A track-focused variant of the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse is coming, and it will have its own exclusive IMSA series.
Track Only
Ford's new sixth-generation Mustang has been the recipient of numerous exciting features and performance offerings. Notably, it promises a V8 option despite a trend of other pony cars phasing out their V8 engines. The track-tuned 2024 Mustang Dark Horse stands out, boasting the most powerful, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote engine Ford has ever produced. However, there's yet another surprise in store: the Mustang Dark Horse R.
Extra Oomph
The Mustang Dark Horse R marks the third racing-focused sixth-gen Mustang to join Ford Performance's lineup, alongside the GT3 and GT4 cars. Designed exclusively for customer track use, the Dark Horse R packs the same potent 5.0L Coyote V8, producing over 500 horsepower. Power is efficiently harnessed through a Tremec 3160 manual transmission and a Torsen limited-slip differential featuring a 3.73 final drive ratio.
Elevated Dark Horse
To elevate the Dark Horse R to true competition-ready status, Ford incorporated several essential upgrades. Improvements were made to the oil system, transmission, and differential cooling, and a Borla racing exhaust system was installed. Additionally, a new fuel cell was added for safety and extended fuel capacity. The car now comes equipped with a MoTeC data display and logging system, as well as mandatory safety upgrades like a roll cage, Recaro FIA racing seat, Sparco-brand quick-release steering wheel, FIA racing harness, and fire suppression system.
Mustang Challenge Series
Competing in the all-new Mustang Challenge series, sponsored by Michelin and managed by the Ford Performance Racing School, the Dark Horse R will face other customer race-ready cars. The series is set to debut in 2024, with five to six race weekends scheduled on the calendar (locations yet to be revealed). Each weekend will include two races, leading to approximately 10-12 races in total.
Worth The Tag?
Ford Performance has received a tremendous response from customers regarding the Dark Horse R, and they plan to sell as many units as they have interested buyers. As an added incentive, fans of one-make series racing will be delighted by the prospect of the Mustang Challenge series. The price of admission has been set at $146,595. It's certainly up there as far as Mustangs go, but will the unleashed performance be worth the cash?
