The Ford Mustang Dark Horse from 2024 is as fierce as factory horses come. Ford describes it as the most track-ready version of the seventh-generation vehicle to date since it is the most powerful naturally aspirated Coyote V8 we've ever seen in a 'Stang. Ford Racing is investing heavily in track variants like the GT3, GT4, and the brand-new Dark Horse R thanks to that fantastic base.

For consumers who are truly interested in spending their weekends at the track, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R is virtually a turn-key race vehicle. Many of the qualities that make the normal Dark Horse so fantastic are still present in the R, but it now has several racing cues designed expressly for use on the racetrack.

The same 5.0-liter, normally aspirated V8 from the road version is used, but it has been modified to produce "500+ horsepower." An improved oil system, transmission and differential cooling, a Borla racing exhaust system, and a fuel cell are added to the powertrain for increased capacity and safety.

Aside from a few obligatory tow hooks and smaller 19-inch wheels with racing slicks, the exterior isn't much that different and retains the original Dark Horse's six-speed manual transmission and Brembo brakes.

Multimatic DSSV racing dampers, adjustable anti-roll bars, and adjustable front camber plates are the greatest modifications to improve the on-track performance. Ford, however, removed all creature amenities in favor of a fully equipped racing cabin. Included in it are a roll cage, detachable Sparco steering wheel, Sparco racing harness, and Recaro racing seats.

Customers who manage to secure a rare Dark Horse R also have the chance to participate in the Mustang Challenge, a brand-new single-make racing series run by Ford Performance Racing School. The IMSA-sanctioned series will begin in 2024 and feature a 10- to 12-race schedule at five or six North American sites that have not yet been identified.

You will need to spend R2.7 million on a Ford Mustang Dark Horse R in order to enter the race. Deliveries are anticipated to begin in 2024, right before the initial Mustang Challenge competitions.