The almost evil-looking Mustang Dark Horse expands the lineup. It establishes a new standard for American street and track performance that could only be found in a Ford Mustang thanks to its specially modified 5.0-liter V8 engine, which is the most powerful 5.0-liter V8 ever and is expected to produce 500 horsepower.
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Three years in the making
Mustang Dark Horse was created by a special group of Ford engineers, designers, and experts over the course of more than three years. It is a performance Mustang with street and track capabilities, eye-catching visual cues, and all the features sports car enthusiasts demand, right down to the optional Carbon Revolution carbon fiber wheels (late availability).
The brand’s first new performance moniker since the debut of Mustang Bullitt in 2001 is Mustang Dark Horse.
“For decades, Mustang has competed against the most premium brands on the greatest world stages and won. We surprised everyone, and we’re going to surprise them again with a track-capable Mustang that puts a new level of performance, styling and American engineering in the hands of everyday customers who still want the thrill and excitement of a V8 sports car.” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company.
Mustang Dark Horse has e V8 heart
The 2024 Mustang, which has been completely redesigned and given a digitally immersive cockpit, new engines, and new looks to make it the most thrilling and enjoyable Mustang ever, serves as the starting point for Mustang Dark Horse.
The 5.0-liter V8 Coyote engine at the center of the Mustang Dark Horse is custom modified with piston connecting rods that were initially used in the 760-horsepower Ford Performance Mustang Shelby GT500. In the brand-new Mustang family, Mustang Dark Horse will provide the greatest degree of performance.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse has a twin throttle-body intake system to enhance engine ventilation, which is visually distinct from any 5.0-liter V8 before it and is emphasized by the wide nostrils in the front grille.
The unusual six-speed TREMEC manual gearbox that comes standard with the Ford Mustang Dark Horse is connected to the driver via a 3D-printed titanium shift ball. A unique Mustang Dark Horse gearbox oil cooler is also included in the instructions. Ford’s cutting-edge 10-speed automatic gearbox with sport paddle shifters allows for quick and accurate shifting on any surface, even the racetrack.
For track performance, further powertrain improvements were done. The Mustang Dark Horse has a special and lighter-weight radiator with better cooling capabilities and more powerful cooling fans to boost endurance and recovery, as well as brake cooling NACA ducts, an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a rear axle cooler, etc.
Larger rear sway bars, powerful front shocks, and unique chassis tuning are all features of the Mustang Dark Horse. Brembo front 6 piston brakes measuring 19 inches and 13.9 inches in diameter provide stopping power. A new lightweight strut tower brace and K-brace engineered by Ford Performance improves steering response and grip for even greater handling and feedback in the Mustang Dark Horse.
A cockpit built around the driver
The technologically cutting-edge, driver-focused cockpit of the all-new seventh-generation automobile receives even more performance style and usefulness thanks to the Mustang Dark Horse.
On models ordered with the 10-speed automatic transmission, a thicker, flat-bottomed steering wheel covered in suede and finished with Bright Indigo Blue accent stitching incorporates anodized silver paddle shifters, and a dedicated drive mode button is nearby so drivers can quickly select the preferred driving configuration.
This is located in front of a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster with a number of driving mode displays that are customizable.
Behind the same piece of integrated glass that houses the digital instrument cluster and is tilted towards the driver is a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 center stack that merges perfectly with it. These displays work together to produce an entirely realistic digital experience that simulates a fighter jet cockpit, only in a genuine racing automobile.
Unique blue seatbelts further enhance the mood of the interior, which is contrasted by the gear shift gaiter, center console, and door panels with blue stitching. Deep Indigo Blue seats with a special seat perforation, generating more blue hints underneath the surface, are an addition provided by the Mustang Dark Horse Appearance Pack.
Black Alley is a dark metallic sheen that replaces the traditional bright silver hues of other Mustang trim levels on the inside trim, bezels, and vents.
Additionally, Mustang Dark Horse has the most recent B&O Sound System, which uses 12 speakers and a subwoofer to provide clear sounds.
Menacing design and style
“It’s more than a new name. Dark Horse brings a new design language to Mustang that is refined yet perfectly suited to its dual purpose of street and track performance. The visual changes, both inside and out, message that Dark Horse has a directed performance focus. The mechanical changes reinforce the purpose of Dark Horse, providing the driver with increased confidence and competence.” said Joel Piaskowski, global director, Ford Design.
To complement the distinctive, gloss black grille with trapezoidal nostrils and Mustang Dark Horse-unique lower front bumper with high gloss “fangs,” the front of the car has a strong, shadow design that surrounds the darker LED headlights. The car’s track-focused design elements are seen in the lower side skirts, fixed rear wing, new race-inspired diffuser, and darker quad exhaust tips.
To visually distinguish this performance variant of the Mustang from other models, new Dark Horse Mustang badges were created. The door sills, trunk, and fenders all get badges, while the front retains the dark-anodized form of the well-known pony. Each vehicle has a different chassis number and boasts distinctive Mustang Dark Horse badging on the instrument panel and digital display panels.
The Blue Ember metallic paint, exclusive to Ford Mustang Dark Horse, is a cool, dark color that, when it catches the light, gives a warm glow that sets the mood for the car’s overall appearance.
Additionally, feature graphics in a range of colors and designs may be painted or placed around the top and down the hood. Dark Notorious Blue Brembo brake calipers with a brighter Grabber Blue emblem are part of the optional Appearance Package.
“This is the first time for Mustang that we’ve ever had a forward-facing horse. It’s aggressive, a bit sinister and it’s coming from the shadows head-on to win.” Piaskowski said.
