Ford Mustang 2023: Dark Horse confirmed for Australian release with upgraded 372kW V8

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Ford will launch a higher-spec Dark Horse variant for the new seventh-generation Mustang that will have more power than the outgoing Mustang GT.

At the unveiling of the new S650-generation Mustang, Ford announced that the Dark Horse variant would have 500 horsepower (372kW) and will be paired with a six-speed Tremec manual transmission.

The outgoing GT V8 variant had power outputs of 339kW/556Nm which we tested here at Chasing Cars. 

Ford Australia has confirmed the Dark Horse for our local market, with further specification and information to be released closer to launch. The new seventh-gen Mustang will be released in Australia in late 2023, but it is not known if the Dark Horse will join the other variants in time for the local launch.

The Dark Horse will also be entered into motorsport, with a new version of the Mustang to debut in the next season of the V8 Supercars championship. 

What exactly is the Ford Mustang Dark Horse edition?

Under the skin, the Dark Horse will use a tinkered GT powertrain, however Ford has announced it will feature parts from the GT350 and GT500. 

The 5.0-litre Coyote V8 has been fitted with connecting rods from the GT500 and also features a dual-throttle body setup. 

The six-speed manual transmission by Tremec is unique to the Dark Horse edition and will also feature a 3D-printed titanium shifter. An optional 10-speed automatic transmission will be available. 

Lots of cooling has been added to the Dark Horse, including for the transmission, brakes and rear axle, along with a lightweight radiator. 

Power will be fed to the rear axle via a Torsen limited-slip differential, while the suspension will be kitted out with Ford’s adaptive Magneride shock absorbers. 

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse will be fitted with 353mm Brembo brake rotors that are covered by staggered 19-inch wheels. Pirelli P Zero tyres are standard on this model. 

Inside and out of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse

The Dark Horse will differ slightly from the standard seventh-generation ‘stang and will feature a steering wheel finished in suede, contrast blue stitching across the cabin trim and Deep Blue indigo leather seats. 

On the exterior, the Dark Horse features a unique lower front bumper, high gloss ‘fangs’, lower side skirts, a rear fixed wing and darkened quad exhaust outlets, plus plenty of Dark horse badges around the coupe. 

Optional extras on the Ford Mustang Dark Horse 

If the Dark Horse isn’t special enough for you, there will be the opportunity to add an available handling package to the car that includes a unique rear wing that features an integrated flap (like a Ford GT) plus stiffer springs, larger front and rear sway bars and wider Pirelli Trofeo tyres.

Also available will be optional carbon-fibre wheels, a first-time opportunity for such wheels to be fitted to a Mustang that isn’t a GT350 or GT500 model.