- All-new Ford Mustang Dark Horse is the first new Mustang
performance series in 21 years, featuring a sinister yet premium
exterior and interior styling hinting at the best performance ever
from its new 5.0-liter V8, projecting 500 horsepower
- Mustang Dark Horse with available Handling Package is the most
track-capable 5.0-liter V8 street-legal Mustang ever, thanks to
improved aerodynamics, upgraded hardware, new software and tuning
with an available six-speed manual transmission
- The arrival of Mustang Dark Horse heralds a new chapter in the
storied Mustang motorsports history with the all-new Mustang Dark
Horse S and Dark Horse R track-only models that are part of six new
racing Mustangs coming soon
With sinister looks and a specially modified 5.0-liter V8 – the
most powerful 5.0-liter V8 ever, projecting 500 horsepower –
Mustang Dark Horse expands the lineup and sets a new benchmark for
American street and track performance that could only come in a
Mustang.
A special team of Ford engineers, designers and experts worked
for more than three years to create Mustang Dark Horse, a street
and track-capable performance Mustang with striking visual cues and
all the capability sports car lovers expect, right down to the
available carbon fiber wheels from Carbon Revolution (late
availability). Mustang Dark Horse is the first new performance name
for the brand since Mustang Bullitt was introduced in 2001.
“For decades, Mustang has competed against the most premium
brands on the greatest world stages and won,” said Jim Farley, CEO
of Ford Motor Company. “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.”
Unique 5.0-liter V8 with Even More Athletic
Performance
The foundation for Mustang Dark Horse starts with the all-new
2024 Mustang, which has been transformed with a digitally immersive
cockpit, new engines and styling to make it the most exhilarating
and fun-to-drive Mustang ever.
“We’ve taken the all-new Mustang, the best of our new 5.0-liter
V8 performance, and added power, improved the aero, tires, steering
and provided an interactive cockpit to create a Mustang that goes
beyond any 5.0-liter Mustang before it,” said Ed Krenz, Ford
Mustang chief nameplate engineer.
The heart of Mustang Dark Horse is its unique 5.0-liter Coyote
V8 engine, specially modified with piston connecting rods first
introduced in the 760-horsepower Ford Performance Mustang Shelby
GT500. Mustang Dark Horse will deliver the highest level of
performance in the all-new Mustang family.
Visually differentiated from any 5.0-liter V8 before it, Mustang
Dark Horse includes a dual throttle-body intake design to improve
engine breathing, accentuated by the open nostrils in the front
grille.
Mustang Dark Horse comes standard with a unique six-speed TREMEC
manual transmission that connects to the driver through a standard
3D-printed titanium shift ball. The manual also includes a special
Mustang Dark Horse transmission oil cooler. Drivers also have the
option to choose Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission
with sport paddle shifters for fast and precise shifting – from the
highway to the race circuit.
Additional powertrain enhancements were made for performance at
the track. Mustang Dark Horse includes brake cooling NACA ducts, an
auxiliary engine oil cooler, a rear axle cooler and a unique and
lighter-weight radiator with improved cooling capability and more
powerful cooling fans to improve endurance and recovery.
The Mustang Dark Horse provides unique chassis tuning, larger
rear sway bars and heavy-duty front shocks. Stopping is courtesy of
19-inch Brembo front 6 piston brakes with 13.9-inch rotors.
Steering response and grip is further enhanced with a new
lightweight Ford Performance-designed strut tower brace and K-brace
for even better handling and feedback from Mustang Dark Horse.
Mustang Dark Horse puts the torque down without losing traction
through a Torsen® rear differential and standard Pirelli P ZERO™
(PZ4) tires with staggered fitting wheels (19-inch-by-9.5-inch
front and 19-inch-by-10-inch rear wheels).
Mustang Dark Horse offers standard MagneRide® shocks capable of
monitoring wheel and tire movement 1,000 times per second,
optimizing performance based on driving surface or driving
mode.
For ultimate street-legal and track performance, the available
Handling Package improves aerodynamics even further with the most
downforce of any all-new Mustang thanks to a unique rear wing that
includes an integrated Gurney Flap, similar to that of the Ford GT.
The Handling Package also adds stiffer springs, larger front and
rear sway bars and wider Pirelli Trofeo tires and
19-inch-by-10.5-inch front and 19-inch-by-11-inch rear wheels.
Finally, for no compromise track performance, customers can
equip Mustang Dark Horse with lightweight carbon fiber wheels from
Carbon Revolution (late availability). It’s the first time carbon
fiber wheels have been available for a Mustang beyond Shelby®
GT350® and GT500.®
Driver-Focused Immersive Digital Cockpit
The Mustang Dark Horse infuses even more performance style and
functionality into the all-new seventh-generation car’s
technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit.
A thicker, flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in suede and
finished with Bright Indigo Blue accent stitching incorporates
anodized silver paddle shifters on models ordered with the 10-speed
automatic transmission and a dedicated drive mode button is at
thumb’s reach, allowing drivers to quickly choose the desired
driving setup. This sits in front of a 12.4-inch digital instrument
cluster with customizable screens including a variety of drive
modes.
This digital instrument cluster flows seamlessly into a
13.2-inch SYNC® 4 center stack behind the same piece of integrated
glass, angled towards the driver. Together, these screens create a
fully immersive digital experience that emulates a fighter jet
cockpit – but in a real-world sports car.
Contrasting blue stitching across the door panels and seats,
gear shift gaiter and center console lift the ambiance of the
cabin, enhanced further by unique blue seatbelts. The Mustang Dark
Horse Appearance Pack adds Deep Indigo Blue seats with a unique
seat perforation, emitting further hints of blue below the
surface.
Interior trim, bezels and vents are finished in Black Alley – a
dark metallic gloss replacing the familiar bright silver shades of
other Mustang trim levels.
Mustang Dark Horse also comes with the latest B&O® Sound
System, providing crisp audio through 12 speakers and a
subwoofer.
Sophisticated and Sinister Functional Styling
Mustang Dark Horse carries the most striking visual cues of any
new road-going Mustang.
“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,” said Joel
Piaskowski, global director, Ford Design. “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.”
At the front, a bold, shadow graphic surrounds the darkened LED
headlamps, which compliments a unique, gloss black grille with
trapezoidal nostrils and Mustang Dark Horse-unique lower front
bumper with high gloss ‘fangs.’ Lower side skirts and, to the rear,
a fixed rear wing, new race-inspired diffuser and darkened quad
exhaust tips demonstrate the car’s track-focused design cues.
New Mustang Dark Horse badges were designed for this performance
version of Mustang to visually separate it from other models. The
badges are placed on the fenders, trunk and door sills, while a
dark, anodized version of the famous pony stays on the front.
Inside, unique Mustang Dark Horse badging is featured on the
instrument panel and digital display screens, and each car features
an individual chassis number.
“This is the first time for Mustang that we’ve ever had a
forward-facing horse,” Piaskowski said. “It’s aggressive, a bit
sinister and it’s coming from the shadows head-on to win.”
Unique to Mustang Dark Horse is Blue Ember metallic paint, a
cool, dark shade that emits a warm glow when it catches the light,
setting the tone for the car’s overall look. 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. The optional
Appearance Package includes dark Notorious Blue Brembo brake
calipers with a brighter Grabber Blue logo.
Dark Horse and the Future of Global Ford Motorsports
Ford Mustang was born to race. The introduction of Mustang Dark
Horse is part of a broader launch of six new racing Mustangs that
will compete globally in a variety of series, including GT3, GT4,
NASCAR and NHRA Factory X racing.
Two dedicated, track-only Dark Horse Mustangs powered by
5.0-liter V8 engines will only be available for racers and
non-street use. Mustang Dark Horse S is designed for the weekend
track day enthusiast while Mustang Dark Horse R has been developed
for racing.
“We’re taking this all-new Mustang to competition racing and the
very definition of a Dark Horse is the perfect fit to introduce
this vehicle to the Mustang brand,” said Mark Rushbrook, global
director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “With our race program
development underway, we’re confident we have the right car for
success.”
Mustang Dark Horse S is built uniquely for motorsports as a
stripped-down version of the street-legal Mustang Dark Horse
production vehicle. All non-essential parts and trim pieces have
been removed for Mustang Dark Horse S. Inside is a full
FIA-certified safety cage, safety nets, a race seat with safety
belts and a race steering wheel with quick disconnect. Other safety
items include electrical disconnects and a fire suppression
system.
Driver controls are contained within a central panel, which
houses switches and knobs for the headlamps, side indicators,
windshield wipers, mirror adjusters and rain light. Also included
for Dark Horse S is a pit speed limiter and a data and acquisition
display system. A single passenger seat is optional, allowing
drivers to share their experience with others and to receive
feedback from ride-along instructors.
The exterior of Mustang Dark Horse S features hood pins, front
and rear tow hooks, an adjustable rear wing for added downforce and
a full exhaust system to help round out the foundation for a unique
and fun-to-drive track car. Mustang Dark Horse S will be painted
from the factory and ready for individual vehicle liveries.
While Mustang Dark Horse S has the same wheels as the
street-legal Mustang Dark Horse, the upgraded brake system provides
even further robustness to meet track demands. Multimatic DSSV
dampers support driver tunability in addition to the adjustable
ride height and camber settings.
Mustang Dark Horse R raises the track-focused intensity,
featuring all Mustang Dark Horse S content, as well as special
serialization that approves it for racing. It will come standard
with strategic seam welding, a fuel cell for increased range, and
Ford Performance Parts wheels.
“Both Dark Horse S and R have been further enhanced for
performance and stripped of almost every unneeded comfort, keeping
only what is needed to provide better performance,” said Krenz.
Beyond Mustang Dark Horse S and Dark Horse R, the brand will
continue to compete globally in a variety of race series, and
enthusiasts will see those roll out over the next year.
Ford is returning to factory-backed GT3 racing with an all-new
Mustang GT3 IMSA race car that will also be available for
customers, starting with 24 Hours of Daytona in 2024. Created by
Ford Performance and Multimatic, the Ford Mustang GT3, powered by a
5.4-liter Coyote-based V8 engine, will deliver the full endurance
racing potential of a Ford Mustang for customers globally.
A new Mustang GT4 available for customers will also debut in the
2023 season and will be available for global GT4 classes in IMSA,
SRO and FIA GT.
A new version of the Mustang will debut next season in the
Australian Supercars series, and in coming years newly designed
models will debut in the NASCAR Cup series and NHRA Factory X
racing.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in
Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better
world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.
The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines
existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships
with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of
those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have
Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and
Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services.
Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility
solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides
financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs
about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company,
its products and Ford Credit is available at
corporate.ford.com.
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Jiyan Cadiz 313.300.8397 jcadiz@ford.com
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