Ford has detailed the development of the Mustang Dark Horse SC, a new track-oriented variant positioned between the Mustang Dark Horse Performance Package and the Mustang GTD.
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The Dark Horse SC was developed by engineers with extensive motorsport experience and was tested at Sebring International Raceway and Virginia International Raceway alongside the Mustang GTD supercar and Mustang GT3 race car. Data sharing between the programs influenced both road and race vehicles.
Working with the GTD team, Ford adopted Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires for the Dark Horse SC Track Pack. Aerodynamic development included a new hood with carbon-fiber venting, a revised front fascia, and underbody venting, all informed by track testing. A ducktail-shaped decklid, designed specifically for the Track Pack, improved rear-wing efficiency by 10 percent without increasing wing size or angle, a design later adopted by the Mustang GTD.
Unlike the regular Mustang GT or Mustang Dark Horse Performance Package that comes with the regular Coyote 5.0 V8, power comes from a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, in which Ford has been silent as to the actual horsepower and torque figures. Weight reduction was a major focus: carbon-fiber wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes helped cut 150 pounds from the Track Pack. Ford also replaced steel suspension components with forged links and added a lightweight magnesium strut tower brace to reduce unsprung mass and sharpen steering response.
The Mustang Dark Horse SC Special Edition features 3D-printed titanium accents inspired by the GTD program. Chassis updates include next-generation MagneRide dampers with revised spring rates and knuckles, integrating hardware and software changes for improved control.
Aerodynamics plays a central role. The new aluminum hood features a large vent to improve cooling and front-end balance. With the hood vent tray removed, downforce is increased to 2.5 times that of the standard Dark Horse hood vent. The Track Pack’s carbon-fiber rear wing helps generate up to 281 kg of rear downforce at nearly 290 km/h.
Driver aids include a Variable Traction Control system with five selectable levels and a fully defeatable electronic stability control system. Inside, the Dark Horse SC adopts the GTD’s flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel with a 12 o’clock stripe and integrated performance controls, along with Alcantara and carbon-fiber trim. The Track Pack includes optional Recaro leather and Dinamica sport seats with Space Gray or Teal accents and replaces the rear seats with a storage shelf.
The Mustang Dark Horse SC is intended to bring race-derived technology to a road-legal package, filling the gap between the Dark Horse Performance Package and the GTD. The Mustang Dark Horse SC is scheduled to be available later this year.
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