2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Review

Pros

• Wow, those brakes
• Ample Coyote power
• Excellent manual transmission

Cons

• Starting to feel big
• Strange rev-limiter behavior
• Why is the handling pack optional?

Eighty-six feet. It’s a number usually only approached by a handful of the greatest sports cars on the planet. That’s how short a 4,028-pound 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse stopped from 60 mph in our testing — better than any other production car we’ve ever tested.

While far from the only metric that has made the Dark Horse special, its immense stopping power is headlined by a Brembo brake system featuring a set of six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. This impressive braking was the talk of the Chuckwalla Valley during our Performance Vehicle of the Year hot lap sessions.

“The brakes are preposterous,” said a senior features editor. “You feel like you can stop a tsunami with how powerful they are.” Throughout our Dark Horse logbook, every judge noted how exceptional this Mustang was at slowing down. A deputy editor had to recalibrate his track approach because of the car’s remarkable braking performance.

Aiding the Dark Horse’s stopping capabilities are super-sticky, supercar-level Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires, which are part of an optional handling package. Other enhancements include camber-adjustable strut-top mounts, unique wheels, and aerodynamic elements like a rear spoiler with a Gurney flap.

Performance and Power

When you accelerate in the Dark Horse, a tuned version of Ford’s naturally aspirated Coyote V-8 pushing an even 500 horsepower roars through the active exhaust. Our testing revealed a manual-transmission-equipped model could reach 0–60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.

There were no complaints about the car’s power on track, though some concerns were raised about a reported cutout at several hundred RPM before the car’s 7,500 limit. This may be due to reporting inaccuracies given the drivers were in full hustle mode.

Shifting gears is facilitated by a Tremec-sourced six-speed manual, specifically designed for the Dark Horse. This unit garnered praise for its notchiness and sturdiness. Features like no-lift shift and rev-match were fun to use during evaluations. “I’m so glad they put the right transmission in this one,” remarked a features editor. “This Tremec is so much better than the other manual.”

Handling and Comfort

Despite minor issues with steering feel, the Dark Horse effectively delivers a thrilling driving experience. Ford successfully created a track-ready special edition capable of unparalleled feats in Mustang history, which truly deserves recognition.

However, to earn a MotorTrend Of The Year award, a vehicle must excel in various testing environments. During our open-road assessments, the Dark Horse’s size and weight became apparent. Automakers often combat these challenges with increased power and advanced features, but the evolution of vehicle size cannot be entirely masked.

Specifically, the Trofeo RS tires sometimes hindered the car’s performance on the road under certain conditions. While there is an option for street-oriented tires, that would mean forgoing the handling pack — a crucial feature for track use. Additionally, the Dark Horse appearance pack and Recaro seats come at an extra cost, indicating a compromise.

Final Thoughts

While the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse stands out as an impressive performance machine, judges debated whether it truly qualifies as a special edition. Why is the handling pack optional rather than standard? Wouldn’t it be more effective to design both sets of tires around a unified handling strategy? These seemingly minor details can significantly affect the vehicle’s performance and overall standing in competitive assessments.