Any truth to this?

[93_SVT_3503]

Actually, he's not far off.

I learned of the program almost two years ago now so this not something new, it just hasn't been shared. Code name is Project Blackbird.

I can't speak to the name it ends up with but the idea was a high revving Coyote variant that took advantage of a displacement bump to 5.4 liters. Both a DCT and an upgraded TR3160 were part of the initial plan but I'm not so sure the DCT will make the cut - it depends on where this fits into the existing product line mix as the inclusion of a DCT bumps price up somewhat. Manual gets an improved shifter from their current supplier. I thought this might have been a late '26 offering but it made sense to hold it back until 2027. I suspect there'll be a marketing tie in with the upcoming hypercar's 5.4 if not the current GT3 car.

The name reminded me of a one-off car done by Shelby and Roush in 2010 named the SR-71 (Shelby/Roush). They auctioned it off for a boatload of charity money at EAA in Oshkosh. I wonder where that car's at now.

What Is the SR-71 Mustang?

2011 Ford Mustang SR-71: Ultimate Guide

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[MaddNomad]

Before the SC came out, Stang Mode claimed his sources said it was going to be called a Cobra with AWD and a Godzilla motor.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Actually, he's not far off.

I learned of the program almost two years ago now so this not something new, it just hasn't been shared. Code name is Project Blackbird.

I can't speak to the name it ends up with but the idea was a high revving Coyote variant that took advantage of a displacement bump to 5.4 liters. Both a DCT and an upgraded TR3160 were part of the initial plan but I'm not so sure the DCT will make the cut - it depends on where this fits into the existing product line mix as the inclusion of a DCT bumps price up somewhat. Manual gets an improved shifter from their current supplier. I thought this might have been a late '26 offering but it made sense to hold it back until 2027. I suspect there'll be a marketing tie in with the upcoming hypercar's 5.4 if not the current GT3 car.

Ok but are they actually building it, or is this just an unused project? It sounds way too similar to the DHSC and we know that car was originally going to be called Boss. Nothing about this makes sense with the DHSC just coming out.

 

[MidwayJ]

If it comes with a TR6060 manual option now we’re talking about something that more unique to differentiate it from the DH SC. Like the last gen GT350 and GT500, two diff driving experiences

It would be the modern GT350 replacement that people had been clamoring for, stickshift, high revving bespoke engine.

This actually makes some sense. It would need to be priced below the Dark Horse SC, though. Maybe a boosted version of this engine could be in the next iteration of the GTD.

 

[Epiphany]

Ok but are they actually building it, or is this just an unused project? It sounds way too similar to the DHSC and we know that car was originally going to be called Boss. Nothing about this makes sense with the DHSC just coming out.

I can't speak to the mindset of product planners in this regard. Could it still be killed off, never to be heard about again? We shall see.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

I can't speak to the mindset of product planners in this regard. Could it still be killed off, never to be heard about again? We shall see.

How did you come to find out about this two years ago?

 

[Epiphany]

When you're in the game long enough you get to know a lot of people. Problem is, the more you know, the less you can say. If it wasn't for those pesky NDA's, oh boy, there'd be lots to share.

 

[LouG]

I think a 9000rpm Coyote may be possible, it's just a 1000 or 1400 rpm more that some Coyotes are run to now.
It probably wouldn't have a 5year/150,000km warranty.

 

[Wiley Marmot]

Sounds great "if" it comes to fruition (and I hope it does).

PS: Did they say anything about taking 500 lbs of pork out of it too?

 

[armyGT]

The Dark Horse is a decent overpriced car. I still believe Ford made a really big mistake by moving away from their heritage names. I can see a BIG touch of WOKE in Farley!!
A BOSS would be great but not at $90K.
I like TERMINATOR....

 

[AZ_Ryan]

The Dark Horse is a decent overpriced car. I still believe Ford made a really big mistake by moving away from their heritage names. I can see a BIG touch of WOKE in Farley!!
A BOSS would be great but not at $90K.
I like TERMINATOR....

Agreed on everything except the woke part. How exactly is the name Dark Horse woke? Lol

 

[Upacurb]

Agreed on everything except the woke part. How exactly is the name Dark Horse woke? Lol

Because it's not White Horse? : )

I think a high revving s650 would be cool... keep it naturally aspirated and 8500rpm for 100k and id be tempted .

 

[Epiphany]

The problem will be if all this ends up being for a car sold only in extremely low volume, ala the R models of yore. If they limit production to 250 units or so, I mean, come on. Economies of scale would be way off and prices would be high for things like the engine, transmission, etc, for that matter, the car itself. I don't see how it comes in at a price lower than a Base DH SC...

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