The seventh-generation Mustang has made its debut, bringing the turbocharged four-cylinder and V8 power back to the newest pony in the stable. You won’t find any electrification in the latest model, but you will find a new trim level called the upgraded Dark Horse for track-day boredom.
If you haven’t read our Ford Mustang 2024 debut article, be sure to check out all that’s new with Ford’s warhorse. The Mustang Dark Horse builds on top of that by including an optional performance pack as standard equipment. The car features a Torsen limited-slip differential with a larger sway bar at the rear, equipped with a strut tower brace and improved dampers at the front. Beefier tires sit on all four corners, and larger Brembo brakes with blue calipers handle stop duty.
Ford is not ready to release horsepower ratings for every a new Mustang model, but the Dark Horse will pack a bit more punch than the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 versus the GT. Special tuning with other upgrades adds power to an engine that, according to Ford, is already more powerful than its predecessor. The previous-generation Ford Mustang Bullitt and Mach 1 pulled 480 horsepower (358 kilowatts) from the V8, so ratings near or over 500 hp (373 kW) for the Dark Horse aren’t out of the question. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic.
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For looks, the Mustang Dark Horse sports the aforementioned blue Brembo brakes along with darker LED headlights and a custom gloss black grille. Side skirts, a prominent rear wing and a diffuser are part of the upgrade. Dark Horse is the only way to get the dark blue called Blue Ember for the exterior, and you’ll find more blue in the cabin with the seats and interior trim. To make the most of the Mustang’s new digital cockpit, a new Dark Horse logo replaces the pony logo. There are more Dark Horse brands out too.
For those who want something a little more hardcore, there will be a Dark Horse S model aimed specifically at racing. It’s an official race car outfitted with race seats, a quick-disconnect steering wheel, an FIA-approved safety cage, and a fire suppression system all installed in the damaged interior. Ford says this is the basis for the company’s Mustang GT3 racing program that will begin in 2023.
Pricing and availability of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse will be announced closer to the sale date. Given that Ford recently trademarked the Dark Horse name worldwide, it’s likely that this particular model will be offered outside of North America.
For a deeper look into the Ford Mustang 2024, check out our First Look video below:
