The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse R is Here

In a thunderous roar of horsepower and a blaze of rubber on the asphalt, Ford Performance has set a new standard with the revelation of the all-new Mustang Dark Horse™ R. This track-focused beast, powered by a fourth-generation 5.0-liter Coyote V8, is not just a car; it’s a statement. As the latest addition to Ford’s racing lineage, the Dark Horse R emerges as the official race car for the Mustang Challenge, a groundbreaking, IMSA-sanctioned racing series designed exclusively for Mustang and its fervent enthusiasts. Starting at $146,595, this ride delivers a riveting performance that will leave you speechless, setting the stage for a vibrant summer full of high-octane racing excitement at Ford Performance.

Ford Performance isn’t holding back this summer as it brings to the fore the third Mustang Dark Horse derivative. Adorned with the Dark Horse R insignia, this beast is primed to rewrite the rules of the racing game. The Dark Horse R is a new breed of adrenaline-charged racehorse that won’t be held back by street signs. It sits nicely between its road-going sibling and the more extreme GT3 and GT4 models.

Related: 2024 Ford Mustang Prices Revealed: Dark Horse Near $60k

Key Takeaways of the New 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse R

• Ford Performance introduces the track-only Mustang Dark Horse R, priced at $146,595.
• IMSA-sanctioned Mustang Challenge spec-racing will premiere the Dark Horse R in 2024.
• The vehicle retains the 500-hp 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 from the road car, along with a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, Torsen limited-slip differential, and a 3.73 final-drive ratio.
• Track-ready upgrades include a single Recaro FIA racing seat, quick-release steering wheel, racing harness, updated cooling, lubrication, and brake systems, a Borla exhaust, Multimatic dampers, and adjustable anti-roll bars.
• The Dark Horse R is a high-end track car that will be delivered before the 2024 Mustang Challenge season.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse R is a Race-Ready Beast

The Dark Horse R isn’t your typical weekend car. It is a pure-blood race car, ready to hit the track from the get-go. This stallion is set to blaze the new Mustang Challenge spec-racing series hosted by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). So, get ready to see an army of Dark Horse Rs charging the racing circuit when the 2024 season roars into action.

Powering the Dark Horse R is the renowned 500-hp 5.0-liter Coyote V-8, derived straight from the road car. The racing beast also inherits the Tremec six-speed manual transmission, the Torsen limited-slip differential, and a 3.73 final-drive ratio from its sibling. Ford Performance has removed the cushy seats and replaced them with a single Recaro FIA racing seat, a quick-release steering wheel, a racing harness, and a slew of other safety elements to ensure that every ride is not only thrilling but also safe.

Related: Pros & Cons of Buying a Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse R is Unquestionably High-End

The Dark Horse R isn’t for the faint-hearted, nor is it for the thin of wallet. With a starting price of $146,595, this race-ready marvel significantly outprices a regular Mustang. However, this is no ordinary car; it’s a purpose-built, track-tuned machine, crafted for those who crave speed, excitement, and pure, undiluted performance. With deliveries scheduled to start in anticipation of the 2024 Mustang Challenge season, now is the time to secure your spot on the grid.

Related: The Ford Mustang Logo: The History of the Iconic Pony

Track-Ready Upgrades in the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R

Ford Performance doesn’t stop there. The Dark Horse R has updated oil and cooling systems, a screaming Borla exhaust system, innovative Multimatic dampers, adjustable anti-roll bars, and Brembo brakes to ensure it can endure the rigors of the racetrack. The Dark Horse R also has distinctive 19-by-10.5-inch front and 19-by-11-inch rear flow-formed wheels covered in special Michelin racing slicks, emphasizing its racing background even further.

Purpose-Built for the Track

As the Dark Horse R thunders onto the track, it brings forth an amalgamation of performance and precision. Designed for track use only, it shares key components with its street-legal counterpart, including a Flat Rock Assembly Plant-provided body and a Tremec 3160 manual transmission. The Torsen limited slip differential with a 3.73 final drive ratio ensures that power is translated efficiently to the track. But what truly sets the Dark Horse R apart is its meticulously curated selection of track-focused equipment.

A Cockpit Designed for Victory

Step into the Dark Horse R, and you’re met with a cockpit engineered for one purpose: winning. The Recaro FIA racing seat cradles the driver, offering the perfect blend of comfort and support. The Sparco quick-release steering wheel, Sparco FIA racing harness, and a Safecraft FIA fire suppression system underscore the commitment to driver safety. The inclusion of a MoTeC data display and logging system ensures that every lap is not just a race but a learning experience.

As Ford Performance unveils the Dark Horse R, the countdown to the Mustang Challenge season in 2024 begins. Deliveries of the Dark Horse R will commence, putting the power of this track-ready Mustang into the hands of eager enthusiasts. It’s not just a car; it’s an opportunity to be part of a racing legacy that dates back to the iconic 1964 Tour de France victory.

From the roar of its engine to the precision of its handling, every aspect of the Dark Horse R has been meticulously crafted for victory. As the Mustang Challenge beckons, the Dark Horse R awaits those who crave the thrill of the track. Brace yourselves for a racing experience like no other – the Mustang Dark Horse R is ready to conquer.