2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Price, Specs, Release Date – Here we have the seventh generation of Ford’s Mustang. Electrification and connected technologies have dramatically altered some of the essentials of modern automobiles since the first Mustang made its mark on the automotive world. However, with its robust V8 engine and manual transmission, the 2018 Mustang is a welcome throwback.
The Dark Horse is the most anticipated of the new models because of its massive 500 horsepower from its 5.0-liter V8. A digital cockpit, a specially tuned chassis, and aggressive new looks combine to make this the ultimate Mustang driving experience. The first Mustang Performance Series in 21 years, the Dark Horse is even more extreme in the shape of its track-only S and R variants. The Mustang S650 GT is the new top-of-the-line model, taking the place of the Mustang Mach 1. Until the arrival of a Shelby variant, no other Mustang has been able to match its savage performance.
2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Redesign
The Dark Horse edition of the Ford Mustang shares many of its exterior design cues with the fifth-generation model. Ford claims that the car’s past influenced this design, and there are enough throwback elements, such as the grille and the tri-bar taillights, to back up the automaker’s claim. Blacked-out LED headlights and a grille with trapezoidal nostrils set the Dark Horse apart visually from the standard Mustang Coupe. The Dark Horse is a sporty coupe with an aggressive stance and several racing-inspired touches, including a fixed rear wing and a diffuser that takes inspiration from the track’s asphalt. The quad exhaust tips, which were also blackened to match the other changes, emit a deep, rich V8 baritone. With the introduction of Dark Horse badges, the classic Mustang pony emblem now has a horse that is looking forward to for the first time. The pony emblem up front has been darkened and anodized, while the new badges can be seen on the fender, trunk, and door sills.
Custom wheels and tires improve the Mustang Dark Horse’s ability to put down power without sacrificing control or stability. The tires are Pirelli P Zero, and the wheels are 19×9.5 in the front and 19×10 in the back. Carbon fiber wheels, formerly only available on the Shelby GT350 and GT500, will be made available for the Mustang later. The larger wheels and Pirelli Trofeo tires are part of the Handling Package, an add-on. Atlas Blue, Carbonized Gray, Dark Matter Gray, Grabber Blue, Oxford White, Race Red, and Vapor Blue are all paint options for the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. The paint called “Shadow Black” gives you the look of a homicide victim. When you purchase the Dark Horse Appearance Package, you’re limited to just three colors: Shadow Black, Vapor Blue, and the limited-edition Blue Ember.
Additionally, this package has brightened the Grabber Blue logo and Notorious Blue Brembo brake calipers. The Dark Horse S is distinguished from its base model by hood pins, front and rear tow hooks, and a rear wing that can be adjusted to maximize downforce. Finally, there’s the Dark Horse R, which has seam welding and Ford Performance Parts wheels.
Although it is more extensive and longer than its predecessor, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse has mostly stayed the same size. At 189.7 inches in length, the 2018 Ford Mustang Dark Horse coupe is just 0.3 inches longer than the Mustang EcoBoost and Mustang GT. With the mirrors included, its overall width is 81.9 inches, its height is 55.2 inches, and its wheelbase measures 107.1 inches. The front and rear tracks measure 62.2 inches (0.2 inches more than the GT) and 63.9 inches, respectively (interestingly, this is 0.8 inches narrower than the GT). When equipped with a manual transmission, the Dark Horse weighs 3,868 pounds (curb), while when fitted with an automatic transmission, it weighs 3,913 pounds (curb).
Interior
The computerized cockpit of the new Mustang is reminiscent of that found in fighter jets, and it is a point of pride for the Blue Oval. The digital instrument cluster, measuring 12.4 inches, flows into a 13.2-inch touchscreen interface running Sync 4 software and facing the driver. The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse seats are wrapped in contrast blue stitching and include a flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in leather. The door panels, gear gaiter, and center console are adorned with matching blue stitching. The interior is offered in two different Black Onyx and Black Onyx/Indigo color combinations and the Black Alley finish replaces the standard silver accents found in regular Mustangs.
The new Mustang’s interior technology is a strong suit. A 13.2-inch infotainment screen running Ford’s Sync 4 software curves its way into the vehicle’s center from the instrument cluster. This system comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it also offers an optional wireless smartphone charger to help drivers declutter their cars. Every Mustang has Ford Power-Up software capability, allowing over-the-air updates for later software and vehicle function improvements. Amazon Alexa voice commands can be used instead of turning knobs or pressing buttons.
Engine
Adapted from the Shelby GT500, the Coyote V8’s piston connecting rods feature a new design. There is still some mystery surrounding the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse’s powertrain, but we know it will make over 500 horsepower. The Tremec six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip rear-wheel drive are standard equipment. In addition to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, a ten-speed automatic with sport paddle shifters is available. Power output-wise, we’re looking at a 0–60 time of fewer than 4.5 seconds. Another modification is a dual throttle-body intake, which improves the airflow into the engine. The Dark Horse is equipped with a lightweight radiator, a cooler for the rear axle, and a cooler for the extra engine oil to maximize its performance over long periods.
Ford took extra measures to have the Dark Horse ready for the racetrack. It has a custom-tuned chassis, larger rear sway bars, and beefier front shock absorbers. To improve responsiveness in the steering, a strut tower brace and K-brace were installed, and the MagneRide usually shocks available as an upgrade on lower Mustangs were included as standard equipment. These shocks track wheel and tire motion at a rate of 1,000 times per second and make modifications in real-time based on the vehicle’s speed, the road surface, and the selected driving mode. You may choose between Normal, Sport, Slippery, Track, and Drag Strip settings in the new Mustang. Adding the Handling Package only enhances the Mustang Dark Horse’s track prowess. This bundle’s larger front and rear sway bars and stiffer springs are significant improvements.
There is a natural correlation between speed and the quality of the braking system. As a result, the Dark Horse features Brembo front brakes measuring 19 inches with six pistons and rear brakes measuring 13.9 inches and 13.9 inches, respectively. The Dark Horse S is aimed at casual race fans, and the Dark Horse R is aimed squarely at professional competitors. The former is equipped with Multimatic DSSV dampers, while Ford has eliminated “virtually every superfluous comfort” from the R to make it the most extreme. Although Ford would not confirm it, the Dark Horse will also come with Ford’s remote rev-matching technology and an electronic drift brake.
Although we don’t have the new Mustang’s EPA ratings, we may use those of the existing Mach 1 as a benchmark. A variant of the Coyote V8 engine is used, and it weighs almost as much as the Mustang Dark Horse. The Mach 1’s fuel economy is 15/23/18 mpg in the city, highway, and combined cycles when equipped with the automatic transmission and 14/22/17 mpg when equipped with the manual. With the same 16-gallon gas tank and the same fuel efficiency, the Dark Horse can travel around 288 miles before needing gas again.
2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Release Date and Price
The cost of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse 2024 has not been disclosed. However, despite having a more potent V8 and numerous other upgrades over the Mustang GT, we anticipate the Dark Horse’s starting price in the USA to be around $55,000, which is in line with the current Mustang Mach 1. Dark Horse S and Dark Horse R, which are considerably more extreme, will cost even more.
Compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Camaro 2SS (455 hp and a beginning price of $44,600) and the Camaro ZL1 (650 hp and a starting price of $67,000), the Dark Horse would be more expensive at $55,000. Whether or not Chevy’s sports vehicle, the Camaro, will be around after 2023 to compete with Ford’s forthcoming Mustang Dark Horse is still being determined.
A release date for the new Dark Horse coupe close to the standard Mustang Coupe is anticipated. Ford’s Mustang Dark Horse will likely debut in the summer of 2023.