Ford introduces the Mustang Dark Horse: A new benchmark for performance
Ford has unveiled the Mustang Dark Horse, the most powerful street-legal naturally aspirated Mustang to date. As the first new Mustang performance series in over two decades, the Dark Horse sets a new standard for American street and track performance, which will soon decorate the roads and byways of Mzansi.
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“The seventh-generation Mustang builds on the proud heritage and iconic status of this legendary model over the past 60 years, while the Mustang Dark Horse elevates the performance and driving experience to even greater heights,” says Sunil Sewmohan, executive director, Product Marketing at Ford South Africa.
“The Mustang Dark Horse is an exclusive model that looks mean and purposeful, and delivers the thrill and excitement of a thoroughbred V8 sports car, whether driving it on the road or taking it to the track,” Sewmohan says.
A beast of a Mustang
Based on the new seventh-generation Mustang, the Mustang Dark Horse is more than just a new name; it's a complete transformation. This track-capable performance car boasts a 'sinister' aesthetic, enhanced aerodynamics, upgraded hardware, and an ultra-powerful engine.
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At the heart of the Dark Horse is a unique 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine. Tuned to deliver 334kW of power and 540Nm of torque, it's the most potent naturally aspirated Mustang ever produced. The engine features piston connecting rods, which were first introduced in the Ford Performance Mustang Shelby GT500, and a dual throttle-body intake design for improved performance.
“We’ve taken the new Mustang, the best of our new 5.0-litre V8 performance, and added power, improved the aero, tyres, steering and provided an interactive cockpit to create a Mustang that goes beyond any 5.0-litre Mustang before it,” Sewmohan says.
The Mustang Dark Horse is ready to eat any mountain pass.
A track-ready machine
Features like brake cooling NACA ducts, an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a rear axle cooler, and a unique radiator ensure optimal performance under extreme conditions. The car also boasts enhanced chassis tuning, larger rear sway bars, heavy-duty front shocks, and Brembo front six-piston brakes.
Dramatic styling
The Dark Horse's exterior is as striking as its performance. Bold, shadow graphics, a unique grille, and darkened quad exhaust tips give the car a broody and aggressive look.
The Blue Ember metallic paint option, available with a special Appearance Package, is exclusively offered with this colour. It includes additional blue accents on the seats, a black-painted roof, unique hood graphics, and dark Notorious Blue Brembo brake callipers with a Grabber Blue logo.
A driver-focused cockpit
The Dark Horse features a technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit with contrasting blue stitching. A 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster provides a customisable driving experience, while a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 centre stack offers a fully immersive digital experience.
A bigger, flat-bottomed steering wheel covered in leather and accented with Bright Indigo Blue stitching features anodised silver paddle shifters. A separate Drive Mode button allows drivers to choose between Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, or Track, and up to six separate profiles can be saved.
The inside trim, bezels, and vents are coated in Black Alley, a dark metallic sheen that replaces the standard Mustang GT's famous brilliant silver colour. Mustang Dark Horse is also equipped with the latest B&O® Sound System. (Watch this space for interior images.)
Pricing and availability
The Mustang Dark Horse is expected to be available in South Africa soon. Pricing starts at R1,500,000.
Ford Mustang SA pricing released!
