The Ford Mustang continues to persevere after nearly 60 years of continuous production. And thank goodness for it. In that time, we’ve enjoyed the occasional Shelby Mustang, Mach 1, and Bullitt– special edition ‘Stangs with attributes that set them apart from the ho-hum of GTs and base-model Mustangs. However, if you’re looking for the collectible model with a claim to fame in the 2025 lineup, you’re looking at the 2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

The 2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is the most powerful naturally aspirated 5.0 Mustang the Blue Oval has ever produced

Fans rejoiced at the announcement that the Ford Mustang would survive into its seventh generation (S650). Better yet, the platform would carry the same formula: a powerful engine up front, rear-wheel drive (RWD), and two doors. However, fans didn’t get the much-anticipated Shelby badge they wanted. 

However, the Mustang faithful did get one thing: the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. The Dark Horse didn’t pack a screaming Voodoo V8 like the now-discontinued Shelby GT350 or a supercharged Predator mill like the GT500. Instead, the Dark Horse pushed the naturally aspirated (N/A) 5.0L Coyote to new heights. We’re talking about the 500-horsepower mark. 

That’s rarified air for a cross-plane crank V8 in a muscle car. In fact, the closest the big-and-bold Dodge Challenger got during its modern tenure is 485 sans-supercharger horsepower with the R/T Scat Pack. The story is similar for the Mustang’s perennial rival, the Chevrolet Camaro. While the supercharged ZL1 produced an asphalt-kicking 650 horsepower, the N/A Camaro 1SS topped out at 455 horsepower. 

Incidentally, we anticipate the Dark Horse to become a bit of a collector car. It’s not unlike the spectacular Shelby GT350 or Mach 1 of the previous generation. With track-ready componentry courtesy of those previous generation cars, bragging rights from its dual-throttle body Coyote V8, and a unique badge unlike the models of old, the Dark Horse is likely to be a hot commodity in the years to come.