Engine and Performance
The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse boasts an impressive 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, delivering exceptional power and performance.
This potent engine generates a remarkable 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Mustang from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds.
Exhaust System
The Mustang Dark Horse’s performance is further enhanced by its specially tuned exhaust system. This system features active valves that optimize exhaust flow, reducing backpressure and improving engine breathing.
The result is a throaty, aggressive exhaust note that adds to the driving experience and complements the car’s muscular performance.
Suspension and Handling
The Dark Horse Mustang features an upgraded suspension system designed to enhance handling and stability. The front suspension utilizes a strut design with revised geometry, stiffer springs, and upgraded sway bars. The rear suspension features a multi-link design with coil springs, upgraded sway bars, and stiffer bushings.
The suspension system is further enhanced by the inclusion of MagneRide dampers. These electronically controlled dampers adjust their stiffness in milliseconds, allowing the car to adapt to changing road conditions and driving styles. The MagneRide system provides a comfortable ride on smooth roads and enhances stability and handling during spirited driving.
The Dark Horse Mustang also offers multiple driving modes that alter the suspension behavior. The “Normal” mode provides a balanced ride and handling experience. The “Sport” mode stiffens the suspension, sharpens the steering response, and reduces body roll for improved handling. The “Track” mode is designed for track use and provides the stiffest suspension settings, maximizing grip and handling.
Brakes and Wheels
The Dark Horse features a high-performance braking system with Brembo six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers in the rear. The rotors are 13.9 inches in diameter at the front and 13.8 inches at the rear, providing ample stopping power. The system is designed to minimize fade and provide consistent performance, even during aggressive driving.
The wheels are forged aluminum, which is lightweight and strong. They are 19 inches in diameter and 9.5 inches wide at the front, and 19 inches in diameter and 10.5 inches wide at the rear. The tires are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, which are designed for maximum grip and performance.
Available wheel and tire options include:
- 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires
- 19-inch wheels with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires
- 20-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
The different wheel and tire options provide a range of performance characteristics, allowing drivers to tailor the Dark Horse to their specific needs. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are the most performance-oriented, providing the highest levels of grip and handling. The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires are a more aggressive option, designed for maximum grip on the track. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires are a more versatile option, providing good performance on both the street and the track.
Technology and Safety
The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse features a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features that enhance the driving experience.
Infotainment System
The Mustang Dark Horse comes equipped with Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, which offers a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system includes voice recognition, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a premium sound system.
Safety Features
The Mustang Dark Horse is equipped with a wide range of safety features, including:
- Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Automatic high beams
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Electronic stability control
- Traction control
Connectivity Options
The Mustang Dark Horse offers a variety of connectivity options, including:
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- FordPass Connect
FordPass Connect allows owners to remotely access their vehicle through a smartphone app, enabling features such as remote start, vehicle location, and vehicle health reports.
Pricing and Availability
The New 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse has an official starting price of $56,500. This price applies to the base trim level, which includes a 5.0-liter V8 engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and a host of performance-oriented features.
The Dark Horse is also available in a Premium trim level, which starts at $59,500. The Premium trim adds leather upholstery, heated and cooled seats, a premium audio system, and a number of other features.
A limited-edition Dark Horse S trim level is also available, which starts at $72,500. The Dark Horse S adds a number of exclusive features, including a carbon fiber hood, a Torsen limited-slip differential, and Recaro racing seats.
All trim levels of the Dark Horse are available in both coupe and convertible body styles. The convertible body style adds $3,000 to the price of the vehicle.
The Dark Horse is currently available to order, and deliveries are expected to begin in the summer of 2023.
FAQ Section
What sets the Dark Horse apart from other Mustang variants?
The Dark Horse is distinguished by its unique engine tuning, upgraded suspension, and aggressive exterior design elements, resulting in enhanced performance and handling capabilities.
How does the Dark Horse’s exhaust system contribute to its performance?
The Dark Horse features a specially designed exhaust system that optimizes airflow, reducing backpressure and enhancing engine power and efficiency.
What interior features enhance the driving experience in the Dark Horse?
The Dark Horse boasts a driver-centric interior with ergonomic seats, a customizable digital instrument cluster, and advanced infotainment technology, providing an immersive and engaging driving experience.
How does the Dark Horse’s suspension system improve handling?
The Dark Horse utilizes an upgraded suspension system with MagneRide dampers, which adjust to changing road conditions in real-time, providing exceptional handling, stability, and ride comfort.
What safety features are available in the Dark Horse?
The Dark Horse offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including advanced driver-assistance technologies, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.