On September 14, 2022, Ford unveiled the 2024 Mustang–the first fully redesigned Mustang since 2015. Within that announcement came news of a new range-topping performance model called the Dark Horse. The Dark Horse will be the most powerful Mustang in the lineup–at least until the Shelby models appear–and now we have imagery of the car in a color known as Vapor Blue. This new hue is a color-shifting Blue Ember Metallic and will also be another Dark Horse color exclusive.
Meaner Mechanicals
The Dark Horse will be powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8, producing 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. Engine enhancements from the GT500 include a dual throttle body intake and connect rods. Cooling will be augmented with a bespoke lighter radiator, more powerful fans, and an auxiliary oil cooler. Tremec manual 6-speed will channel power to the rear wheels with a specific transmission fluid cooler or a 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
To shore up handling, the suspension will include larger rear sway bars, standard MagneRide magnetically controlled adaptive dampers, and a Torsen rear differential. Up front are Brembo 6-piston brakes with 13.9-inch rotors. The wheels are 19-inch but are staggered with 9.5-inch width up front and 10-inch in the rear, wearing standard Pirelli P Zero tires. An optional Handling Package brings stiffer springs, larger front and rear sway bars, and Pirelli Trofeo tires on one-inch-wider wider rims front and back. Arriving later in the model year will be available carbon fiber wheels, the first for a Mustang without a Shelby badge.
It Looks the Business
The Dark Horse lives up to its name with dark trim accentuating various aspects of this muscle car–even around the headlights. The black grille is divided into three crating trapezoidal “nostrils” on each side. The front bumper will be unique to the Dark Horse and feature what Ford refers to as “high gloss fangs”. For the first time, a Mustang “face” badge appears on the side, which also features lower side skirts. At the rear are darkened exhaust tips, a fixed wing, and a lower racing-derived diffuser.
Gripping the specially molded steering wheel, you’ll recognize just how special this vehicle cockpit is, and not just due to the Cameros and European sports cars quickly receding behind you. In your hands is a thick flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in suede with Bright Indigo Blue stitching. Matching accent stitching also trims the seats, door panels, shift gate, and is color-matched by coordinating blue seatbelts. Up front, you receive all needed vehicle information through a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and an adjacent 13.2-inch center infotainment screen with “Black Alley” dash trim. Deep Indigo seats with unique perforation are available in an Appearance Package.
The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse will have a starting MSRP of $57,970 and is anticipated to be available sometime in late Q4 with very limited availability. In the months to come, speak with our Genuine Ford Representatives regarding how to acquire your own 2024 Mustang Dark Horse in advance.
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