Hotter V8 manual Ford Mustang coming
First there was the Dark Horse then the Dark Horse SC, and next insiders claim the Ford Mustang will spawn another version to slot between the two.
The Ford Mustang family is one of the most diverse of any sports car on sale, ranging from turbocharged four-cylinder engines to supercharged V8s with GT3-inspired underpinnings.
According to specialist publication Ford Authority, there are more Mustangs to come, as it reports there will be a successor to the previous-generation Shelby GT350 in the near future.
Ford stopped using the Shelby nameplate for its hottest Mustangs from the launch of the ‘S650’ model in late 2022, instead spawning a new lineup of performance models at the top of the tree.
While Shelby American has continued to utilise the GT350, GT500 and Super Snake names with its line of aftermarket conversions, Ford’s in-house Mustangs now range from the Dark Horse (replacing the previous Mach 1), the Dark Horse SC (succeeding the GT500), and the GT3 racing-derived GTD.
Ford Authority reports company insiders have said a new Mustang to sit between the Dark Horse and Dark Horse SC is in the works, retaining a manual transmission like the lower-end model, while offering a larger engine.
Presently, the Dark Horse is powered by a 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8 engine, which in US trim produces 370kW and 567Nm, sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Dark Horse SC meanwhile features a largely carryover powertrain from the previous GT500, with a 5.2-litre supercharged V8 punching out a healthy 593kW and 895Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle.
While the Dark Horse is about the same size as the Mustang GT, the Dark Horse SC features a wider bodykit with more significant aerodynamic upgrades.
The report claims the GT350 successor will likely offer similar looks to the Dark Horse SC, though it’ll remain naturally aspirated, either with a 5.2-litre or 5.4-litre V8.
Additional upgrades are said to include larger brakes, greater cooling capacity and stiffer suspension, providing an extra level above the Dark Horse’s existing capabilities.
Though a name is yet to be announced or rumoured, Ford Authority noted that Dark Horse Boss had been trademarked last year, which would potentially provide a link to the classic Mustang Boss 302 and Boss 429 homologation specials.
Jordan Mulach
