Vaughn Gittin Jr. Blames AI for Negative Review of His 800HP Mustang

Taylor Keatsman

Published: April 8, 2026 6:46 PM ET

Vaughn Gittin Jr. Blames AI for Negative Review of His 800HP Mustang

The recent review of Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s 800HP Mustang by Car And Driver has stirred controversy. The performance of the RTR Spec 3 Mustang did not impress, prompting a response from Gittin Jr. himself.

Performance Overview of the RTR Spec 3 Mustang

The RTR Spec 3 Mustang, crafted by professional drifter and two-time Formula D champion Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s firm, features a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine delivering 810 horsepower. However, during testing, the vehicle displayed subpar performance in several key areas:

Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took 4.7 seconds, slower than the stock Mustang GT’s 4.2 seconds.
The quarter-mile time was clocked at 12.7 seconds at 121 mph, compared to the stock GT’s 12.5 seconds at 114 mph.
The RTR Spec 3 required 163 feet to stop from 70 mph, exceeding the stock GT’s 153 feet.
On the skidpad, it achieved only 0.92 g, while the stock GT reached 0.99 g.

Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s Reaction

Gittin Jr. addressed the review in the comments section of the article, expressing disappointment with the focus on hard data over the driving experience. He emphasized that the RTR Spec 3 was designed for enjoyment rather than mere test numbers. Gittin Jr. stated:

“We do not build Spec 3’s to shatter instrument tests. Our intent is to create a diverse, fun car for enthusiasts.”

Allegations of AI Involvement

In a surprising turn, Gittin Jr. suggested that the narrative could be a product of AI, questioning whether it influenced the article’s conclusions. He remarked:

“It makes me wonder if AI is doing the writing after data is output.”

This claim raised eyebrows, with Car And Driver’s editor affirming that the article was solely written by Elana Scherr. The assertion that AI was involved has been seen as unfounded, and it reflects poorly on Gittin Jr.’s argument about the review.

Community Response and Final Thoughts

Gittin Jr.’s comments did not resonate well with driving enthusiasts. While performance metrics are crucial, many fans value the emotional connection and overall experience that vehicles like the RTR Spec 3 offer. One more official comment from RTR reiterated this sentiment:

“We’re focused on building vehicles that create a connection the moment you get behind the wheel. The experience is built to put a smile on your face.”

The RTR Spec 3 may not have dazzled during testing, but it still holds appeal for its design and driving enjoyment. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of balance between performance numbers and the enthusiastic experience of driving.