern your speed to the limit when you enter a new speed zone. The system was developed by Holden engineers who tested it around Australia so the system could recognise the dozens of different speed signs posted throughout the country.
The Acadia’s autonomous emergency braking recognises cars, cyclists and pedestrians, and in the LTZ-V, works at highway and city speeds.
The LTZ-V is the only Acadia to feature adaptive cruise control, which also functions in traffic jams.
Other key safety features include rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitor, and lateral collision avoidance that steers the Acadia to the side to avoid a vehicle beside it, if it begins to stray from its lane.
The Acadia also has forward collision warning that, as well as displaying a flashing light on the windscreen and audio alarm, sends a vibration through the driver’s seat to ensure you’re well and truly alerted. The seat also vibrates if you stray into another lane.
The Acadia also has seatbelt alerts and a passenger reminder that warns you to double check that you haven’t forgotten any sleeping kids, pets or valuables before you leave the vehicle.
Crash protection includes seven airbags including driver’s knee and full-length side curtain protection that extends to the third row.
The second row has two ISOFIX child seat anchor points and there are five conventional child restraint anchors including two in the third row.
The Holden Acadia is yet to receive an ANCAP crash rating.
COMFORT
The Acadia LTZ-V’s interior is full of premium features but suffers from a lack of finesse – a common trait in many American-built cars. Apart from the leather upholstery and extra buttons it doesn’t look too different from the entry-level LT, though that can be taken as a compliment toward the LT that’s very well equipped for the price.
That said, soft-touch surfaces abound and the leather seats are very comfortable. The heated and ventilated front seats support you from each side making you feel like you could drive all day, and even the middle and third row benches feel plush.
Second row passengers get their own climate control settings with air vents in the ceiling, reading lights, a deep drawer that slides out from under the centre console and two USB sockets – all USB sockets in the Acadia are rated at 2.1 amps to allow for fast charging of larger devices such as tablets.
The third row is among the roomiest of all seven-seat SUVs and is even on par with the Kia Carnival people mover. It seats two adults with enough legroom so they’re not looking at their knees. Third row passengers also get a USB socket, reading lights and ceiling mounted air vents.
Getting in to the third row is helped by being able to slide the second-row forward, but the door opening is a little narrow meaning entry and egress can become a rather ungraceful exercise.
Storage options are extensive throughout the cabin and include door bins with a separate nook under the arm rests, and under-floor tubs in front of the second row seats.
At the time of launch the Aussie developed multi-media system was the most advanced of any GM vehicle worldwide. It’s intuitive, with sharp graphics including the reversing/360-degree camera display, and you can sync two phones at a time via Apple Carplay or Android Auto.
The LTZ-V also has a digital gauge display that looks good, but it simply displays analogue-like gauges and a multi-function display with no alternative functions as with systems such as Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit.
Road noise is well contained and the ride comfort feels silky even on the 20-inch wheels, thanks to the adaptive dampers.
Speaking of wheels, our one major bugbear with the Acadia is access to the spare wheel, which is hidden under the boot floor and another layer which makes it difficult to find, let alone remove even after you’ve removed all your cargo and folded away the third row seats.
ON THE ROAD
Despite its American truck looks and 2032kg kerb weight, the Acadia LTZ-V has car-like handling that benefits from its ‘Flexride’ adaptive suspension and an extensive local tuning program to make it more comparable with Aussie roads.
One of Holden’s engineers told WhichCar he reckons they’ve got the LTZ-V to feel like the VF Holden Caprice luxury sedan and once behind the wheel we realised he was actually serious.
The Acadia’s ride feels soft and loping, but well composed, while switching the Sport driving mode stiffens the adaptive dampers, as well as adapting the gear ratios, steering and traction, resulting in precise and composed cornering with surprisingly little body roll even when sitting in the third row.
The AWD system comes with five selectable drive modes: 2×4 to help save fuel, 4×4, Sport, Off-Road and Trailer/Tow, but unfortunately there is no Custom mode to allow you to mix and match sport and comfort settings.
The Acadia shares the same 3.6-litre V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission as the Commodore, though in a slightly less powerful tune that offers up to 231kW and 367Nm. With all the extra gear, the LTZ-V AWD is the only Acadia variant to exceed two tonnes, but that doesn’t seem to bother the V6, which hauls the heft well and offers a nice rumbling sound to go with its macho American looks.
It’s enjoyable to drive, but there’s no opportunity to engage more with no manual shifting option via the gear shifter or steering wheel paddles, though there is toggle switch that lets you select lower gears when towing.
The Acadia will tow up to 2000kg and the Trailer/Tow drive setting changes the auto transmission’s shift patterns to provide more torque or traction when needed. All Acadia’s also come standard with a tow bar to attach a tow ball mount, and there’s also a hitch view system that lets you line up the tow ball and trailer via the reversing camera display.
THE VERDICT
Holden wants its new flagship to be seen as the family tourer reimagined and in many ways it appears to have succeeded. It has an attractively butch aesthetic that’s missing from the ZB Commodore, while almost matching the big sedan for ride comfort and handling.
In LTZ-V spec it’s every bit as comfortable as a Calais or Caprice while offering plenty more in terms of space and practicality. And it stands up well against its competitors, with plenty of features and safety tech that score points over the benchmark CX-9 Azami and make the big-selling Kluger look well past its use-by date.
MORE: Holden Acadia Range Review MORE: Holden Acadia Specs, Range & Price
Volkswagen America has announced three tuners and car modifiers will bring different variations of the 2019 VW Jetta to the SEMA Show, each drawing from different techniques and inspirations.
H&R Special Springs, Air Design USA, and Jamie Orr (a well-known modifier among VW enthusiasts) have each built Jettas to show off either their own parts, their creativity, or (as VW is keen to add) the Jetta as a base for modification.
The H&R Jetta, an R-Line, is lowered with a set of the brand’s ‘Street Performance’ coil-overs, with Rotiform BUC wheels, Pirelli P Zeroes, and upgraded brake calipers which match the Habanero Orange bodywork.
Air Design’s SEL-trimmed Jetta takes a more retro look, with DTM-inspired Hockenheim wheels, tri-colour graphics, roof bars, and a bicycle rack. Eibach lowering springs give it the more aggressive stance.
PR and social media manager for Air Design Mariana Lopez says the Jetta was styled to reflect Air Design’s history with the Jetta.
“Air Design’s first styling kits were developed for the Jetta Mark 2 and Jetta Mark 3 and have been part of the Volkswagen Euro-tuning cult, with a legion of dedicated fans throughout the world,” Lopez says.
“When the Jetta A7 arrived this year, we knew we had to make sure we developed a sporty styling package to be available for our customers.”
Jamie Orr, however, took a more modern approach, in almost direct contract to his own Mk1 Golf Citi with a 3.6-litre VR6 under the hood.
“I’ve been a longtime fan of the Volkswagen Jetta, and have owned many, from the first generation onward,” says Orr.
“This latest iteration has some really interesting and exciting design elements, which I was thrilled to try to highlight through this project.”
20-inch Work Emotion T5R 2P wheels, KW Clubsport coil-overs, and a lot of camber make the car look more ‘show car’ than ‘tuner’, but there’s always interest in that.
As far as Volkswagen’s information on the three cars goes, none have had any major mechanical modification.
Jaguar is saying happy 70th birthday to the iconic XK 120 sportster with a special edition of its F-Type two seater sportscar, which adds a bespoke interior, customised exterior and a dusting of extra technology.
Priced from $139,650, the most affordable F-Type Chequered Flag Coupe is based on the 2.0-litre turbo R-Dynamic Coupe but is also available with the classic fabric folding roof for $156,850, representing a premium of between $23,300 and $24,800 more than regular F-Type variants.
The extra cash however, brings a number of upgrades. Inside, plush Windsor leather upholstery with contrasting stitching in either red of ‘cirrus’ envelopes the cabin, along with embossed headrests, a dark brushed aluminium centre console and a red leather 12 o’clock marker for the steering wheel.
On the outside the Chequered Flag has an Exterior Black Design Pack, which is optional on other variants and adds gloss black trims including the sills to ‘subtly increase visual width’ along with 20-inch gloss black wheels.
For the coupe, a black roof shadows out the standard body colour, while both coupe and convertible get more Chequered Flag branding on the tread plates at each door.
There’s also a lift in connectivity technology with smartphone mirroring joining the F-Type range for the first time, allowing occupants to connect Android Auto or Apple CarPlay compatible devices.
Customers are offered the special in a choice of Caldera Red, Fuji White or Carpathian Grey paint finishes.
With a larger budget and hunger for more power, both convertible and tin-top versions of the special edition are also on offer with a choice of 250kW or 280kW supercharged V6 petrol engines, the latter of which can be paired to a four-wheel drive transmission. All others are exclusively rear-wheel drive.
An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard in all cases and a manual gearbox is only an option if stepping outside the latest special edition range.
PRICING
Jaguar has not specified how many examples the limited edition will be limited to, or how many will be on offer to Australian customers, but all are available to order now.
Coupe Jaguar F-Type Chequered Flag 4-cylinder 221kW – $139,650 Jaguar F-Type Chequered Flag V6 250kW – $158,050 Jaguar F-Type Chequered Flag V6 280kW RWD – $180,450 Jaguar F-Type Chequered Flag V6 280kW AWD $196,250
Convertible Jaguar F-Type Chequered Flag 4-cylinder 221kW – $156,850 Jaguar F-Type Chequered Flag V6 250kW – $175,250 Jaguar F-Type Chequered Flag V6 280kW RWD – $197,650 Jaguar F-Type Chequered Flag V6 280kW AWD – $213,450
Ford and RTR Vehicles have announced a new RTR pack for the new Ford Mustang.
What’s officially known as the ‘Series 1 Mustang RTR Powered by Ford Performance’ is a collection of RTR style modifications on a base of a Performance Package 1-equipped Mustang.
The pack is available on both GT and EcoBoost models, but only 500 are to be sold. It won’t unfortunately, be available in Australia.
While the Performance Package includes 19-inch aluminium wheels, 6-pot Brembos, and a Torsen LSD, the RTR pack is essentially a style pack.
A staggered tyre set (19×9.5-inch front and 19×10 rear), RTR Gurney flap, RTR grill with lights and aero adjustments, plus interior trim upgrades are the main changes.
Vaughn Gittin Jr, president and self-proclaimed ‘chief fun-haver’ of RTR Vehicles, says the combination of Ford’s Performance Package upgrades and the RTR style makes Mustang ownership even more fun.
“Our goal was to take the driving and owner experience of the iconic Ford Mustang to the next level,” says Gittin,
“This collaboration has created a Mustang that offers smile-inducing street driving, diverse capability on the track and a very distinctive owner experience for those looking to stand out from the crowd.”
Ford’s director of vehicle personalization Eric Cin says the collaboration with Gittin and RTR has helped Ford make the Mustang even more desirable.
“Vaughn is a great partner, bringing a new flare for Mustang to younger audiences through drifting and other exciting performance fueled fun – we can’t wait to see what he’ll do with this car.”
The RTR pack will be installed at dealers on Performance Package Mustangs until the run of 500 units has ended.
