The Ford Mustang Dark Horse has galloped into South Africa with sinister looks, tailored aerodynamics and a specially tuned Coyote 5.0-litre V8 engine, resulting in an even more thrilling and driver-focussed version of one of the world’s most iconic cars.
The Mustang Dark Horse is the culmination of three years of research and development by Ford engineers who aimed to build a street and track-capable performance Mustang with striking visual cues and all the capability sports car lovers expect.
As the halo model in the Mustang line-up, the Dark Horse is an exclusive offering for enthusiastic South African Ford customers.
Powered by a unique 5.0-litre V8 engine
The heart of the Mustang Dark horse is its unique 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine that features numerous Ford Performance parts to help it produce a total of 334kW and 540Nm. The engine features a dual throttle-body design to improve engine breathing, which is fed by the open nostrils in the front grille. Transferring the power to the rear wheels is Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for fast and precise shifting.
Keeping things cool is a host of equipment including NACA ducts, an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a rear axle cooler and a unique lighter weight radiator with improved cooling capability and more powerful cooling fans.
A number of enhancements have also been made to ensure that the Mustang Dark Horse has the dynamic character to match its outright performance. This includes unique chassis tuning, larger rear sway bars and heavy-duty front shocks, a lightweight Ford Performance designed strut tower brace and K-brace. MagneRide shocks are standard fitment and are capable of monitoring wheel and tyre movement 1000 times per second, optimising performance based on driving surface and driving mode.
19-inch Tarnished Dark painted low-gloss aluminium wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Behind these wheels are Brembo six-piston callipers with 390mm ventilated discs in front and Brembo four-piston callipers paired with 355mm ventilated discs at the rear.
A driver focussed digital cockpit
The Mustang Dark Horse adds performance, style and functionality to the advanced driver-centric cockpit. This includes the fitment of a thicker, flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in suede and finished with Bright Indigo Blue accent stitching and incorporating anodised silver paddle shifters. A dedicated drive button is at thumb’s reach, allowing the driver to quickly choose the desired driving setup. A 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster with customisable screens offers a variety of driving modes.
The digital instrument cluster flows seamlessly into a 13.2-inch SYNC4 centre stack behind the same piece of glass and angled towards the driver. The infotainment screen provides access to an extensive range of customisation features and Track Apps and also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
Contrasting blue stitching across the door panels and seats, the gearshift gaiter and centre console further emphasise the sporty ambience of the cabin, enhanced by unique Deep Indigo blue seatbelts. Interior trim bezels and vents are finished in Black Alley.
Exclusive Mustang badging is featured on the instrument panel and digital display screens and each car features an individual chassis number badge.
Sophisticated yet functional styling
Upfront bold, shadow graphic surrounds the darkened LED Tri-Bar headlamps, which compliments a unique gloss black grille with trapezoidal nostrils and lower front bumper with high gloss fangs that are unique to the Mustang Dark Horse. Lower side skirts, a fixed rear wing, diffuser and darkened quad exhaust tips demonstrate the car’s track-focused design cues. Unique Mustang badges adorn the exterior.
Pricing
The retail price includes a six-year/90 000km Ford Optional Service Plan, four-year/120 000km Ford warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty
Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0-litre V8 10AT R1 500 000
