2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC - Official Specs, Photos, Videos

[broncoboy22]

I said it here first, FORD can have no future if they are stuck in the past. A visit from the past now and then would be nice but it just wouldn't work with the new direction they are taking the nameplate. Dark Horse is here to stay just like I am and always have. For those that complain or flee so be it. You just don't get it and won't be missed.

I’m sorry, I didn’t know being a Mustang and Ford fan was a cult. I thought we were allowed to express our opinions when we disagree with the direction of the brand? Isn’t that how we avoided this being “Probe7G”?

I have no problem with those enamored with the DH SC. There’s a lot to like. But I also have no problem with those who aren’t impressed or don’t like the direction the Mustang brand is headed.

Ford will never please everyone of course. But they seem to get more complaining than usual these days because they are mostly tone deaf to what their fans are asking for.

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[Junkyard Dog]

And they just announced that N/A 5.4 will be going in their new hypercar to compete at LeMans too

A N/A 5.4L manual with the cooling and suspension of the DH SC (including the subframe to save weight) with unique styling and making like 575 hp would be glorious

Even if Ford did something dumb and named it the DH LM I’d still prob be a buyer

That is a racing engine that they are already using in motorsports, e.g., the Dark Horse R (not a 5.0 Coyote). I am not aware of the 5.4 being available even as a crate engine to stick in your street car. It would be cool if it was.

We are powering our Hypercar with a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8. When you have an engine this iconic in your arsenal — a powerplant that already defines our Dark Horse R, GT4, and GT3 programs — you don’t look for alternatives. You lean into your DNA. This V8 is a bridge between the legends of 1966 and the future of 2027.​

https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/us/en/articles/2026/ford-hypercar-program-le-mans

And a short video of the engine roaring at Michelin Road Atlanta!




But the hypercar engine will probably be highly modified from the GT3 engine, and it will he a hybrid with electric motors in addition to the gasoline.


2024 discussion about the 5.4 motorsports engine and "I wish it was available" musings here:
https://trackmustangsonline.com/threads/ford-performance-5-4l-coyote.21009/

 

[robvas]

Looks like the LMP2 cars use a 600hp Gibson 4.2 V8 right now

https://www.gibsontech.co.uk/engines/gk428-engine

So that 5.4 should be making the same power (probably a class limit)

 

[Bikeman315]

I’m sorry, I didn’t know being a Mustang and Ford fan was a cult. I thought we were allowed to express our opinions when we disagree with the direction of the brand? Isn’t that how we avoided this being “Probe7G”?

I have no problem with those enamored with the DH SC. There’s a lot to like. But I also have no problem with those who aren’t impressed or don’t like the direction the Mustang brand is headed.

Ford will never please everyone of course. But they seem to get more complaining than usual these days because they are mostly tone deaf to what their fans are asking for.

How’s this for an idea? Farley just says “screw it”. The ungrateful bastards will complain about whatever we do so let’s just scrap the whole damn thing. All we need are trucks and SUV’s. See problem solved. Time to buy a Prius.

 

[RebelMan]

I’m sorry, I didn’t know being a Mustang and Ford fan was a cult. I thought we were allowed to express our opinions when we disagree with the direction of the brand? Isn’t that how we avoided this being “Probe7G”?

I have no problem with those enamored with the DH SC. There’s a lot to like. But I also have no problem with those who aren’t impressed or don’t like the direction the Mustang brand is headed.

Ford will never please everyone of course. But they seem to get more complaining than usual these days because they are mostly tone deaf to what their fans are asking for.

It’s not but take the whining some where else. Complaining about naming conventions is flat out juvenile. Complaining that it’s like something else when it’s not is juvenile. Complaining that something doesn’t meet a particular need is also juvenile because you can bet it is meeting someone else’s need. They have focus groups for a reason.

I am willing to venture that the vast majority of complainers are the very trolls that couldn’t or wouldn’t afford to buy anyway which is all the more reason why it is juvenile.

I appreciate honest (with good intentions) feedback from people that give a balanced take on things. But not people that just bitch because that is neither helpful or wanted by genuine enthusiasts.

FORD is not tone deaf because they listen to all types of fans but they are going to do what is in their best interest first. That’s how all this (Mustang) started to begin with. I trust their judgement even if it doesn’t always align with my wishes. That‘s how genuine enthusiasts will see it. Anyone else that doesn’t is just trolling.

By the way, FORD was going to replace the car with the Probe not just rebadge it. Kind of a big deal and not in the same league of what we are discussing here.

 

[RebelMan]

How’s this for an idea? Farley just says “screw it”. The ungrateful bastards will complain about whatever we do so let’s just scrap the whole damn thing. All we need are trucks and SUV’s.

Heh, it’s not Farley pushing the adgenda, it’s us! FORD started the SUV craze with the Bronco and people of all types keep buying into it, trucks too. Mustang enthusiasts are in the minority now.

 

[FunkinGoNuts]

maybe a dumb question, has it been possible in past track pack options to not get the Recaros? Between lack of heated / cooling seats and just general comfort, I wouldn't want them

 

[Bikeman315]

Heh, it’s not Farley pushing the adgenda, it’s us! FORD started the SUV craze with the Bronco and people of all types keep buying into it, trucks too. Mustang enthusiasts are in the minority now.

Good points but it's not just Mustang enthusiasts. It's all US car based enthusiasts. That's why there is no Camaro, or Challenger. The market today is just to small for the Mustang versions everyone on here is asking for (and denigrating Ford for not doing exactly what they want).

So here's another idea. Let Ford start a bespoke Mustang division. Coupe or convertible. 5.0. 5.2, 5.4. or 7.3. A10, Tremec or dual clutch. NA, SC or TC. RWD or AWD. Any color you want. They will even allow you to choose your own name. A Mustang built just for you, to your specs.

Sounds great right? Get exactly everything you want without giving a crap about others opinions. But wait there's more...........You get to go to the bespoke HQ and watch your car be made. Lastly a warranty with no "out" clauses. You want to modify? Go for it. Racing? No problem.

Now as to the cost. Well if you have to ask!!!!!

 

[Rated R]

So here's another idea. Let Ford start a bespoke Mustang division. Coupe or convertible. 5.0. 5.2, 5.4. or 7.3. A10, Tremec or dual clutch. NA, SC or TC. RWD or AWD. Any color you want. They will even allow you to choose your own name. A Mustang built just for you, to your specs.

Sounds great right? Get exactly everything you want without giving a crap about others opinions. But wait there's more...........You get to go to the bespoke HQ and watch your car be made. Lastly a warranty with no "out" clauses. You want to modify? Go for it. Racing? No problem.

Now as to the cost. Well if you have to ask!!!!!

How would they get around gov't regs, certifying every single rendition etc?

 

[broncoboy22]

How’s this for an idea? Farley just says “screw it”. The ungrateful bastards will complain about whatever we do so let’s just scrap the whole damn thing. All we need are trucks and SUV’s. See problem solved. Time to buy a Prius.

Or how about they make that same decision by saying these bastard will just accept whatever we give them as they laugh all the way to the bank.

If they’re going to be in the Mustang market then do it right

 

[broncoboy22]

It’s not but take the whining some where else. Complaining about naming conventions is flat out juvenile. Complaining that it’s like something else when it’s not is juvenile. Complaining that something doesn’t meet a particular need is also juvenile because you can bet it is meeting someone else’s need. They have focus groups for a reason.

I am willing to venture that the vast majority of complainers are the very trolls that couldn’t or wouldn’t afford to buy anyway which is all the more reason why it is juvenile.

I appreciate honest (with good intentions) feedback from people that give a balanced take on things. But not people that just bitch because that is neither helpful or wanted by genuine enthusiasts.

FORD is not tone deaf because they listen to all types of fans but they are going to do what is in their best interest first. That’s how all this (Mustang) started to begin with. I trust their judgement even if it doesn’t always align with my wishes. That‘s how genuine enthusiasts will see it. Anyone else that doesn’t is just trolling.

By the way, FORD was going to replace the car with the Probe not just rebadge it. Kind of a big deal and not in the same league of what we are discussing here.

There hasn’t been much if any trolling at all in this thread in my opinion. Complaining about any new product is normal. If the complaints are higher than expected, maybe the product isn’t hitting the mark…

You trust their judgment, I won’t try to dissuade you from that. But myself and many others question it.

With a teal accent package how could you not? no company is perfect. As much as I love them Ford makes many mistakes. Fans sharing feedback both positive and negative is how they improve.

It’s silly to try to police complaints. Just like it would be if someone were trying to police the praise.

 

[Zig]

Dh sc

 

[LouG]

Ring times are important as a measure, but there are many other reasons to compare the two. Unfortunately Ford chose to use the same engine and largely the same interior. This new DHSC is even going to weigh the same even after all of the things Multimatic did to the GTD with carbon everywhere they still ended up at 4,400 lbs.

Don't forget though, that the GTD has that whole new transaxle, inboard mounted coil over set up. That'll be quite heavy unless you use unobtanium, and then it'd for a 4 or 5 hundred K car.
Time will tell.

 

[Bikeman315]

Or how about they make that same decision by saying these bastard will just accept whatever we give them as they laugh all the way to the bank.

If they’re going to be in the Mustang market then do it right

You do realize that 'right" will mean many different things to many different people. There is no way on God's green earth to appease everyone. Unless you get into the bespoke car business.

 

[broncoboy22]

You do realize that 'right" will mean many different things to many different people. There is no way on God's green earth to appease everyone. Unless you get into the bespoke car business.

Of course they can’t. But people have the right to be upset & disappointed when they aren’t going in a direction they like. Such is life

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