🏴‍☠️ Mustang Dark Horse S and Dark Horse R Revealed!

[Topnotch]

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[Strokerswild]

Anyone know the reason for the lights in the grille?

I was wondering the same thing. You can see them in other photos (unlit) as well.

 

[ihc95]

Anyone know the reason for the lights in the grille?

Most likely fog lights.

 

[Schwerin]

The one benefit of using the Dark Horse moniker is because it has no legacy tied to it, there shouldn't be any of the obscene markups that would typically accompany it since the boomers don't know what it is.

How many boomers drive a Civic Si? that's been carrying a markup for months. Or the Focus SVT when it came out, those still got markups.

They should have done what they did with the 2.3 High Performance and just called this the 5.0 High Performance. Both packages are a Power bump, different wheels and suspension upgrade. And both have a Handling Package as an option. It would have also been a VERY easy marketing move. In both cases the Hi-Po would be the higher performance trim. Its not gimmicky or EdgeLord sounding.

To me its a dead obvious logical choice.

 

[Schwerin]

incorrect. The cobra was the top tier. Highest performance. Once it went FI, Ford bever looked back. The gt500 also was not supercharged originally. But since it took the Cobra slot, it was. No going backward now. The dark horse is a lesser car than cobra or Shelby status.

Boss/Mach 1=dark horse

forced induction exotic power levelsFor it’s time=Cobra/gt500.

That’s the way it is.

Go to the Shelby GT500 page and show me where its called a Cobra.

They can easily have a new NA Cobra and then still have a GT500 over that if they wanted. Even NA "Dark Horse" would be the fastest Mustang Cobra ever made, and faster than some of the GT500's. The 2009+ GT500 was never called a COBRA. It was always called a SHELBY GT500.

Infact as the 1993 Cobra was a reworked 5.0 with upgraded power and handling you can easily say that "Dark Horse" is more like the original SVT Cobra than ANY recent car since 2001.

 

[Ewheels]

Benchmark for Street and Track, Ford Introduces Mustang Dark Horse and New Family of Track-Only Race Ponies

• 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

DEARBORN, Mich., Sep. 14, 2022 – 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.

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VIDEOS:









DARK HORSE S

DARK HORSE R

The pictures are labeled incorrectly in this post.
You have "DARK HORSE S" and then show a bunch of pictures of the regular Dark Horse.
The "S" model is the same as the Boss 302S or the FP350S - track only. The "R" is just serialized for actual competition. Not trying to be rude, just didn't want people getting confused.

 

[93-Oct Mayne]

Most likely fog lights.

I think what you're actually seeing is just the side of the headlight housing through the intake holes on either side of the grille

 

[br_an]

got my first mod picked out, if you know, you know

Calling dibs on the name Bojack.

 

[9secondko]

I’m glad they went with a new name, after a while it gets old rehashing crap. Because let’s be honest here if they called it a cobra or boss 302 half of y’all would be disappointed it didn’t have this or that. But when it’s a new name plate they have some breathing room to experiment

disagree. If it were called Boss 302 or Mach 1, no one would have an issue.

500 horsepower and handling to boot? Maybe better as a Mach 1 than a boss, since the gt350 had 526 hp. The boss is more of a legendary car than Mach 1, so much would be expected of a car called “Boss.” Perhaps Ford didn’t think it was enough in 2024 to call it a “Boss” when there have been Boss 302/429 But a new nameplate? Great. Solves a lot of expectation anxiety for the Ford team.

if it were a Mach 1, it would be widely viewed as a worthy successor.

Cobra? Thatobviously wouldn’t fly, nor should it. The Cobra kicked off the forced induction, massive horsepower, ultra performance for the modern era. The 2003 had crazy power for its time and was the first Mustang with IRS. The follow up gt500 has crazy power for it’s time, and on it goes. Anything named gt500 or cobra will be 800 hp or more.

that’s not some crazy fanboy possible complaint. That is simply the way it is.

saying that fans would be disappointed by this thing being called s cobra or gt500 is pure logic.

can you imagine GM coming out with a z06 corvette that wasnt and inprovemement by over the last one? Or a zl1 that had no forced induction (or electric hybrid to compensate for the lack of) and didn’t reach up to a massive horsepower rating?

this dark horse car is an improvement over the Mach 1. Not so much over the outgoing gt500/cobra tier car.

The tiers break down as follows:

MACH1=dark horse
Boss=Shelby gt350
Cobra=shelbygt500

of course it’s cheaper to use the Boss snd Cobra names in order to save license fees paid to Shelby American.

the next boss or Shelby gt350 will exceed the last 350. The next Cobra or GT500 will exceed the last gt500. The dark horse doesn’t really have to exceed anything, but it does exceed the Mach 1.

let’s use common sense moving forward.

 

[9secondko]

Go to the Shelby GT500 page and show me where its called a Cobra.

They can easily have a new NA Cobra and then still have a GT500 over that if they wanted. Even NA "Dark Horse" would be the fastest Mustang Cobra ever made, and faster than some of the GT500's. The 2009+ GT500 was never called a COBRA. It was always called a SHELBY GT500.

Infact as the 1993 Cobra was a reworked 5.0 with upgraded power and handling you can easily say that "Dark Horse" is more like the original SVT Cobra than ANY recent car since 2001.

its not the name (though it shared the same logo). It’s the tier. It’s the absolute pinnacle of the mustang lineup. And each better than the generation before.

Any downgrade from the current gt500 will not be called Cobra or GT500.

 

[Schwerin]

its not the name (though it shared the same logo). It’s the tier. It’s the absolute pinnacle of the mustang lineup. And each better than the generation before.

Any downgrade from the current gt500 will not be called Cobra or GT500.

Ford can do anything they want. Like a Mavrick that's a truck, A Corsaire thats a SUV, try to slap mach1 on a SUV, some reason think "dark horse" is a cool name and doesn't sound like a 13yo Edge Lord made it up. In fact, I wonder if Dark Horse Comics will have any issue.

 

[kendrickdlr]

I think what you're actually seeing is just the side of the headlight housing through the intake holes on either side of the grille

If this was the case you would see a hole on the other side of the grille on the passenger side...

 

[saleen367]

You have legendary names like Boss, Mach-1 and Cobra at your disposal.

So you call it Dark Horse

I honestly sat at the computer watching with my mouth open in disbelief. So either they have something special in store for future years or they are literally trying to shut the door on their heritage, as if to say, that was then, this is the new era of Mustang. Or, they are trying to make a marketing play on words like Dodge did with Hellcat and expound upon it from here. Either way, the term Dark Horse doesn't have me shaking in my boots.

 

[9secondko]

Ford can do anything they want. Like a Mavrick that's a truck, A Corsaire thats a SUV, try to slap mach1 on a SUV, some reason think "dark horse" is a cool name and doesn't sound like a 13yo Edge Lord made it up. In fact, I wonder if Dark Horse Comics will have any issue.

of course they can do whatever they want - hence calling an SUV a pony car.

that doesn’t mean it sits well with fans and customers.

the name dark horse doesn’t bother me. It’s good to give it a name that doesn’t have such lofty expectations to fall short of.

it seems more like a Mach 1 replacement. Not something like a Boss, where people would expect more.

nothing wrong with trying something new. Sure beats taking a dump on a legendary nameplate.

the comics won’t have any say since it’s a colloquialism. And cars and comics are unrelated. If ford started publishing service manual under “dark horse publications” or something, that would be a different story.

back to the point: ford won’t take a lofty ultimate destructor nameplate like cobra or gt500 Ian’s stick it on an NA car that’s Basically a mustang GT +. That would simply be dumb. And marketing team knows it.

personally, I don’t feel that there should be a dark horse model. It should be the GT performance package. And the standard GT should be what the GT performance package is. It seems ford just wanted to squeeze an extra model out of what was already going on - works better for the race cars too, since they don’t have to be Cobra Jet extreme.

 

[Mazman]

I have read in a couple of places that the Dark horse will have different additions to the interior.

Guessing why allthe pics and demo cars are tinted (either the interior is not finished or they don't want to show it right now)

Anyone heard seen anything about this?

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