Mustang Dark Horse crests 500 hp, gets chassis upgrades over GT

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Surprise! For the first time in two decades, there's an all-new Mustang model to ogle and rev furiously. Unveiled as a surprise after the rest of the redesigned lineup, the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse becomes the most powerful, focused high-performance Mustang of the seventh generation (at least until Shelbys start showing up). Ford says engineers worked for more than three years to create what it says is a "street and track-capable performance Mustang."

“We’ve taken the all-new Mustang, the best of our new 5.0-liter V8 performance, and added power, improved the aero, tires, steering and provided an interactive cockpit to create a Mustang that goes beyond any 5.0-liter Mustang before it,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Mustang chief nameplate engineer.

Rather that blather on, though, let's turn it over to the bullet points to give you all the details and everything there is to know about the Mustang Dark Horse.

The engine

• The Dark Horse is powered by a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 good for more than 500 horsepower. That's likely to be about 20 more than the GT.

• Modifications for the Dark Horse Coyote included piston connecting rods first featured on the latest GT500, and a dual throttle body intake design for extra air intake.

• A unique, lighter radiator, more powerful fans and an auxiliary engine oil cooler emphasize that the Dark Horse is intended to hit the track.

The transmission

• A six-speed manual transmission is standard. It's produced by Tremac and features a special 3D-printed titanium shift ball.

• Go for the manual and you'll be much cooler. So will the transmission as it gets a special oil cooler.

• Optional is a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.