In recent years, Ford has been doubling down on their SUV and EV investments. When it comes to the Mustang, the most popular option today is the brand-new Ford Mustang Mach-E, which has been incredibly successful.

Despite Ford’s focus on EV production and the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the traditional gas-powered Mustang is still alive and well today. Its seventh generation will be entering in 2024. the seventh-generation Mustang brings a new body style, refined performance, and a wide array of special edition models to the lineup, including the much-anticipated 2024 Mustang Dark Horse.

If you want to get behind one of these race-ready Mustangs, look no further. Here is everything you need to know about the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse.

V8? Manual transmission? Yes, please.

According to MotorTrend, the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse will be equipped solely with a fourth-generation Coyote V8 engine producing 500 horsepower and 418 lt ft of torque on premium fuel. However, this Coyote V8 has a ton of upgrades separating it from the standard V8 found in F-150s all around the world. This engine has a higher revving valvetrain and a twin throttle body cold air intake.

This engine is equipped with a forged crankshaft and connecting rods to handle all of this high-revving. All these engine upgrades bring the redline up to 7,500 RPM, with extra emphasis on ensuring the engine can run at those higher RPMs for an extended time.

Along with a V8, the Mustang Dark Horse will be equipped with a six-speed manual Tremec TR 3160 transmission as standard equipment. Still, a 10-speed automatic will be available with an auxiliary transmission cooler to ensure this automatic doesn’t overheat on the track while shifting through all 10 gears.

A racetrack-ready Mustang

The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse will also be available in track-only models, not street-legal but built for race use only. These models include the Dark Horse S, stripped of all its non-essential interior items and fitted with a roll cage, racing seat, and detachable steering wheel.

Going even further into race-ready technology, this Mustang is also equipped with a quick electrical system to disconnect and a fire suppression system. Data acquisition technology and a handy pit lane speed limiter are also found in the dash.

The Dark Horse R model is essentially a Dark Horse S but with a stiffened unibody, Ford Performance wheels, and a special racing serialization for approval in certain racing divisions.

A Mustang Dark Horse will also be built for GT4 and GT3 factory-spec racing in FIA GT, SRO, and IMSA-sanctioned races. 

Standing out from the crowd

The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse will also be equipped with a ton of visual flair to keep it from looking like any other Mustang on the road. The front fascia of the Dark Horse comes equipped with a gloss-black grille, darkened headlights, side skirts, rear diffuser, and quad exhaust.

Blue Ember paint will be offered as an exclusive color for this model, with a choice of decal packages. For the interior, the Mustang Dark Horse receives a special suede-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel with optional Recaro seats and a 12-speaker sound system.

With all of these upgrades to the base model Mustang, it is safe to say that Ford is still relying on their Mustang Dark Horse to keep their gas-powered sports car-buying audience behind the wheel of a Ford for years to come. Will the 2024 Dark Horse signal the return of race-ready production cars? Only time will tell!