The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Drives the Herd Forward

Photo Source: Ford

Ford could have picked from a dozen past names for its latest, high-performance special edition Mustang. The brand could have gone with Mach 1 or Bullitt, Shelby, California Special or Boss, but instead it wanted something new. Ford aimed to tell customers, not just through the name, but also through the new look, new technology, and new features, that this was not a Mustang for Baby Boomers. The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse will be the pinnacle of pony car performance, for now, and is the first to wear a horse logo that is facing forward instead of in profile. 

An All-New Level of Performance

Unlike sixth-generation throwbacks such as the GT350 and the Mach 1, the Mustang Dark Horse does not have any heritage to bolster its image. Nor, on the other hand, does it have any lingering nostalgia to hold it back. The automaker wanted the performance to speak for itself, and it succeeded. This is the most powerful naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine in Mustang history, and the Coyote engine is as charming as ever. Forged piston connecting rods from the supercharged GT500 and specific software tuning pushes it to 500 horsepower and 418 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 20 horsepower and three pound-feet of torque over the current GT.

Granted, the Dark Horse is not quite as torque-loaded at low revolutions per minute as some of its supercharged or turbocharged alternatives. There is enough acceleration to get it off the line with purpose, but not so much that the Mustang bucks. On the contrary, torque builds in a lovely linear fashion up to a 4,900-revolution per minute peak and continues to do so all the way up to redline. Revving past 5,000 revolutions per minute gets the most out of the Dark Horse. 

As such, it absolutely hauls at higher speeds, with the V-8 functioning best when worked hard. This motor is even more delightful when paired with the Tremec six-speed manual transmission, which has flawlessly tight, swift throws, automatic rev matching, and finally, no-lift-shift. It is an ideal match for this muscle car. Of note, there is also a ten-speed automatic transmission available.

The Aesthetics

After a few hours behind the wheel, the Mustang Dark Horse proves to be a lively on-road companion. Even before getting in, the Dark Horse intimidates with its menacing muscle car design. For example, sources describe the Mustang as follows, “Available only as a coupe, the Dark Horse visually distinguishes itself from the rest of the lineup with a performance rear spoiler and a unique grille. It also features 19-inch wheels and active valve performance exhaust with black tips. The Dark Horse is available with an appearance package ($1,500) that adds blue brake calipers, a black roof, and a unique hood graphic.” Indeed, this is by far the best-looking seventh-generation Mustang to date. The black mascara underneath the headlights and the snarling nostril intakes–a clever nod to the nostrils of a racing horse–fix some of the facial detriments of the GT and EcoBoost models. 

Like the standard Mustang coupe, the Dark Horse features a four-passenger cabin with bucket seats at the front and the rear. More sophisticated materials are available on upper level trims. The Premium trim offers upscale leather and stitching. Additionally, the optional Recaro bucket seats are remarkably comfortable. They have a luxurious shape with excellent lumbar support and a suitable leather finish. The base price tag for the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse is $59,485 MSRP (Plus destination fee).

If this distinguished Mustang has caught your attention, please come visit Sunrise Ford. We are here to assist with any financial help, needs, or suggestions to make paying for a vehicle easier. Stop by and see what we can do for you right now.