2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Enters the Pony Car Race

This week, Ford took the wraps off of the seventh-generation Mustang. The latest and possibly final gas-powered version of Ford’s muscle car has a new exterior design with a snarling new grille and a wide stance. But the biggest news of the release announcement is the Mustang’s first totally new performance model since the Bullitt first arrived in 2001. The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse is shaping up to be one heck of a car, from the sounds of things.

Featuring an even more aggressive front and rear than the Mustang GT, the Dark Horse, packs a modified 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that’s expected to output 500 horsepower. It’s also got upgraded aerodynamics, including a large front splitter and a mean-looking spoiler in the back. Built with street and track driving in mind, it has upgraded Brembo brakes, a Torsen rear differential, upgraded bracing, and staggered 19″ x 9.5″ and 19″ x 10″ wheels wrapped in Pirelli P ZERO tires. The car looks especially great in the Dark Horse-exclusive Blue Ember metallic paint shown in the photos here.

MagneRide adaptive shocks come standard on the Dark Horse, and drivers can choose from a six-speed TREMEC manual or a 10-speed Ford automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Ford also included brake cooling ducts, an engine oil cooler, a rear axle cooler, and an upgraded lightweight radiator – all to help keep things cool when zooming around the track.

For extra performance, the optional Handling Package upgrades the rear wing with a Gurney Flap for greater downforce, along with stiffer springs, larger sway bars, and 19″ x 10.5″ front and 19″ x 11″ rear wheels. Those come with track-focused Pirelli Trofeo performance tires. Ford will also offer lightweight carbon fiber wheels as an option, previously available only on the Shelby GT350 and GT500. Expect those to add mightily to the price, though.

Inside, the Dark Horse gets the same immersive digital displays as other 2024 Mustangs, along with a special D-shaped steering wheel with Indigo Blue accents, which can also be found on the seats, center console, and seatbelts. Instead of silver trim, you’ll find a dark metallic gloss called Black Alley.

Ford has yet to announce pricing for any of the 2024 model year Mustangs, but I’d expect the Dark Horse to come in at the top of the line, somewhere around the price of the current Mustang Mach 1, which starts around $56,000