Dark Horse Mustang Specs and Features

Mustang Dark Horse is a special, modified Mustang that has sinister looks and a modified 5.0-liter V8. It has been more than 20 years since Ford released a new performance name for Mustang. The 2024 Dark Horse Mustang is built on the all-new Mustang platform, which features a digitally immersive cockpit, new engines, and new styling for an even more exhilarating and fun driving experience. In this article, we'll be going over the Dark Horse Mustang's specs and what makes it stand out from the other S650 launch options so you can decide if it's right for you.

Dark Horse Mustang Specs

For an at-a-glance look at the new Dark Horse's specs, check out the table below.

Dark Horse Performance Upgrades

The all-new 4th Gen 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine found in the Dark Horse Mustang is rated for 500 hp and 18 lb-ft of torque. This is 20 more horsepower than in the GT. For more info on how the GT and Dark Horse stack up, check out our article comparing the 2024 GT vs Dark Horse.

In case you are interested in adding power through aftermarket parts, It is unclear at this time whether the S650 Mustang ECU can be tuned. However, we have a wide array of bolt-on parts for your 2024 Mustang to increase power and torque.

The Dark Horse, with the upgraded 4th Gen Coyote V8, is the most powerful non-Shelby Mustang ever created. It features a uniquely balanced crankshaft and forged piston connecting rods to handle the higher cylinder pressures and piston speeds from the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 in a Mustang yet. It also features strengthened camshafts and a 7,500 RPM redline.

The Dark Horse's exclusive six-speed TREMEC manual gearbox is fitted with a standard 3D-printed titanium shift ball. It also comes with a unique transmission oil cooler. Also included are brake cooling NACA ducts, an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a rear axle cooler, and a unique and lighter-weight radiator with improved cooling capability.

Dark Horse Wheels, Tires, Brakes, and Suspension

The Mustang Dark Horse maintains traction with 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). If you're interested, you can upgrade from the stock Dark Horse wheels to fully carbon fiber replacements. These five-spoke wheels will run close to $10,000.

The Dark Horse's Brembo front brakes will feature 15.3-inch rotors and the rears will have 14-inch rotors for maximum stopping power. A lightweight Ford Performance-designed strut tower brace and K-brace provide improved steering response and grip while still maintaining excellent handling and feedback.

The Dark Horse also comes equipped with standard MagneRide® shocks capable of monitoring wheel and tire movement 1,000 times per second, optimizing performance based on driving surface or driving mode.

Dark Horse Mustang Handling Package

The Handling Package adds even more downforce to the already-awesome Dark Horse Mustang. It features a unique rear wing with an integrated Gurney Flap, similar to that of the Ford GT. The Handling Package also adds stiffer springs, larger front and rear sway bars, wider Pirelli Trofeo tires, and 19-inch-by-10.5-inch front and 19-inch-by-11-inch rear wheels.

Dark Horse Interior

The Dark Horse Mustang gets even more performance and convenience thanks to the new jet fighter-inspired cockpit. The steering wheel is wrapped in suede with a thick, flat-bottom and anodized silver paddle shifters. Models with the 10-speed automatic transmission incorporate Bright Indigo Blue accent stitching and a dedicated drive mode button. This blue stitching can be found throughout the car's interior and really ties it all together. The Dark Horse has a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver, with customizable screens that include different driving modes. This flows into a 13.2-inch digital infotainment screen.

The new Dark Horse also gets a few more cool interior features. You get blue seat belts that match the blue contrast stitching throughout the cabin. The interior trim, bezels, and vents are finished in Black Alley. Black Alley is a dark metallic gloss meant to replace the familiar bright silver shades of other Mustang trim levels. It also comes equipped with the latest B&O Sound System for a total of 12 speakers and one subwoofer.

Optional Track Trims

The Dark Horse Mustang will have two track-only trims available: Dark Horse S and Dark Horse R. The Mustang Dark Horse S is designed for enthusiasts that visit the track on the weekend. The Mustang Dark Horse R is designed for racing.

In an effort to make it ready for the track, the Mustang Dark Horse S has all non-essential parts and trim removed. The Mustang Dark Horse R has all of the same features of the Dark Horse S plus special serialization which makes it race-legal.

Dark Horse Mustang vs 2023 Mach 1

The 2024 Dark Horse is most similar to the 2023 Mach 1. They're in the same price range and offer similar features. Here's a breakdown of their features and how much they cost to see which offers better bang for your buck. If you're interested in learning about how the Dark Horse's price stacks up against other models, check out our article on S650 Mustang pricing.

When looking at these two Mustangs side-by-side, it's easy to see why people compare the two. They make similar horsepower, are naturally-aspirated, and geared towards Mustang enthusiasts with a love for the track. While nothing is confirmed just yet, the new Dark Horse stacks up favorably to the Mach 1's specs. Due to its shared engine with the S550 Mustang GT, the Mach 1 only makes 480 horsepower compared to the 500 horsepower that the Dark Horse makes.

The Dark Horse receives an upgraded version of the Tremac TR 3160 6-speed transmission found in the Mach 1, which gives it increased performance and a better shift feel. Precise shifting and tight gear ratios are important when out on the track. They allow you to stay in the power band easier and for longer, leading to better track performance and lap times.

The Appearance Package

Ford has confirmed a few features of the Appearance Package in various official press releases and other media. The package includes aesthetic upgrades that don't necessarily influence performance. Check out the list below for a full rundown of the features confirmed by Ford so far.

• Specialized Dark Horse-inspired hood graphic
• A third vinyl accent color of low black
• Specially bolstered Recaro seats with Deep Indigo Blue bolsters and Bright Indigo Blue accent stitching
• Dinamica suede seat center inserts with unique seat perforations
• Deep Indigo Blue seat belts
• Notorious Blue Brembo brake calipers with a brighter Grabber Blue logo

Ford has yet to announce a price for the Appearance Package, but it's a safe bet to assume this will be a popular option for many enthusiasts. Check out our article on the different 2024 Mustang packages for more information on other packages and options for the S650.

Dark Horse Mustang Colors

Dark Horse customers will have their pick of the majority of 2024 Mustang colors. Here's the confirmed list of available Mustang Dark Horse colors:

Will You Be Buying Ford's Brand New Performance Model?

Like most Mustang fans, we're very excited to see how the Dark Horse stacks up to the rest of the S650 lineup once they're released. Sign up for our newsleter and subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on everything Mustang. Let us know what you think of the Dark Horse and the next generation of Mustang!

Sources: Benchmark for Street and Track, Ford Introduces Mustang Dark Horse and New Family of Track-Only Race Ponies, Ford | 2024 Mustang Preliminary Technical Specs, Ford