Supercharged Dark Horse Mustang SC will be revealed on 1/15! [Updated with first look]

[broncoboy22]

Any DH owners feel like this model devalues the regular trim now?

If so, it’s at least good news for anyone interested in picking up a used one

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[LouG]

If that's the case I have no idea who they think their target buyer is for this. They've already claimed track focus, and for that kind of money OR LESS you can get any of these "sub supercar" track stars:

-C8 with the Z51package (because the Z06 is now $120K+)
-M4 Competition (grip battle)
-718 GTS 4.0 (brain matchup)
-CT5-V Blackwing (brawn matchup)
-Lotus Emira (only a V6 but light and hella fun on a track)

Simply put, at that price point it faces fierce competition from mid-engine and precision-engineered rivals that prioritize different ways of achieving lap times.

Of those, price out of the equation, the only two that appeal to me are the Germans, and even then, the Beemer will look like every other Beemer around.

 

[DeluxeStang]

[/QUOTE]

Disappointed.

The car itself is an S650 GT500 as many have said.

But not my personal taste for looks and no manual option means not the one for me.

I’m hoping the S650 facelift looks good or that Ford still has some ultra secret Corbett fighting model to reveal. After seeing the RTR Bronco which is the “new Bronco model” this year’s NAIAS has been a let down for me

Agreed. I was so pumped for a new performance halo model hoping it was a new supercar, and so far we haven't gotten any more info. We know Ford's working on an off-road supercar, and a startup is developing their own off-road hypercar that they're partnered with a massive brand on. They're also saying we'll get more info this December.

There's like 1% of me that's still holding out hope that at the motorsports event tomorrow, Ford's gonna have that startup attend and be like "Hey guess what, here's more details about that vehicle and our partnership together".

 

[Tony Alonso]

Any DH owners feel like this model devalues the regular trim now?

If so, it’s at least good news for anyone interested in picking up a used one

I think it extends the variant, not devalue it. The name seems appropriate to me since Ford has gone all in on the Dark Horse across racing series. If had been called something else, I think it would have been confusing to have 2 track focused street Mustangs with different names. Even the GTD, GT3, and GT4 are tied to the street Dark Horse. As far as the mechanical capability exceeding the 5.0L NA model, a DCT track car seems to be such a different experience because of the power and handling, the Dark Horse SC is a "baby GTD."

I don't mind there are 2 Dark Horse variants. I don't feel my car is less desirable. It's just a different option of how intense of a track experience I want to have.

 

[MaddNomad]

I think it extends the variant, not devalue it. The name seems appropriate to me since Ford has gone all in on the Dark Horse across racing series. If had been called something else, I think it would have been confusing to have 2 track focused street Mustangs with different names. Even the GTD, GT3, and GT4 are tied to the street Dark Horse. As far as the mechanical capability exceeding the 5.0L NA model, a DCT track car seems to be such a different experience because of the power and handling, the Dark Horse SC is a "baby GTD."

I don't mind there are 2 Dark Horse variants. I don't feel my car is less desirable. It's just a different option of how intense of a track experience I want to have.

Kinda like the Boss 302/429. Ones obviously worth more but they both are legendary type thing

 

[Tony Alonso]

Kinda like the Boss 302/429. Ones obviously worth more but they both are legendary type thing

Exactly...Boss 302, Boss 351, Boss 429. What's your flavor?

 

[broncoboy22]

Agreed. I was so pumped for a new performance halo model hoping it was a new supercar, and so far we haven't gotten any more info. We know Ford's working on an off-road supercar, and a startup is developing their own off-road hypercar that they're partnered with a massive brand on. They're also saying we'll get more info this December.

There's like 1% of me that's still holding out hope that at the motorsports event tomorrow, Ford's gonna have that startup attend and be like "Hey guess what, here's more details about that vehicle and our partnership together".
[/QUOTE]

Agreed I’m still holding out hope too 🥹

Exactly...Boss 302, Boss 351, Boss 429. What's your flavor?

I can roll with that line of thinking

 

[Upacurb]

I am going to have to disagree with everyone who says the Shelby name only means anything to boomers........ I have TONS of kids/ teens/ young adults that get excited when they see my car......have let tons of young kids sit in it when they get excited to see a Shelby exc......

Remember ...the last Shelby by Ford was just built 4 years ago and Shelby American continues to build cars today....its not like the last Shelby was built in 1967 or something .....

Do I wish it was called a Cobra.....yes....

I think Ford is confused. They want to move the brand forward with new names like "Dark Horse" but at the same time they add fox body and classic Mustang gauge cluster options hanging onto the past.....

I mean if you just want to move the brand forward and not use names like Cobra or Mach 1...then I mean....isnt still using the name "Mustang" still tying the car to its past?

The whole thing feels like politician double talking out of both sides of their mouths.....

That being said....I have no doubt the car will be good itself......

I also think for the few that mentioned getting pricing too close to Z06 territory......Im undecided there.....I mean there are still GT350s that are trading hands in 6 figure territory and you can find used Z06s for under 100K now.....same thing with 500s.....

The real question is going to be- I think the Shelby name helps those cars pull additional money......I mean I hate to be a cars and coffee guy but that name adds value......so the question will be has Ford built enough clout with the Dark Horse name yet to ask Z06 money for it and be successful .......

The other part of the problem is - by keeping the name Dark Horse.... I mean if I can get a Dark Horse and bolt on a Whipple and make potentially the same or more power for less money.....I mean its not like the 10A exactly sucks.....or I mean you have the option for a Tremec ......so you can get a manual.......

Going to be VERY interesting where they price it......

 

[AZ_Ryan]

I see both sides of this, the people who want the Shelby naming, but also why Ford wants to move past that naming convention. The mustang name will always be relevant and iconic, but the Shelby name? That's debatable. I don't deny it has tremendous historical value, and matters to older consumers.

But the people who grew up in the 60s who have that really strong connection to the Shelby name are getting to the point where they aren't buying cars anymore, let alone a 900 hp muscle car. I see why Fords trying to bring in a series of new icons instead of holding onto the past.

You don't want the mustang to become a Harley Davidson situation. A company that only tried to appeal to one group, and do one thing, and as a result, doesn't have a future. Mustang needs to adopt and evolve to remain relevant, preferably while retaining what made it iconic.

Ummm the name Shelby does not just appeal to old boomers from the 60s. That is an utterly ridiculous take. Besides young people can't afford any version of the Dark Horse anyway. So the renaming to appeal to a younger demographic doesn't hold water. Especially with this car that will probably be well over 100k.

Its not called Shelby because Ford didn't want to pay the licensing anymore. Its nothing more than a cost saving measure.

Now I can get on board with that to an extent. It is a business after all, and cost are rising. What I dont get is why rebrand when you still have Boss, Mach 1, and Cobra at your disposal.

 

[Katastrophe]

I'm sure I'll write an essay on my thoughts on the car later (which no one will care about except my stuffed animals), but for now...

Putting CCB's on this car BEFORE putting an ELSD in it? Nah, ain't it. ESPECIALLY when they're talking about a new 5 level TC. Combine that with an ELSD and you have options galore for a vehicles behavior under accel and decel (not to mention yaw control). Think Chevy PTM stuff. Now we don't know for sure what's in the rear end...but I'm willing to bet it's the same Torsen 3.73 the GT500 had.

The original GT500 CFTP weighed roughly 4100 with a full tank (found a few vids out there of owners weighing them at the track). It'll be interesting to see just how much weight this car has gained. Furthermore, since when are "track cars" supposed to weigh as much as tanks? Consumables and the ability to lap consistently are literally counter productive with excessive weight. More weight = more fuel used, more brakes used, more tires used, more heat generated, etc, etc. There's a reason why the Miata is still regarded as one of the more pure sports cars out there. Weighing 2400lbs certainly works in it's favour.

(This isn't to say the GT500 CFTP was crap on a track...a car that fat had no business being as fast and composed as it was. Hell, it came runner-up to the winning Lambo Hurrican at MT's Best Drivers Car 2020. By comparison, a GT350R WON the 2016 R&T PCOTY against similarly stiff competition...cars costing upwards of 6x the price. The weight delta between both Mustangs is roughly 400lbs).

I'm not sold on the looks, but that is completely subjective. The GT350 was beautiful and flowy. The GT500 was a nasty, menacing looking beast. This...I just can't get past the face. It almost looks...happy? Goofy even? Again, completely subjective, so whatever. Hopefully without the CFTP you still get the ducktail out back, because that thing is awesome.

People laugh at those of us who want a Godzilla in a Mustang. Let's cut to the chase on that...I'd take an all-aluminum 'zilla (hell, even the iron block) backed by a TR6060 or T56 in a no-frills "BOSS" any day of the week over this...because at least then it's a more honest representation of what the car is supposed to be. A big block, badass boulevard bruiser, made with an old-school, no BS approach. Ford CAN still do this, so the hopium is still alive at least. I've just never been on board with a "track car" that is also well over 2 tons. It's never made sense to me and never will.

Hell, the GTD has been a great example of this and hotly debated since day 1. Many of us just wished for a Mustang GT3 or Aussie Supercar with a number plate. 3300lbs-ish, 600hp-ish NA (5.2 or 5.4 that REVS), then lick the stamp and send it.

Overall, I don't hate this car. Different strokes for different folks. Just as the Dark Horse is really a Mach 1, version 1.something (which itself, was a Mustang PP2 with GT350 parts...), this car is a GT500 CFTP, version 1.something. By proxy, the DH/HP is an awesome car, right? But the SS1LE provided more or less the same performance (track specific), 8 years earlier for an absolute BARGAIN of a price. Speaking of...

Price is going to be a huge point of contention on this thing. If it even comes CLOSE to a base, bare bones, no option C8 Z06...ugh, I just don't want to imagine that. There's a ZERO percent chance I'm giving up on a 458 rip-off and choosing this over it. If this is within 10% or so of said Corvettes' price...yikes.

Anyway, my bad for the rant lads.

Oh...one final thing! Everyone is SLEEEEEPING on the SC name. It was made LEGENDARY by the famous THUNDERBIRD!

LONG LIVE THE SUPER COUPE! lol

 

[NegativeMultiplier]

I was ready to give Ford my money if they called it a COBRA.... why do this to us Ford? No one wants it called a 'Dark Horse SC'. I get trying to appeal to the next generation, but what 20 year old has $100k+ laying around, which is probably where this will be?

A financially irresponsible one, one who knows their way around numbers, or a group of them who pool money to buy and share one together.

You would be surprised. A lot of Mustang owners I follow on social media apps are under thirty.

If that's the case I have no idea who they think their target buyer is for this. They've already claimed track focus, and for that kind of money OR LESS you can get any of these "sub supercar" track stars:

-C8 with the Z51package (because the Z06 is now $120K+)
-M4 Competition (grip battle)
-718 GTS 4.0 (brain matchup)
-CT5-V Blackwing (brawn matchup)
-Lotus Emira (only a V6 but light and hella fun on a track)

Simply put, at that price point it faces fierce competition from mid-engine and precision-engineered rivals that prioritize different ways of achieving lap times.

Me personally I would prefer the DHSC over the C8, maybe the Blackwing. I wouldn't even consider the rest. The M4 and the Porsches are treated as gospel by the younger generations and every young or young-presenting person in my area has one. I want something unique. I unironically see less V8 Mustangs of any kind on the road than I do BMW M cars and Porsches.

As for the Emira, it's an attractive option, but I don't think I'll be as entertained with a six cylinder as I am with my V8. But different tastes for a different face.

If the numbers make sense, I'll be trying to figure out how to get into a SC.

 

[Upacurb]

More Camaro or more …..

 

[AZ_Ryan]

The front end looks like a lot of plastic. And I just noticed the air vents aren't even functional, which I initially thought were cool.

 

[Dr. Cheeseburger]

1. I actually love it! Cannot wait to see it in person (I love my 24 Dark Horse)
2. I would not be surprised if the Track Pack/Full Carbon special edition is over $120k
3. It actually does have CCBs (some experts were very wrong about this)
4. They had to use the DCT because no way Ford can keep the 10R80 cool on a track even with 480 hp
5. If you want one expect to pay over MSRP
6. Does it have an actual oil temp sensor? Or are we just guessing on this motor too?

 

[Ewags81]

Oh...one final thing! Everyone is SLEEEEEPING on the SC name. It was made LEGENDARY by the famous THUNDERBIRD!

man. didn't think of this til now... and my younger brother had one for a time. bright red manual

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