Electric Cars

RTR Vehicles, under the guidance of Vaughn Gittin Jr., has unleashed a formidable iteration of the 2026 Ford Mustang: the Mustang RTR Spec 5. This exclusive model, with only 50 units slated for production, represents the pinnacle of RTR's performance and customization expertise, blending raw power with distinctive aesthetics and track-ready engineering.

The core of the Spec 5's power lies in its supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine, which has been meticulously tuned to deliver an astonishing 870 horsepower. This immense power is complemented by RTR's Tactical Performance suspension system, featuring 30-way adjustable front coilovers and adjustable front and rear sway bars. This advanced suspension setup allows for fine-tuning of ride height and stiffness, enabling drivers to optimize the vehicle's handling characteristics for various driving preferences and conditions. To manage this power and enhance grip, each Spec 5 is equipped with 20-inch RTR forged wheels wrapped in high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires. The auditory experience is equally impressive, thanks to a specially developed Borla exhaust system that produces a signature sound unique to the RTR collaboration.

Beyond its formidable performance, the Mustang RTR Spec 5 emphasizes personalized luxury. Future owners can collaborate with RTR to craft a vehicle that reflects their individual taste. While a range of standard colors is available, RTR offers premium color choices for an additional cost, with ultra-exclusive finishes like Mystichrome commanding a higher premium. Furthermore, a 'paint-to-sample' program allows for even greater customization, ensuring each of the 50 models can be truly one-of-a-kind. RTR has already commenced deliveries, with the first unit, featuring a 'Terrain' paint finish and composite widebody kit, presented personally by Vaughn Gittin Jr. to artist Caleb Clark.

RTR Vehicles is committed to fostering a vibrant automotive community that appeals to enthusiasts of all ages. Josh Hipp, RTR Vehicles' Director of Marketing and Sales, highlights the company's two decades of experience in refining craftsmanship, design language, and engineering prowess, both on and off the track. He emphasizes that the partnership with Ford is crucial for attracting a diverse audience to both the Blue Oval brand and RTR. While the Mustang Spec 5 stands as their flagship product, the company hints at expanding the 'Spec 5' treatment to other Ford models in the future, suggesting exciting possibilities for vehicles like a Baja-ready Bronco, though specific details remain undisclosed.

The Mustang RTR Spec 5 is a testament to RTR's dedication to high-performance vehicle modification and individual expression. With its limited production run, immense power, and extensive customization options, it offers a unique ownership experience for those seeking an aggressively styled and dynamically superior Mustang. Each of these exclusive vehicles is priced at $159,999 and is available through RTR's North Carolina facility or authorized dealers, backed by a comprehensive Ford factory warranty.

The Chevrolet Corvette, a name synonymous with American sports car performance, has entered a new era with its C8 generation, marked by a significant shift: the absence of a manual gearbox. This decision, a first in the Corvette's 67-year lineage, signals broader changes in the automotive industry. The move away from traditional stick shifts is driven by a confluence of engineering challenges, economic realities, and evolving consumer preferences, hinting at a future where the tactile experience of manual driving may be reimagined through advanced technological solutions.

Tony Roma, the chief engineer for the Corvette, recently shed light on the rationale behind this pivotal change during an interview on The Drivecast podcast. He explained that the C8's innovative mid-engine configuration rendered the previous manual transmission architecture, which had been incrementally refined over three decades from the C5 to the C7 models, entirely obsolete. Developing an entirely new manual transmission specifically for the C8 platform proved to be an unjustifiable financial undertaking. This decision was further supported by market data indicating a clear preference among Corvette buyers for automatic transmissions, aligning with a broader industry trend of diminishing demand for manual-equipped vehicles.

The landscape for manual transmissions in new cars is rapidly shrinking. In 2026, consumers seeking a manual option have approximately 25 models to choose from, many with starting prices exceeding $31,000. Enthusiast cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata still see a strong preference for manuals, with about 70 percent of buyers opting for it. However, the future of the manual is increasingly precarious. BMW M's Frank van Meel highlighted the mounting difficulties hybrid powertrains present, as their increased power output often exceeds the capacity of current manual gearboxes. Furthermore, the shrinking demand has led to a reduction in the number of suppliers manufacturing these specialized components, exacerbating the challenge for automakers.

Looking ahead, the manual transmission experience is likely to evolve rather than disappear entirely. Automotive innovators are exploring technologies that simulate the engagement of a manual gearbox within an automatic platform. Koenigsegg's Light Speed Transmission and Engage Shift System, for instance, seamlessly integrate both nine-speed automatic and six-speed manual modes into a single unit. Similarly, Ferrari's 12Cilindri Manuale offers drivers the ability to shift through the first six gears of its eight-speed dual-clutch system. Even Porsche has filed patents for a simulated manual gearbox designed to work with its dual-clutch automatic transmissions, indicating a broader industry interest in preserving the driving experience of a manual, albeit through advanced digital and mechanical integration.