Ford claims 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds with the 10-speed automatic gearbox, or 5.2 seconds with the uprated Tremec T56 six-speed manual – the latter being the transmission of choice if you intend to take your Dark Horse to a track, because it’s more durable that the auto in extremis, says Ford. And in reality that’s who this car is aimed at; someone who might take their car to the odd track day and drive it far harder than normal on the road. It’s the enthusiasts’ choice, but not a full blown track car, says Ford. That comes later in the form of the £315k Mustang GTD – where D stands for Daytona, not diesel.
It’s a role this car plays close to perfection, actually. The dynamics are notably sharper than those of the regular GT; it sounds quite a lot naughtier thanks to a different crankshaft and exhaust, and it goes a little bit harder in all respects. Subjectively, it feels a whole lot more serious as a driver’s car.
It looks so much fruitier, too, with a square-jawed stance that is enhanced by a raft of menacing styling upgrades – all of which combine to give it a far more purposeful personality on the road.
So, although it costs another £12k over the GT, we’d say the Dark Horse is worth every penny. No wonder they can’t build them fast enough.
| Model: | Ford Mustang Dark Horse |
| Price: | £67,995 |
| Engine: | 5.0-litre V8 petrol |
| Power/torque: | 447bhp/540Nm |
| Transmission: | Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive |
| 0-62mph: | 5.2 seconds |
| Top speed: | 115mph |
| Economy/CO2: | 23.5mpg/279g/km |
| Dimensions: | 4,819/1,917/1,382mm |
| On sale: | Sold out |
