By Kay Layne

Summary – The redesigned 2024 Mustang Dark Horse is a head-turner 5.0L V8 that produces 500 horses of remarkable handling and street-legal fun. This seventh-generation pony blends raw power with cutting-edge technology and standout styling and represents the pinnacle of Ford’s Mustang lineage.

Pros

• Powerful great-sounding V8 engine
• Gorgeous styling that stays true to the brand
• A track performance car and yet a comfortable daily driver

Cons

• Slightly high priced for a Mustang  
• Interior fit and finish can feel a little downmarket

The Dark Horse trim perfectly balances raw power and everyday usability, making it a versatile choice for enthusiasts who crave both speed and a good daily driver. Ford wanted a pony car that could rule the racetrack and the open road without sacrificing ride quality. Powered by the most powerful naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine to ever grace a Mustang, the result is a 500horsepower beast.  

Styling: 9/10

While the Dark Horse boasts modern upgrades, it retains the legendary look enthusiasts have come to love over the years. Quite a few changes set it apart from the standard Mustang GT.  There is a new grille, LED headlamps, side skirts, diffuser, and exhaust tips. Also, for the first time, there is a front-facing horse head logo, which the illuminated entry feature showcases by projecting it onto the ground—an eye-catching detail that stands out in low-light settings. The car’s aggressive stance is complemented by 19″ Tarnished dark-painted aluminum wheels and a newly designed performance rear spoiler.  

The 2024 Dark Horse is a head-turner, especially the one tested with its gorgeous Blue Ember metallic paint job. This unique finish is hard to describe—an almost black/ dark blue with orange flecks that change depending on the angle and light.  

Inside, the new Mustang’s interior makes a strong first impression with its expansive screens and impressive array of tech features. However, a closer look reveals a range of low-quality materials and a generally uninspiring cabin design.

Power: 10/10

The Dark Horse is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V-8 engine, delivering a performance that propels it from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, with the ability to brake from that speed in 36 meters.  

One of the critical distinctions between the GT and the Dark Horse is horsepower. While the GT offers 480 to 486 horsepower, depending on whether it’s equipped with an active exhaust and running premium 93 octane fuel, the Dark Horse steps it up with a full 500 horsepower. Torque however remains close, with the GT at 415 lb-ft and the Dark Horse slightly ahead at 418 lb-ft. If you don’t plan to take your car to the track, the GT might be the more economical fit.  

Driving feel: 8/10

While you can get a 10-speed Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters on this trim, I don’t know why you would. One of my favourite things about this car is its TREMEC 6-speed manual transmission.  For those who relish the art of driving and those who aren’t that crazy about stick, this transmission is joyful and easy to drive.  The gearbox is forgiving and notchy. Pair this with a clutch pedal that delivers clear, immediate feedback, making each shift an engaging, responsive experience.

The test model came with the Handling Package, featuring Pirelli Trofeo tires and a magnetic damping system. This car hugs the corners and can be pushed to the limits. It delivers sharp control that instills confidence, whether taking on a track or taking it for a spirited drive through windy roads. The steering feels a touch light, but the Dark Horse is surprisingly agile, thanks to the adoption of a more robust chassis and sophisticated suspension parts that improve the steering response.

This pony offers six distinct driving modes: Normal, Sport, Track, Drag Strip, Slippery, and Custom. Switching into Sport or Track mode, for example, frees up the traction control to let the rear wheels spin more freely. Each mode is meticulously tuned to provide a different driving experience, catering to various road conditions and driver preferences. What is good about the Dark Horse is its duality; it is stiff enough to put on a track; however, in normal mode, it is suitable for daily driving. It is not spine-jarring every time that you drive on uneven ground.

Practicality: 7/10

With 13.3 cubic feet of trunk space, the Dark Horse has the practicality that a daily driver coupe would need. The trunk easily accommodates a golf bag or suitcases. Interior storage is adequate, with enough room for personal items and drinks.

Comfort: 7.5/10

Inside the Dark Horse, comfort is a tale of two halves. Up front, there’s plenty of leg and headroom, making it an enjoyable place to be, especially on long drives. However, the back seat tells a different story. It’s best suited for smaller passengers or those who don’t mind a cozy fit—anyone over 5’10” will likely find it cramped for anything beyond short trips.

The Recaro seats offer good support and are ready for a racing harness. Still, there’s a minor inconvenience: The seatbelt kept coming out of its holder, so reaching for it required a bit of a stretch, which could be a bit of an annoyance for daily use. They also lack heating and cooling features, which may be a drawback for some drivers.  

This car isn’t just about power but possesses a noisy presence. The exhaust comes in four boisterous modes. Quiet – which means not as loud as the other three modes. It is by no means demure. The other standard modes, Normal, Sport, and Track, start at very loud and progress to even more deafening.   User-Friendliness: 7/10 

This Mustang’s dashboard is visually appealing and easily customizable. However, the one big drawback is that certain tasks, like the climate controls, are integrated into the touchscreen infotainment interface. So, when driving, you can’t easily make adjustments.

Features: 8/10

Standard features include a 12.4-inch digital instrument panel, a 13.2-inch touchscreen powered by Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system and a Bang and Olufsen 12-speaker sound system.  

For those of you who would like to put this Mustang on the track, a few optional features were included in the model tested, collectively enhancing the Dark Horse’s performance and handling.  The 3.73 Torsen limited-slip differential provides better traction by distributing power to the wheel with the most grip, especially useful during cornering and acceleration. Recaro racing seats are also optional. The Handling Package includes 19-inch Tarnished Dark-painted Aluminum Wheels, adjustable strut top mounts to enhance stability, front towing hooks, an adaptive Magnetic Damping System, Performance Front Aero Splitter to increase downforce, Revised Chassis Tuning to optimize handling and a performance rear spoiler with Gurney Flap.  

Safety: 8/10

Driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance are standard. This Mustang comes equipped with numerous safety and security features, including airbags for both the driver and front passenger, a driver-side airbag, a front passenger-side airbag, a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child restraint system, a perimeter alarm, the SecuriLock anti-theft system, the SOS Post-Crash Alert System, and a tire pressure monitoring system.  

Fuel Economy: 6/10

Remember that the Dark Horse is a sports car, so 14.2 L/100 km is respectable given its performance but still not great for a daily driver. Also, note that this Mustang likes an expensive diet of 93-octane gas. 

Value: 8/10

Starting at almost $75,000.00, the Dark Horse is on the expensive side for a Mustang. Our test model, equipped with several options, came in at $91,600.00, making it pricier than the top trims of the Toyota GR Supra, Nissan Z, and Chevy Camaro.  While it offers excellent performance and unique styling, its interior materials seem a little less down market from the price.

Verdict

The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse is a remarkable blend of power, handling, and style. While it has some drawbacks regarding price, interior fit, and finish, it stands out as a top choice for those seeking an all-American sports car with track-ready capabilities. If you’re looking for a vehicle that delivers performance and presence, the Dark Horse is well worth considering.

The high price may deter some, while others will find the Dark Horse is unquestionably worth every penny.

This Mustang remains the final traditional American V-8 sports car, while the Dodge Charger transitions to electrification and Chevrolet bids farewell to the Camaro.  

Competitors

While the Chevrolet Camaro is its closest competitor, please note that it is on its way out.  The Toyota GR Supra and Nissan Z offer alternative sporty experiences.

Specifications

Peak Torque                                            418 lb-ft @ 4,900rpm (93-octane fuel)

Price as Tested                                                        $91,600.00

Optional Equipment

• Premier Trim with Colour Accent: $4,515.00
• Technology Package: Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 12 Speakers (no charge)
• Dark Horse Appearance Package: $1,995.00
• Dark Horse Handling Package: $5,995.00
• Floor Liners for Front and Rear with Carpet Mats: $250.00

Recaro Seats: $1,800.00