Ford has unveiled the Mustang Dark Horse R, which is a turn-key race car that will compete in the Mustang Challenge spec racing series.
“Mustang Dark Horse R bridges the gap between Dark Horse and Mustang GT3 and GT4,” stated Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “Production-based Mustang vehicles have raced from the very beginning, all the way back to winning the 1964 Tour de France, even. Dark Horse R offers our passionate customers not just an attainable, factory-built race car, but also a racing series to compete with other Mustang enthusiasts.”
Ford says that the Mustang Dark Horse R is the most track-capable 5.0-liter V8 street-legal Mustang ever. It’s powered by the same 5.0-liter Coyote V8 with 500+ horsepower, that’s mated to a Tremec 3160 manual transmission. The engine has been upgraded for better cooling and a Borla racing exhaust system has been added. It also features a Torsen limited slip differential with 3.73 final drive ratio, aero and Brembo rear brake calipers/rotors.
To get it ready for the track it features a roll cage, a Recaro FIA racing seat, Sparco FIA racing harness, Sparco FIA fire suppression system and Safecraft FIA safety nets. The suspension has been upgraded with Multimatic DSSV dampers, adjustable front camber plates, and adjustable anti-roll bars. Braking powered is provided by a race-spec Brembo braking system. The Mustang Dark Horse R rides on 19-inch wheels and a Bespoke Michelin 19” slick race tire is available for the Mustang Challenge.
Pricing for Mustang Dark Horse R starts at $145,000. Deliveries will begin in preparation for the start of the Mustang Challenge season in 2024.
