The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse: Unleashing the Ultimate Street and Track Performance Machine
The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse is set to redefine street and track performance, raising the bar for Mustang enthusiasts everywhere. As the most powerful non-Shelby Mustang edition, the Dark Horse delivers a staggering 500 horsepower, giving drivers the ultimate thrill behind the wheel. In this blog post, we will dive into the details of the all-new 2024 Mustang Dark Horse, exploring its powerful engine, athletic design, and exhilarating performance features. Get ready for a wild ride!
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The Fourth-Generation Coyote V8 Engine
At the heart of the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse lies the fourth-generation Coyote V8 engine, a true masterpiece of automotive engineering. This powerful beast churns out an impressive 500 horsepower and 418 ft.-lb. of torque, making it the most potent non-Shelby Mustang ever produced.
Ford Performance has gone above and beyond to ensure the Coyote engine delivers a driving experience like no other. With upgrades such as a uniquely balanced crankshaft and forged piston connecting rods, the engine can handle higher cylinder pressures and piston speeds. The Mustang Dark Horse also features strengthened camshafts, designed to meet the rigorous demands of track driving and extended operation near its 7,500-rpm redline.
“Every time someone gets behind the wheel of a Mustang, we know they want to feel that strong connection to their vehicle – and we’re just as invested in creating that bond,” said Suzanne Robinson, Coyote engine program supervisor. “With the increased responsiveness you get from the new dual throttle bodies, we’re wringing every ounce of performance we can out of our engine so Mustang enthusiasts can have that experience.”
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Most Powerful Mustang GT 5.0-liter V8
The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse isn’t the only model in the lineup boasting impressive power. The all-new Mustang GT 5.0-liter V8, equipped with an available active-valve performance exhaust system, delivers a thrilling 486 horsepower and 418 ft.-lb. of torque for the GT coupe and convertible models. The free-flowing design of the exhaust system ensures a custom V8 sound, while the ability to close the valves restricts the noise levels for a more refined driving experience.
Those who opt for the standard Mustang GT will still enjoy a significant boost in power, with 480 horsepower and 415 ft.-lb. of torque as standard. This makes the 2024 Mustang GT the most powerful naturally aspirated V8-powered Mustang ever.
The fourth-generation Coyote V8 engine also features a segment-first dual intake and dual throttle body induction system, which, when combined with structural improvements and an upgraded oil pan, helps minimize induction loss by enabling higher air flow rates. Both the Mustang GT and the Mustang Dark Horse achieve the same horsepower and torque ratings for automatic and manual transmissions.
Turbocharged Mustang EcoBoost Delivers up to 315 Horsepower
The 2024 Mustang lineup also includes the all-new Mustang EcoBoost, which continues the tradition of affordable performance. With an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, the 2024 Mustang EcoBoost produces a remarkable 315 horsepower – the most standard power in a four- or six-cylinder Mustang ever – and 350 ft.-lb. of torque.
For drivers craving even more excitement, the Mustang EcoBoost also offers an optional active-valve performance exhaust system, designed to enhance the turbocharged soundtrack of the car.
The Mustang EcoBoost coupe and convertible models feature a ground-up redesign of the engine, incorporating Ford’s new Modular Power Cylinder (MPC) engine architecture. This cutting-edge design drives improvements in both performance and fuel economy, with the 2024 Mustang EcoBoost expected to achieve better EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings than the outgoing model year. The engine utilizes a new bore-to-stroke ratio, port fuel injection coupled with direct injection, variable cam timing, integrated exhaust gas recirculation, and twin-scroll turbocharging technologies to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect.
Interior Designed with Athleticism
Step inside the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse, and you’ll immediately notice its athletic-inspired interior design. The centerpiece of the cabin is the all-new anodized blue, lightweight titanium manual shift knob. The hollow, six-speed knob is designed to remain cool in warmer weather, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.
For those who choose the 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission, the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse features anodized silver paddle shifters, providing almost instantaneous gear shifts and the tactile feeling of metal.
The flat-bottomed steering wheel, wrapped in performance suede for added grip, is another standout feature of the Dark Horse’s interior. Bright Indigo Blue stitching adds a touch of contrast and detail across the instrument and door panels, seats, gear shift boot, and center console trim and lid. The sport-contoured steering wheel also enhances the digital experience, with buttons that control vehicle functions like drive mode selection, the instrument cluster, and the 13.2-inch SYNC® 4 center stack, elegantly angled toward the driver behind a single piece of integrated glass.
The available and class-first electronic drift brake, wrapped in leather, features an anodized lever with precise action. This innovative feature allows drivers to easily modulate the rear wheels to a full lock while in track mode for sideways movement.
For customers seeking an even sportier look, the Mustang Dark Horse Appearance Package includes specially bolstered RECARO® performance seats, featuring exclusive Deep Indigo Blue bolsters trimmed with Bright Indigo Blue accent stitching. The seats also incorporate black Dinamica suede in the center for improved lateral grip. Deep Indigo Blue seatbelts and distinctive seat perforations with blue accents beneath the seating surface round out the blue theme.
2024 Mustang Dark Horse: Street and Track Machine RECARO seats
The design team has also developed all-new color and trim surface selections, with bezels and vents finished in Black Alley – a dark metallic gloss that replaces the familiar bright silver shades found in other Mustang trim levels. The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse’s interior textures have evolved from aggressive animal skin patterns to tech-inspired “white noise” and carbon fiber-inspired grains. Lasers are used to create the grain on top of the instrument panel, resulting in a more technical feel and reduced gloss. A carbon fiber grain wraps the front of the instrument and door panel trims, complementing the look of the three-spoke steering wheel. All leather and vinyl-wrapped parts feature a luxury grain texture, highlighting their form and amplifying the vehicle’s performance feel.
As a final touch, each 2024 Mustang Dark Horse features an instrument panel badge that includes the vehicle’s chassis number.
Availability and Production
The all-new 2024 Mustang Dark Horse coupe and convertible models are set to go on sale in the U.S. starting in the summer of 2023. These high-performance machines are assembled at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan.
Conclusion
The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse is a testament to Ford’s dedication to performance and innovation, offering drivers an unparalleled driving experience. With its powerful Coyote V8 engine, athletic interior design, and class-leading features, the Dark Horse stands as a symbol of Mustang’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of performance vehicles. Keep an eye out for the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse as it gallops onto roads and tracks near you – it’s a ride you won’t want to miss!