Built on the familiar 5.0-liter Coyote architecture, the Dark Horse V8 is projecting more the 500 horsepower. It utilizes several tricks to achieve that output, including piston connecting borrowed from the 760-horsepower Mustang Shelby GT500 and the new dual-throttle intake that breathes through openings in the front grille.
To keep things running smoothly, Dark Horse gets an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a rear axle cooler and a unique and lighter-weight radiator with improved cooling capability and more robust cooling fans to improve endurance and recovery. The manual transmission also gets a dedicated cooling unit. A 10-speed automatic transmission with sport paddle shifters is available for buyers who—and it pains us to say this—rather not shift for themselves. A Torsen limited-slip rear differential is standard.
Two additional Dark Horse variants are in the pipeline. The Mustang Dark Horse S is designed for the weekend track day enthusiast, while Mustang Dark Horse R has been developed for racing. Mustang Dark Horse S is a stripped-down version of the production vehicle. A full FIA-certified safety cage, safety nets, a race seat with safety belts, a race steering wheel with quick disconnect, electrical disconnects and a fire suppression system make it perfect for the weekend warrior looking to step directly into an approved track car.