2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse R: The Next Evolution in Ford's Racing Saga
In the swiftly evolving world of auto racing, Ford Performance rolls out a novel track-ready steed, the Mustang Dark Horse R. Building on the firm footing established by the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, this race-exclusive variant is primed to deliver an extraordinary experience to the most ardent track enthusiasts.
The R in Racing: Enter the Mustang Dark Horse R
The Mustang Dark Horse R, with a heartbeat derived from a fourth-generation 5.0-liter Coyote V8, expands the Dark Horse portfolio. It takes its rightful place alongside the Mustang GT3 and Mustang GT4, creating a formidable line-up of performance variants born from the Dark Horse lineage.
Ford Performance seems to envisage this race car as a bridge that narrows the gap between the Dark Horse and its GT3 and GT4 siblings. Quite a bold statement, isn't it? The appeal of factory-built race cars is undeniable, and with the legacy of Mustang vehicles racing and winning since 1964, Dark Horse R has some large shoes to fill. As the Mustang Dark Horse R gears up for its debut, one can't help but recall the winning streak that Ford has maintained for years, right from the 1964 Tour de France onwards.
Track-Specific Arsenal: The Dark Horse R Package
The Mustang Dark Horse R shares its roots with the Dark Horse, the most track-capable 5.0-liter V8 street-legal Mustang ever. Built exclusively for track use, the R variant retains several components from its road-going counterpart while adding a bevy of track-focused equipment, making it a curious blend of the attainable and the extreme.
Unveiling the Mustang Dark Horse R's performance-focused features reveals a meticulous attention to detail. From a Flat Rock Assembly Plant-provided body, an over 500 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, Tremec 3160 manual transmission, to a Torsen limited slip differential with a 3.73 final drive ratio, the Dark Horse R is armed to the teeth. Then we find a suite of aerodynamics improvements, Brembo rear brake calipers and rotors, and the list goes on. But let's get into the specifics.
Interior & Exterior: Track-Ready Aesthetics
A quick peek into the Dark Horse R reveals a driver-focused interior teeming with track-ready features. The Recaro FIA racing seat, Sparco quick-release steering wheel, FIA racing harness, and fire suppression system all hint at its racing DNA. Add to that a fuel cell, MoTeC data display, and logging system and you have an interior built for the track. The exterior hasn't been overlooked either, with front and rear tow hooks, reinforced jacking points, and underbody tie down hoops.
Powertrain & Chassis: Gritty Gears of Performance
There's no cutting corners with the Mustang Dark Horse R's powertrain and chassis. We see an upgraded oil system, enhanced transmission, and differential cooling, a Borla racing exhaust system, and a Ford Performance oil pan. The chassis is hardened with a roll cage, Multimatic DSSV dampers, adjustable front camber plates, and anti-roll bars, along with select seam welding. These features speak volumes about Ford's investment in ensuring high levels of performance and durability.
Brakes, Wheels, Tires: On-The-Edge Dynamics
When it comes to stopping power, the Dark Horse R is equipped with performance ABS, Brembo race calipers, rotors, and pads. Keeping the beast stuck to the asphalt are the Ford Performance Parts R1 Flow-Formed Wheels and a bespoke Michelin 19” slick race tire developed for the Mustang Challenge, sold separately.
Mustang Challenge: An Exclusive Stage for Mustang Enthusiasts
Created to compete in the all-new Mustang Challenge series, the Dark Horse R enables its owners to test their mettle at some of the world's most iconic tracks. The IMSA-sanctioned series will kick-off in 2024, featuring a mix of ten to twelve races throughout the season, thereby creating an exciting platform for Mustang enthusiasts to compete and develop their driving skills.
Embracing the Dark Horse R: The Price of Performance
So, what does all this performance cost? The Mustang Dark Horse R comes with a starting price of $145,000, with deliveries set to begin in 2024, just in time for the inaugural season of the Mustang Challenge. Whether this track-ready machine lives up to its promise of offering an uncompromising racing experience, only the tarmac will tell.
-Ed
2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse R
