Ford Dark Horse Roars: In a bold move, Ford Performance announced on Wednesday its decision to unleash the top-tier Dark Horse model in the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series. After a lackluster season with the current Mustang, Ford is pinning its hopes on the Dark Horse, the crème de la crème of the Mustang lineup, boasting a hefty price tag nearing $60,000 for consumers.
Last year, Joey Logano clinched the Cup title in the Mustang, and this Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, Ryan Blaney will rev up a Ford in his bid for the championship in the final race for the existing model. The Dark Horse is set to make its NASCAR debut at the February exhibition opener in the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The decision to introduce the Dark Horse stems from Ford’s quest for supremacy. The current Mustang, though qualifying six drivers for the playoff field, struggled, with defending champion Logano and Kevin Harvick bowing out in the first round. Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford’s top team, remained winless throughout the season.
Mark Rushbrook, the global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, expressed Ford’s commitment, stating, “We think we’ve got a great road car lineup with the Mustang, but also took the decision to commit to a seventh-generation Mustang on the road and also race it around the world.” He added, “Now to be on the cusp of showing the new Mustang Dark Horse for NASCAR Cup racing is exciting, and we want to compete and win around the world with Mustang, and most of the versions around the world are the Dark Horse.
The Dark Horse, unveiled just over a year ago, marked the first new performance nameplate for Mustang since 2001. Boasting the most track-capable 5.0-liter V8 street-legal Mustang ever, it inspired Mustangs racing in Australia and the Formula Drift series this year. Next season, the Dark Horse will be eligible to compete in GT3 and GT4 classes globally and will participate in the Mustang Challenge Series and various grassroots racing events through the Dark Horse R variant.
Ford’s move has garnered excitement among drivers, including Brad Keselowski, driver and co-owner of RFK Racing, who commented, “If she gallops as fast as she looks, it’s going to be a good year.” The Mustang, an iconic American car renowned globally, has evolved alongside NASCAR since entering Xfinity Series competition in 2011. With multiple championships and victories under its belt, the Mustang’s legacy in NASCAR continues, and the Dark Horse’s arrival signals a new era for Ford on the racetrack.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What’s the difference between the Dark Horse and the Dark Horse premium?
The Dark Horse Premium is not just a powerful track-ready vehicle, but it also boasts luxurious comfort and convenience features. In comparison to the standard Dark Horse, the Premium version offers desirable upgrades such as heated and cooled front seats.
Is the Ford Dark Horse street legal?
The Dark Horse is the latest high-performance Mustang trim model, set to debut in 2024. This track-ready and street-legal Mustang is perfect for those seeking a powerful ride. With its exclusive 500-horsepower V8 engine, the Dark Horse is sure to impress. Not only that, but it also boasts luxurious features, making it a top choice for those who want both performance and comfort.
What is the top speed of the Ford Dark Horse?
The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse is a powerhouse of a vehicle, boasting impressive specs and performance capabilities. With the option of a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission, this car can go from 0-60 mph in an estimated 3.8-4.0 seconds. It’s also expected to reach a top speed of 165 mph. Thanks to a weight reduction of 200 lbs, the Dark Horse is lighter and more agile than ever before. Get ready to experience the thrill of the ride with this impressive Mustang model.
How much will the s650 Dark Horse cost?
YouTube now offers a wider range of videos showcasing the latest 2024 Mustang models. The base model starts at $41,495, while the Premium Package comes in at a slightly higher MSRP. The Mustang GT Fastback is priced at $46,015, while the Dark Horse model is available for $59,270. The Dark Horse R model is the most expensive, with a price tag of $145,000. The Mustang GTD is estimated to cost around $300,000. Check out these videos to get a closer look at these impressive vehicles.
