Now in its seventh generation, Ford’s completely redesigned 2024 Mustang boasts a fresh fighter-jet-inspired cabin and a host of new technology. However, fans who want to extract maximum performance from the classic front-engine, rear-wheel drive platform will rejoice at the new Dark Horse trim level which fills the shoes of the now-defunct Mach 1 from the previous generation Mustang.
Key Takeaways:
- This unique variant from Ford Performance is designed to maximize downforce, grip, braking, and handling balance in order to enhance lap times at the track.
- Under the hood lives a 5.0-liter “Coyote” V8 engine with 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque.
- In spite of its race track credibility, the interior features a long list of creature comforts like dual-zone electronic climate control, heated seats and steering wheel, a rockin’ Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker stereo, wireless smartphone charging, and more.
- Unique front and rear fascia differentiate the Dark Horse from mere mortal Mustangs at a glance. Look deeper and you’ll find an exclusive vented hood and rear decklid spoiler.
How much does the 2024 Dark Horse cost?
The 2024 Dark Horse starts at $61,080, which includes a mandatory $1,595 destination charge. A more luxurious Dark Horse Premium retails for $65,075, once again including destination fee. For the record, the standard Dark Horse is already pretty much loaded with standard features, but the Premium version does bring ventilated (cooled) seats to the interior, as well as a locking glove box and universal garage door opener.
If you’ve recently hit the lottery and cash isn’t an issue, there’s an optional $4,995 Handling Package for the Dark Horse that includes wider bespoke wheels and tires, adjustable strut mounts, tow hooks, and a few other track-related bits. A few other extra-cost appearance and technology packages are also available and quite frankly, are probably better explained in-person at the dealership.
How fast is the 2024 Dark Horse Mustang?
In a MotorTrend test, an automatic transmission-equipped Dark Horse stormed from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, on its way to a standing quarter-mile time of 12.0 seconds flat. Of course, if you’re going to go fast, you need good brakes too.
This is an area where the Dark Horse’s Brembo six-piston calipers and two-piece rotors excel, out-braking every single street car that MotorTrend ever tested. That distinguished list includes a Porsche 911 GT2 RS as well as a McLaren Senna, both of which were bettered by the Dark Horse’s 86 foot stop from 60-0 mph.
Does the 2024 Dark Horse come with a Manual Transmission?
Yes, Ford has made enthusiasts happy by continuing to offer a six-speed manual gearbox as standard equipment. A six-speed manual is also available on the slightly less racy Mustang GT, but in spite of both having six forward speeds, the GT’s transmission is a MT-82 from Getrag, whereas the Dark Horse gets a much more robust unit from famed transmission manufacturer TREMEC. In fact, it’s the same transmission that was utilized in the outgoing Mach1 Mustang.
For drivers that don’t want the hassle of working a clutch pedal, an excellent 10-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission is also available. The automatic is actually nearly half a second faster accelerating to 60 mph than the aesthetically sportier six-speed, so performance won’t suffer at the expense of a less demanding driving experience.
Is the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse a Limited Edition?
Unlike some ultra-high-performance cars and trucks, the Dark Horse isn’t technically limited to a certain number of vehicles per year. That said, Ford is certain to produce far fewer of this luxurious track monster than the EcoBoost and GT variants. We’ll try to keep one or two in stock for customers to drool over, but if you’re serious about snagging the top-dog sports coupe for yourself, don’t delay in contacting us here at Champion Erie.