Yahoo Autos You'll Need the Dark Horse if You Want Fast Lap Times From the New Mustang
The 2024 S650-generation Ford Mustang GT receives more power and a host of other upgrades compared to the previous S550-generation. However, some of the performance upgrades that were previously offered in the optional Mustang GT Performance Packages are now reserved for the Dark Horse model. The result is a new Mustang GT that is apparently slower around a racetrack than the older model.
This is proven in a video that was posted recently to the Throttle House YouTube channel. In this video, a 2024 Mustang GT with the Performance Package is tested against a Camaro SS 1LE in a drag race, roll race, and around a road course. The new Mustang GT's lap time around the road course was also compared to the time of the previous generation GT with Performance Package Level 2 (PP2). Around the track, the new Mustang GT got smoked by the Camaro as well as the older Mustang. What happened?
Before we dive into the lap times, there is some good news to report for Mustang fans. The 2024 Mustang GT beat the Camaro SS 1LE by a full car length in both the drag race and the roll race. In a straight line, the 486-hp (with optional active exhaust) Mustang GT is formidable. So, if you want a Mustang that is quick between the lights and you don’t care so much about corners, then the 2024 model will make you happy. But track day junkies will be better served with a Dark Horse model, or even a well-equipped, previous-generation Mustang GT.
Around the road course, the 2024 Mustang GT put down a lap time of 1:14.17. A previous generation Mustang GT PP2 managed a 1:12.77. On a track this short, that is a significant time difference. To make things worse for Ford fans, the Camaro blitzed them both with a time of 1:11.83. What went wrong? How can the newer and more powerful Mustang GT be so much slower around the same track with the same driver?
Well, tires. The 2024 Mustang GT with the Performance Package rides on Pirelli P Zeros. The S550 Mustang GT PP2 cars rode on much stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s. For 2024, if you want super sticky tires (Pirelli Trofeo RS) you can get them, but only with the Dark Horse Handling Package, or, of course, in the aftermarket. Tires alone will make a significant difference in lap times. But it goes beyond that. The old Mustang GT PP2 allowed for near-GT350 levels of performance. That distinction now goes to the Dark Horse models. They are track-focused warriors with upgraded suspension, aero, tires, brakes, and a bit more power for good measure.
Put a Dark Horse around this track and you can be sure the lap times will tumble. That is great for those who can afford to spring for the top model. But the old PP2 was a budget-friendly compromise. It is sad to see the latest and greatest Mustang GT apparently taking a step backward when it comes to track performance.
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