Ford loves itself some nostalgia, so it does not roll out new-new efficiency trims fairly often, as a substitute selecting to depend on that connection to the previous. So, when one thing correctly recent lands within the Mustang lineup, it is form of an enormous deal, and the 2024 Ford Mustang Darkish Horse suits that invoice.
Ford on Wednesday night launched the 2024 Mustang Darkish Horse. It is the primary new efficiency trim within the Mustang lineup in 21 years, following the introduction of the Mustang Bullitt in 2001. The objective with the Darkish Horse was to create a Mustang that wasn’t only a beast on the road, but in addition on the observe.
Whereas Ford hasn’t but divulged each one of many Mustang Darkish Horse’s specs, what we do know appears mighty promising. Below the hood is a modified model of Ford’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8, which within the Darkish Horse will make an estimated 500 horsepower because of additions just like the connecting rods from the Shelby GT500. That bolts as much as a regular Tremec six-speed handbook transmission, however a 10-speed computerized can be out there.
Efficiency is extra than simply energy, although. Normal magnetorheological dampers (MagneRide, in advertising and marketing converse) ought to present a great steadiness of trip consolation and functionality, whereas the rear sway bar is a bit bigger than on different fashions. The drivetrain ought to keep good and frosty with cooling options out the wazoo, together with brake cooling ducts, an extra engine oil cooler, a rear axle cooler and a beefier (but in addition lighter) radiator with stronger followers. 13.9-inch entrance brake rotors deal with stopping duties, and extra bracing ought to preserve the physique composed as it really works its manner round a observe.
You possibly can pay somewhat additional for blue calipers, however no one will see them in the event you’re the quickest factor out on the observe.
Ford
It would not be a efficiency automobile with out choices packages. The elective Dealing with Package deal takes issues a step additional with the Darkish Horse, including a particular rear wing with a Gurney flap, stiffer springs, thicker sway bars and sticky Pirelli Trofeo tires. Carbon-fiber wheels are additionally out there, however they will not be prepared proper when the Darkish Horse launches.
And I have not even talked about how the Darkish Horse appears but! Because the identify suggests, the aesthetic is a bit darker, with smoked headlights, a gloss black grille, particular nostrils feeding twin air intakes and a particular decrease bumper, along with extra aggressive facet skirts, a hard and fast rear wing, a singular diffuser and darker exhaust ideas. There’s even a particular Darkish Horse badge, and it appears fairly badass. A deep Blue Ember metallic paint job is exclusive to the Darkish Horse, as effectively.
That is the primary time Ford has used a front-facing horse on any of its badging. Undecided what number of additional horsepower that’ll add.
Ford
Ford will even launch two Darkish Horse variants particularly for observe actions. The Mustang Darkish Horse S ditches each non-essential half within the automobile, changing that stuff with a full FIA-compliant roll cage, security nets, a racing seat and steering wheel, electrical disconnects, a fireplace suppression system, Multimatic DSSV dampers and a racing exhaust. and knowledge acquisition. A passenger seat is elective. The Mustang Darkish Horse R takes that one step additional with distinctive serialization, a gasoline cell and particular wheels.
Contemplating the 2024 Ford Mustang will not be popping out till 2023, it will doubtless be some time till Ford is able to ship extra express output numbers, in addition to a price ticket. However contemplating simply how a lot has modified below the physique, we aren’t anticipating the Darkish Horse to be a cheap proposition.
