Photo: Ford
Ford continues expanding the new-gen Mustang lineup with additional models. The latest one to join the offering is called the Mustang Dark Horse R, and it's a track-only vehicle aimed at the 2024 Mustang Challenge season, which features the brand's "most powerful 5.0-liter V8 ever," according to the Blue Oval.
Said to bridge the gap between the normal Mustang Dark Horse and the Mustang GT3 and Mustang GT4, the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse R shares a few key components with the road-legal variant. These include the body supplied by the Flat Rock Assembly plant, the V8 engine, manual transmission, Torsen limited-slip differential, and Brembo rear brake calipers.
In addition to these, it features a few upgrades, such as the underbody tie-down hoops, reinforced jacking points, and tow hooks at both ends. Inside, it comes with a racing seat made by Recaro with a racing harness, a Sparco steering wheel with a quick-release system, safety nets, and a fire suppression system, all of which sport FIA homologation. Ford also mentions the MoTeC data display and logging system, keypad and button controls, and fuel cell.
Keeping the driver safe in case the racer decides to go belly up is the roll cage. The Dark Horse R also gets select seam welding, adjustable anti-roll bars and front camber plates, performance ABS, front Brembo racing brakes complete with racing pads, racing brake cooling ducts, dedicated wheel studs and open lug nuts, and 10.5x19-inch front and 11x19-inch rear wheels wrapped in Michelin slicks said to be sold separately.
Power is supplied by the aforementioned 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8, which pumps out in excess of 500 hp, delivering the thrust to the wheels via a manual transmission. The powertrain features a Ford Performance oil pan, upgraded oil system, transmission cooling, and differential cooling, and a Borla exhaust system developed specifically for racing purposes.
Targeting deep-pocketed muscle car enthusiasts who like to spend their weekends at the racetrack, the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse R is eligible for the Mustang Challenge series. Managed by the Ford Performance Racing School, the IMSA-sanctioned series will kick off next year, with 10 to 12 races said to be "in conjunction with a mix of five to six yet-to-be-announced North American sports car race weekends." All vehicles participating in these races will have to use the racing slicks developed by Michelin that equip the Dark Horse R.
The Dearborn automaker says that deliveries of the new Mustang Dark Horse R will kick off "in preparation for the start of the Mustang Challenge season in 2024." As for the how much it costs part, you're looking at a starting price of $145,000. The street-legal Dark Horse has an MSRP of $59,270 for the 2024 model year.
In addition to these, it features a few upgrades, such as the underbody tie-down hoops, reinforced jacking points, and tow hooks at both ends. Inside, it comes with a racing seat made by Recaro with a racing harness, a Sparco steering wheel with a quick-release system, safety nets, and a fire suppression system, all of which sport FIA homologation. Ford also mentions the MoTeC data display and logging system, keypad and button controls, and fuel cell.
Keeping the driver safe in case the racer decides to go belly up is the roll cage. The Dark Horse R also gets select seam welding, adjustable anti-roll bars and front camber plates, performance ABS, front Brembo racing brakes complete with racing pads, racing brake cooling ducts, dedicated wheel studs and open lug nuts, and 10.5x19-inch front and 11x19-inch rear wheels wrapped in Michelin slicks said to be sold separately.
Power is supplied by the aforementioned 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8, which pumps out in excess of 500 hp, delivering the thrust to the wheels via a manual transmission. The powertrain features a Ford Performance oil pan, upgraded oil system, transmission cooling, and differential cooling, and a Borla exhaust system developed specifically for racing purposes.
Targeting deep-pocketed muscle car enthusiasts who like to spend their weekends at the racetrack, the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse R is eligible for the Mustang Challenge series. Managed by the Ford Performance Racing School, the IMSA-sanctioned series will kick off next year, with 10 to 12 races said to be "in conjunction with a mix of five to six yet-to-be-announced North American sports car race weekends." All vehicles participating in these races will have to use the racing slicks developed by Michelin that equip the Dark Horse R.
The Dearborn automaker says that deliveries of the new Mustang Dark Horse R will kick off "in preparation for the start of the Mustang Challenge season in 2024." As for the how much it costs part, you're looking at a starting price of $145,000. The street-legal Dark Horse has an MSRP of $59,270 for the 2024 model year.
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