The Dark Horse edition of the Mustang was a special launch edition here in New Zealand, which in Ford NZ-speak means a model that is still in production, but they only brought a few (150 to be precise) in to generate excitement here.
That means that, while it may have pretty much instantly sold out here, there is a good chance it will reappear here as another run of “limited edition” cars. So if you missed out on the initial batch, you might still be able to get one eventually.
But here’s the thing - I’m not so sure you should worry too much if you didn't.
This will, of course, largely depend on what you want to use your Mustang for. Want a daily driver that is comfortable, capable, big fun on a winding road and looks great? Then just buy a Mustang GT, as it is far better at being a daily driver and offers 99 percent of what the Dark Horse does. Okay, maybe 95 percent.
But if you want a car packed with charm along with compromises to regularly take to track days and have, say, a GT or even a Mustang Mach E parked in the driveway as a daily driver, then the Dark Horse is definitely the car for you.
Packing bits from Ford’s performance parts bin to add an extra edge of aggression and capability to the V8 Mustang, like a lumpier camshaft from the Shelby GT500, bigger six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo brakes, underbody brake ducts, a rear diff cooler and decidedly stiffer, but adjustable MagneRide suspension, the Dark Horse pumps up the power slightly (up to 373kW) and the aggression considerably.
Louder and angrier, the Dark Horse rumbles like a distant thunder storm when relaxed and roars like a bear when provoked, giving it an instant upgrade over the slightly quiet standard car, while the Coyote V8’s responses to throttle input are also much sharper and aggressive.
On the inside the sports seats are much narrower and grippier and suit a normal-sized person in a nicely snug way that is almost un-American (as in, I’m not sure your average-sized American would be in any way comfortable in them). Maybe it’s an export-only thing.
The standard GT is a far better daily driver. So just buy both! Except you can’t because the Dark Horse is gone now.
Other than the seats and some slick blue stitching around the interior, it's largely business as usual for a Mustang inside the Dark Horse, hinting at its production model status in the USA.
On the outside the Dark Horse gets a more aggressive front end that features larger intakes and a different grille that has extended “wings” that reach out to under the headlights giving it a masked look that is a tiny bit reminiscent of the last of the FPV Falcons, which is a nice touch, albeit almost certainly unintentional.
All of this adds up to a Mustang that is more Mustang than the standard Mustang, but is a bit of a chore to live with as a daily driver. The firmer ride and rowdy nature is fun for a bit, but wears off quickly if you need to pop to the dairy or, God forbid, commute in heavy traffic.
This tracks nicely with my original suggestion that the Dark Horse is a car for special occasions, preferably ones that regularly involve a race track, while the standard GT is a far better daily driver.
So just buy both! Except you can’t because the Dark Horse is gone now. But it might be back, or at least, something very much like it (Bullitt, Mach 1 or something similar) will almost certainly make an appearance at some stage.
How much is the Ford Mustang Dark Horse?
The Dark Horse edition of the Mustang landed at $114,990 for the 100 automatic models (like the one you see here) and $116,990 for the 40 manuals. Not that it matters, because they have all gone now anyway.
What are the key statistics for the Ford Mustang Dark Horse?
The Dark Horse is powered by the same Coyote 5.0-litre V8 as the Mustang GT, but with bits from the Shelby GT500 (camshaft and piston conrods) and other performance bits to pump it up to 373kW. While this is only fractionally more than the standard GT, the throttle response and power delivery are considerably more aggressive as a result.
Is the Ford Mustang Dark Horse efficient?
Are you joking? No... no, it's not.
Is the Ford Mustang Dark Horse good to drive?
Oh yes, it certainly is. But only if you are driving it like it demands to be driven. Noticeably sharper and more responsive than the standard Mustang GT, the Dark Horse revels in being thrashed, roaring and bellowing its way through corners that it tackles with remarkable accuracy and aggression. It's an absolute blast. Until it's not. Which it becomes at sane speeds on public roads, where it's firm ride becomes less than fun to live with...
Is the Ford Mustang Dark Horse practical?
It's pretty much as practical as the GT, which means a spacious zone for the front seat occupants (not so much for anyone in the rear) with a big boot, but hardly any useful storage in the cabin.
What do we like about the Ford Mustang Dark Horse?
The feral savagery of the throttle response, hard, aggressive howl of the engine and the razor sharp handling are true highlights.
What don’t we like about the Ford Mustang Dark Horse?
The feral savagery of the ride quality is a downside...
What kind of person would the Ford Mustang Dark Horse suit?
Someone who regularly does track days and has a comfortable car to commute in. Oh and a time machine so they can actually get one.
