Summary
- The Ford Mustang Dark Horse is considered by many to be one of the most perfectly packaged Mustangs ever, with its naturally aspirated Coyote engine providing unfiltered power to the rear wheels.
- With the end of the V-8-powered Mustang era approaching, the Dark Horse and Dark Horse R models offer a fitting conclusion to this chapter in Mustang history, as future Mustangs are likely to embrace electrification.
- The Dark Horse and Dark Horse R deliver incredible performance features, including 500 horsepower, 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, making them truly exhilarating vehicles for Mustang enthusiasts.
Some might argue the Shelby GT500 versions were the ultimate Ford Mustang models; while others could lean toward classic GT models or specific versions from the early days, but the Dark Horse is certainly among the contenders for this distinction. In fact, the Dark Horse could be the most perfectly packaged Mustang in existence.
Unlike the GT500, the new Dark Horse utilizes a naturally aspirated Coyote engine, providing real, unfiltered power to the rear wheels. The GT500 brought a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 to the mix, but many driving enthusiasts prefer the unassisted delivery of a naturally aspirated engine. This puts the Dark Horse ahead of many other models when considering which Mustang is the ultimate version of this pony car.
After more than 60 years and several generations, the new Dark Horse and Dark Horse R provide a fitting end to the V-8-powered Mustang era. It’s unlikely new Mustangs will include large engines, and some will go the same way as the Mustang Mach-E with electrification. But for now, we can enjoy the pure joy, sounds, power, and engagement provided by the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
Mustang Mach 1 Influence Rockets The Dark Horse to Mach 2
The Mustang Mach 1 was the quickest car in the Car and Driver Lightning Lap LL2 category, which makes it a fantastic place to start building the new Dark Horse. The Dark Horse includes upgraded exterior elements, interior improvements, and changes to the chassis and powertrain, but that’s about it.
Under the hood, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse prominently displays the familiar “5.0” badge, reminding drivers this engine means business. The engine is improved with forged connecting rods from the GT500 to give this incredible machine enough power to match the 2007 GT500 and its supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 engine.
The sounds coming from the exhaust are extremely similar, which might be eerie to some drivers. The Dark Horse Mustang brings larger anti-roll bars to offer better stability on the track. The last version of the Mach 1 was faster than the Chevy Camaro SS in the Lightning Lap, but the new Dark Horse is even faster, and it’s actually on sale.
Incredible Performance Features To Harness Serious Power
500 Horsepower Of Natural Power
Although the end is nearing for V-8 pony cars, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse is here now and ready to offer extreme performance levels for anyone looking for 500 horsepower of pure American muscle. In order to harness the power of this beast, Ford equips the Dark Horse with:
- 19-inch wheels
- Pirelli PZero tires
- Brembo brakes
- Large brake calipers
- Forged connecting rods
- Strengthened camshafts
- Four exhaust modes: Normal, Sport, Track, Quiet
- Automatic rev-matching
- Torsen limited-slip rear differential
This packaging enables drivers to step on the gas and unleash the power within this Ford Mustang. The exhaust sounds in Track and Sport mode can become deafening, which just might put a big smile across your face. Of course, the pure performance of this incredible car will make most owners giddy with delight.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse Performance Figures
0-60 MPH | 4.1 seconds |
Top Speed | 166 mph |
Horsepower | 500 hp |
Torque | 418 lb-ft |
Engine Layout | 5.0-liter V-8 |
The Dark Horse comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching, ensuring smooth and quick shifts and controlled downshifts while taking on corners or braking. A 10-speed automatic transmission is optional, producing quicker acceleration and lap times, but drivers looking for the most engaging ride will likely keep the standard manual shifter.
The Dark Horse R Is Ready to Race
If the standard Dark Horse Mustang isn’t enough for track-day fun, Ford offers a high-powered, track-ready alternative. The Dark Horse R delivers a new IMSA-sanctioned build, enabling racers to enjoy the Mustang-only racing series with this car as the main participant.
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse R is developed by the Ford Performance team, drawing on years of racing experience and expertise. This combination brings an aggressive and uncompromising car to the track to burn rubber during club racing series and IMSA events that are made for this Mustang.
The new Dark Horse R brings the power of the 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine from the Dark Horse and combines it with some incredible track-focused upgrades. Some of the items included on the performance car are:
- Borla Racing Exhaust System
- Recaro FIA racing seat
- Brembo front and rear brake package
- Ford Performance Parts R1 Flow-Formed Wheels
- Bespoke Michelin 19-inch slick racing tires
The tires are required for the Mustang Challenge competitions, in which this car competes, but the Dark Horse R is delivered on a set of production street tires, making it possible to enjoy this car while driving around town.
First New Name Since The Bullitt
The Ford Mustang Bullitt was so named for the movie starring Steve McQueen in 1968. Ford developed a special Mustang, wearing a new Bullitt badge to mimic the car from the movie in 2001. The name reappeared in 2008 as part of the fifth-generation Mustang and then again in 2019 for the sixth generation as part of the facelifted model. The new Dark Horse is the first new Mustang name since the Bullitt arrived in 2001.
The Dark Horse term originated as a term or a horse in a race that most gamblers aren’t familiar with but somehow finds its way to the front of the action. This sounds like what Ford has created with this new high-powered Mustang. Some who consider the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engine might not expect 500 horsepower or a redline of 7,450 rpm. The Dark Horse is a Mustang that brings serious heat to the mix with traditional Mustang performance features, making it one incredible muscle car.
A Fitting End To The ICE Mustang Era
The new Ford Mustang Dark Horse is part of the S650 generation, which makes it uniquely interesting. This new generation features Mustangs with revamped interior elements, striking exterior angles, and classic influence with the iconic Tri-bar lighting, which signifies this new Mustang hasn’t lost its heritage.
Although the base version of the S650 generation packs the EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, the Dark Horse is the fitting tribute to the V-8-powered Mustang era. It’s unlikely another naturally aspirated eight-cylinder pony car will arrive as most new vehicles include hybrid and all-electric powertrains instead of real, raw, unchanged power from the engine.
Every Dark Horse and Dark Horse R Mustang wears a special badge signifying this mean beast and the power within. The Ford Performance team allowed this project to be a true labor of love, taking three years to develop these new high-performance Mustang variants. Adding the Handling Package improves the aerodynamics and downforce while also adding a rear wing with an integrated gurney flap to this incredible car.
If ever there was a fitting ending and tribute to one of the greatest American muscle cars of all time, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse is that car.