The turn-key Mustang Dark Horse R is intended to be eligible in grassroots racing series, including its own one-make IMSA-sanctioned Mustang Challenge spec racing series in the States, set to kick off in 2024.
"Mustang Dark Horse R bridges the gap between Dark Horse and Mustang GT3 and GT4," said 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.”
The Dark Horse R is powered by the Mustang’s 5.0-litre Coyote V8 tuned to 370kW, with Tremec 3160 six-speed manual transmission, Torsen limited slip 3.73:1 diff, Brembo race brake calipers and rotors, Ford Performance Parts R1 wheels (19x10.5” front, 19x11” rear), adjustable dampers, roll bars and front camber plates, Motec dash display and data logger, plus full roll cage and associated safety equipment (Recaro FIA racing seat, Sparco quick-release steering wheel, racing harness and fire extinguisher system, and Safecraft FIA safety nets).
Jim Owens, Ford’s Mustang Marketing manager, says the Dark Horse R has been developed with Mustang racing enthusiasts in of mind: “Ford Performance leaned into countless areas of expertise developed through years of racing the Mustang and honed in on an aggressive yet approachable package for customers to pick up and play with.”
It’s available turn-key from Multimatic (which is also responsible for the GT3 and GT4 Mustangs) and starts at US$145,000. Australian buyers can purchase a Dark Horse R direct from Multimatic, but there is no word as to any plans from Ford for a down under Mustang Challenge series.
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