Quick Takeaways
- Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC signals a new era of extreme track-focused Mustangs from Ford.
- Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC sits just below the GTD while targeting elite global performance rivals.
On 16 January 2026, Ford Racing introduced the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC, a new high-performance model positioned as the spiritual successor to the Shelby GT500. Slotted below the Mustang GTD, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC will enter the US market this summer in Standard and Track Pack specifications, aiming squarely at established track-focused performance benchmarks.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC positioning and rivals
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC expands the Mustang performance hierarchy with a clear motorsport-derived focus. Designed to bridge the gap between road-going muscle and race-inspired engineering, it is set to challenge formidable competitors such as the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and the Porsche 911 GT3. Customer deliveries in the US are expected to begin in Q3 2026.
Aggressive aerodynamics define the exterior design
Function-led design is central to the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC. The front fascia features a large grille flanked by prominent intake scoops, with a hexagonal pattern extending into the lower bumper and central air dam. Additional air channels sit beside the tri-beam LED headlamps, enhancing cooling efficiency and airflow management.
Compared with the standard Mustang Dark Horse, the SC adopts an all-aluminium bonnet with pronounced carbon-fibre venting. With the rain tray removed, Ford claims this layout generates up to 2.5 times more downforce. Flared fenders, aggressive side skirts, a fixed rear decklid spoiler, and quad exhaust outlets complete the muscular stance.
Track Pack amplifies downforce and weight reduction
Opting for the Track Pack transforms the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC into a more focused circuit tool. Key aerodynamic upgrades include:
Together, these elements generate a combined 281kg of downforce at approximately 290km/h. The Track Pack also introduces 20-inch carbon-fibre wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, replacing the aluminium wheels and Pirelli P Zero R tyres of the standard car.
Chassis upgrades and braking performance
To complement its reduced weight, the Track Pack features lightweight Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with teal-painted calipers. These measures result in a claimed 68kg weight reduction compared with the standard Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC. Exterior detailing is finished with a distinctive “horse face” emblem on the bootlid, accented in white on the SC and teal on the Track Pack.
Driver-focused interior inspired by the GTD
Inside, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC mirrors the driver-centric layout of the GTD flagship. The cockpit features a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters and a centred position marker. Standard models receive sports seats with carbon-fibre and Alcantara trim, while the Track Pack is equipped with Recaro seats upholstered in part-leather and suede, featuring pronounced side bolsters.
Red contrast stitching appears across the cabin, with teal highlights reserved for the Track Pack. To reduce mass, rear seats are removed in favour of a storage shelf. Dual digital displays, physical climate controls, selectable drive modes, active exhaust settings, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a heated, adjustable steering wheel are all included.
Supercharged V8 powertrain and driver control systems
Powering the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC is a 5.2-litre supercharged V8 sourced from the Mustang GTD, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission similar to that used in the Shelby GT500. While official output figures remain undisclosed, the same engine delivers 815hp in the GTD and 760hp in the GT500.
The car is equipped with Ford’s Variable Traction Control system, offering five selectable traction levels and the option to fully disable electronic stability control. Stopping power comes from Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, ensuring consistent performance under track conditions.
Speaking on the philosophy behind the car, Arie Groeneveld of Ford Performance noted that the Dark Horse SC represents what happens when racing engineers are given the freedom to shape a road car, delivering a high-powered Mustang that pushes expectations well beyond traditional boundaries.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC positioning and rivals
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC expands the Mustang performance hierarchy with a clear motorsport-derived focus. Designed to bridge the gap between road-going muscle and race-inspired engineering, it is set to challenge formidable competitors such as the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and the Porsche 911 GT3. Customer deliveries in the US are expected to begin in Q3 2026.
Aggressive aerodynamics define the exterior design
Function-led design is central to the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC. The front fascia features a large grille flanked by prominent intake scoops, with a hexagonal pattern extending into the lower bumper and central air dam. Additional air channels sit beside the tri-beam LED headlamps, enhancing cooling efficiency and airflow management.
Compared with the standard Mustang Dark Horse, the SC adopts an all-aluminium bonnet with pronounced carbon-fibre venting. With the rain tray removed, Ford claims this layout generates up to 2.5 times more downforce. Flared fenders, aggressive side skirts, a fixed rear decklid spoiler, and quad exhaust outlets complete the muscular stance.
Track Pack amplifies downforce and weight reduction
Opting for the Track Pack transforms the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC into a more focused circuit tool. Key aerodynamic upgrades include:
- Large fixed carbon-fibre rear wing
- Integrated ducktail spoiler
- Underbody venting
- Full-width rear diffuser
Together, these elements generate a combined 281kg of downforce at approximately 290km/h. The Track Pack also introduces 20-inch carbon-fibre wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, replacing the aluminium wheels and Pirelli P Zero R tyres of the standard car.
Chassis upgrades and braking performance
To complement its reduced weight, the Track Pack features lightweight Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with teal-painted calipers. These measures result in a claimed 68kg weight reduction compared with the standard Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC. Exterior detailing is finished with a distinctive “horse face” emblem on the bootlid, accented in white on the SC and teal on the Track Pack.
Driver-focused interior inspired by the GTD
Inside, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC mirrors the driver-centric layout of the GTD flagship. The cockpit features a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters and a centred position marker. Standard models receive sports seats with carbon-fibre and Alcantara trim, while the Track Pack is equipped with Recaro seats upholstered in part-leather and suede, featuring pronounced side bolsters.
Red contrast stitching appears across the cabin, with teal highlights reserved for the Track Pack. To reduce mass, rear seats are removed in favour of a storage shelf. Dual digital displays, physical climate controls, selectable drive modes, active exhaust settings, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a heated, adjustable steering wheel are all included.
Supercharged V8 powertrain and driver control systems
Powering the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC is a 5.2-litre supercharged V8 sourced from the Mustang GTD, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission similar to that used in the Shelby GT500. While official output figures remain undisclosed, the same engine delivers 815hp in the GTD and 760hp in the GT500.
The car is equipped with Ford’s Variable Traction Control system, offering five selectable traction levels and the option to fully disable electronic stability control. Stopping power comes from Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, ensuring consistent performance under track conditions.
Speaking on the philosophy behind the car, Arie Groeneveld of Ford Performance noted that the Dark Horse SC represents what happens when racing engineers are given the freedom to shape a road car, delivering a high-powered Mustang that pushes expectations well beyond traditional boundaries.
Company Press Release
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