The world of EVs is taking over the muscle car market, but the Ford Mustang Dark Horse bucks this trend with a high-powered V8 engine.
Dodge created the Last Call models for the Challenger and Charger, giving us some incredible power and performance in these final gas-powered editions. We’ve heard plenty about the Camaro’s run coming to an end. Although Ford brought an EV version of the Mustang to market first, it’s also giving us one of the most fun and impressive V8-powered Mustangs ever seen with the new 500-horsepower Dark Horse model.
This New Mustang Takes On the Track
The new Dark Horse is a high-powered muscle car made for street-legal fun, but Ford takes things up a notch with a track-only version. This new Dark Horse R gives us a car that bridges an important gap in the racing world. Racing is part of Mustang heritage, with the first model winning the 1964 Tour de France. The new Dark Horse R brings racing back to this muscle car and makes it the ideal car for
Mustang lovers to race in a new series designed for this specific car.
Instead of entering the Dark Horse R into an existing racing series, Ford brings this new car into the Mustang Challenge series. This series is made for only the Mustang, and it’s an IMSA-sanctioned racing series. Those that love to race their pony cars will admire the fun and angry sounds coming off the track during this series. It’s sure to be filled with several different models of the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse R car. This new muscle car can also be used in several other racing series, making it a good car for some racing teams to put out on the track.
Ford Took a Page From Chevy’s Book
The recent resurgence of the Chevrolet COPO Camaro drag race program brings cars that are factory bodies-in-white that are transformed into drag racing cars. The new Dark Horse R is a complete turnkey race car that’s ready to hit the track for various racing series. Everything from the fuel system to the safety equipment is included, allowing a racing team to make necessary adjustments to fit the car into the series and make it work.
In most cases, track-ready cars are much more expensive than their street-legal counterparts. That’s not necessarily the case for the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse R. This new racing machine was developed with racers in mind. Of course, this car is also meant for Mustang enthusiasts, which works because Ford is keeping the price more affordable than what we see with many other cars in this class. The New Dark Horse R could be a great car for performance enthusiasts to pick it up and take it out on the track for some fun.
There’s Plenty of Power in this Racing Machine
Unlike the COPO Camaro, the Dark Horse R uses the same engine as the road-going Dark Horse model. This means it’s powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine that provides more than 500 horsepower for the desired level of track fun. This car also brings a strong Tremec 3160 manual transmission, a Torsen limited-slip differential with a 3.73 final-drive ratio, an aero kit, and Brembo rear brakes. You’ll also find a variety of impressive upgrades specifically made for track fun.
Although the Coyote V8 engine is found under the hood of both Ford Mustang Dark Horse models, there are a few differences for the R version. The Dark Horse R uses strong GT500 connecting rods, a Ford Performance steel oil pan, and improved cooling system features that are made for time on the track.
Safety Equipment Made for the Track
Could you drive the Dark Horse R on the road? Unfortunately, this car isn’t made for riding down the road or heading out on the highway. Still, this track-ready Mustang has a complete package of FIA-compliant safety features, including a safety cage, Recaro fixed-back race seats, a quick-release steering wheel, a fire suppression system, and electrical kill switches. These differences make the Dark Horse R safer on the track but not practical for on-road driving.
Regardless of whether you enjoy the fun of the Mustang Challenge series, where the Dark Horse R competes, or you want to enjoy the regular Ford Mustang Dark Horse on the road, this new V8-powered Mustang gives us hope that the big engine will continue to thrive for a few more years.
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