Based on the all-new 2024 Mustang GT, Ford Performance has unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show their first new name for a high-performance series Mustang in generations – the Dark Horse.
With sinister looks, all the check boxes filled on the performance parts list and the most powerful naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 ever, the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse will top the line with 500 horsepower. Potentially a signal that the Ford built Shelby GT350 and GT500 era might be over, the new Dark Horse even has its own logo.
Setting the Mustang Dark Horse apart is a unique 5.0-liter Coyote V8 with multiple mods and tweaks including high-end connecting rods from the GT500 and a dual-throttle body intake system. Backing it up is a Tremec TR-3160 5-speed manual transmission or a quick shifting 10-speed automatic.
Also featured are brake cooling NACA ducts, a Torsen rear differential, an auxiliary cooler for engine oil, transmission and rear axle. Up front is also a lighter-weight engine radiator with more powerful cooling fans.
It essentially gets the full Track Package you might option on the Mustang GT but with standard MagneRide adaptive dampers. There’s a larger rear sway bar along with 13.9-inch Brembo front brakes with 6 piston calipers. It’s got a structural K-brace for tighter chassis feel too.
Standard rubber comes by way of Pirelli P ZERO tires with staggered fitting size wheels 19×9.5-inch front and 19×10-inch rear. An additional Handling Package adds Pirelli Trofeo tires and 19×10.5-inch front and 19×11-inch rear wheels. There’s even an option for carbon fiber wheels. The Handling Package also increases downforce substantially by way of a huge rear wing with an integrated Gurney Flap.
When it comes to visuals, the Mustang Dark Horse stands apart from the rest of the 2024 Mustang lineup with a unique front fascia that incorporates different trim and grille treatments and darkened LED headlamps. Shown here in the video is an exclusive color for the Mustang Dark Horse, Blue Ember.
A choice of applied or painted feature graphics along the roof and down the hood are also available in a variety of colors and styles. An optional Appearance Package includes dark Notorious Blue Brembo brake calipers with a brighter Grabber Blue logo.
Interiors for the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse features a number of upgrades and unique trims and seating options from the Mustang GT, but Ford didn’t provide us with any photography to look at just yet.
At the Detroit Auto Show reveal party, Ford also spoke of two special track only models of the Mustang Dark Horse that will become available later, the Dark Horse S designed for the weekend track day enthusiast wand Dark Horse R for road racing.
More to come in the way of specs, pricing and data closer to its on sale date late in 2023.