New Ford Mustang Dark Horse gets extra V8 power

Ford has unveiled a new Ford Mustang Dark Horse version of its seventh-generation pony car that produces more power, features a large aero kit and comes with track-suited tyre and suspension upgrades.

Confirmed for Australia as the flagship of the all-new 2023 Ford Mustang that’s due to arrive late next year, the Dark Horse is said to be the first new Mustang performance series in more than 21 years and joins the current BULLITT, Mach 1 and GT350 and GT500 nameplates.

Based on the Ford Mustang GT, the new Dark Horse is powered by the same 5.0-litre Coyote V8 but gets power boosted from 358kW to a more muscular 373kW.

The more powerful V8 is combined with a Tremec-sourced six-speed manual as standard, although Ford’s 10-speed auto will be available.

Spanning the gap between the Mach 1 and Shelby GT350 and GT500, the Dark Horse bags parts usually reserved for the fastest, most extreme Ford Mustang muscle cars.

That explains why the top-shelf Mustang will be offered with Australian-developed Carbon Revolution carbon-fibre wheels, which were only available previously on the Shelby models.

Other changes designed to improve performance include a larger grille with open nostrils directing more air to the new dual air intake that’s been developed for the latest V8 Mustang.

Also unique to the hot new Mustang are smoked headlights and tail-lights, a fixed rear wing, bigger rear diffuser, Dark Horse badges on the front fenders and deck lid, and exclusive Blue Ember paint.

In addition to the improved air intake, the 5.0-litre V8 gets forged internal components that include connecting rods first used in the GT500.

Helping keep it cool during prolonged use on track, the Mustang Dark Horse gets special NACA brake cooling ducts, an auxiliary engine cooler, a rear differential cooler and a lighter radiator that, combined with more powerful fans, is said to boost thermal efficiency when driving flat-out.

Other hardware changes include MagneRide adaptive dampers, Brembo six-piston callipers clamping down on 13.9-inch disc brakes, and standard 19-inch rims that measure 9.5 inches wide up front and 10 inches at the rear. They’re wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres.

Tick the box for the Handling Pack and you get a set of stickier Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS rubber mounted onto wider wheels (10.5 and 11 inches front/rear), plus stiffer springs and a thicker front and rear anti-roll bar.

Inside, the Mustang Dark Force shares its cabin with the standard Mustang GT, boasting a 12.4-inch digital instrument panel and a 13.2-inch infotainment that runs Ford’s SYNC4 operating system.

Confirming the Aussie launch, but stopping short of providing local details, a Ford Australia spokesperson said: “Dark Horse is a street and track-capable performance Mustang with striking visual cues and all of the capability sports car lovers expect.

“With sinister looks and a specially modified 5.0-litre V8, Dark Horse will set a new benchmark for Australian street and track performance.

“Further specs and information will be released closer to local launch.”

The new Ford Mustang – which includes four-cylinder EcoBoost models as well as the V8-powered GT – will be launched in the US in the third quarter of next year, with the Australian launch coming a few months later.

Count on higher prices – currently set at $52,590 plus on-road costs for the ‘HP’ Fastback and $65,290 plus ORCs for the GT Fastback – and a healthy premium for the Dark Horse.

For reference, the Mustang Mach 1 started at $83,365 plus ORCs, while in the US the Dark Horse is tipped to carry a $US60,000 ($A89,000) sticker price.

As well as the road-going Mustang Dark Horse, Ford Performance has also developed two track-only versions – the S and R – that are still to be confirmed for Australia.

The Mustang Dark Horse S is designed for weekend enthusiasts and features a stripped-down version of the road car.

There’s also a full FIA-certified roll cage, safety nets, a race seat, six-point harness, a race steering wheel (with quick release), an electrical disconnect plus a fire suppressant system.

New tech includes a pit lane speed limiter and onboard race-ready telemetry system. Externally, there’s an adjustable rear wing and a full race-spec exhaust.

Adjustable race suspension complete the changes.

The Mustang Dark Horse R is said to have been approved by the FIA to go racing and comes with a seam-welding shell, plus a motorsport-derived fuel cell.

Ford hopes the R will attract more experienced racers into the new-generation Mustang, which will race in multiple categories including Australian Supercars.

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au