Ford Performance will reveal a more hardcore version of the seventh-generation Mustang pony car for track use only later this month.
Initially teased as one of the racing versions of the new Ford Mustang in September 2022, the Dark Horse R has been teased once again on Threads ahead of its reveal on July 27.
The track-only Ford Mustang Dark Horse R will be powered by a version of the road-going model’s 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine.
It’s unclear how much power and torque the Mustang Dark Horse R will make at this stage, but the road-going US-spec Dark Horse produces 373kW and 567Nm.
Ford has previously announced there will be two dedicated, track-only Mustang Dark Horses. The yet-to-be-revealed Ford Mustang Dark Horse S is “designed for the weekend track day enthusiast” and the Mustang Dark Horse R has been “developed for racing”.
The Mustang Dark Horse R, like the Dark Horse S, will have all non-essential parts and trim pieces removed.
On the inside there will be a full FIA-certified safety cage, safety nets, a racing seat with safety belts, a quick release racing steering wheel, electrical disconnects, and fire suppression system. A passenger seat is optional.
Driver controls will be contained in a central panel housing switches and knobs for the headlights, indicators, window wipers, mirror adjusters and rail light.
Previous Dark Horse R teaser
On the outside the Mustang Dark Horse R will have bonnet pins, front and rear tow hooks, an adjustable rear wing and a full exhaust system.
The Mustang Dark Horse R will also have Multimatic DSSV dampers that support ride height and camber adjustments, strategic seam welding, a fuel cell, and Ford Performance wheels.
“Both Dark Horse S and R have been further enhanced for performance and stripped of almost every unneeded comfort, keeping only what is needed to provide better performance,” said Ford Mustang chief nameplate engineer Ed Krenz.
The reveal of the Mustang Dark Horse R will follow shortly after the new Mustang GT4. Ford has also revealed GT3, and Supercar versions of the new-generation Mustang.
Road-going Mustang Dark Horse
As previously reported, Ford Australia has confirmed the road-going next-generation Mustang’s launch for the first quarter of 2024.
“Production for Australia-bound Mustangs is set to begin by late this year,” a Ford Australia spokesperson confirmed to CarExpert.
“Due to significant shipping time between the plant in Flat Rock, Michigan and Australia, we expect first arrivals in Q1, 2024.”
Mustang GT4 
Mustang GT3 
Mustang Supercar
A member of the online forum Mustang 7G had posted a photo of a confidential Ford Australia bulletin outlining the updated timing for the new Mustang.
The document said pricing and specifications will be released by the end of June, with dealers to be informed of their allocations by the same time.
No local pricing or specifications for the next-generation Mustang have been released yet.
MORE: Everything Ford Mustang
