Ford Unveils Track-Focused Mustang Dark Horse R

Ford has unveiled a track-focused version of the already high-strung Mustang Dark Horse. It’s called the Mustang Dark Horse R, and just by one glimpse, it screams lap times and cornering speeds. Ford calls it the most track-capable version of the seventh-generation Mustang to date. That is quite high praise given that it has two other track-focused versions of the Mustang in the form of GT3 and GT4.

Under the hood, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R gets a good ol’ naturally aspirated 5.0-litre, V8 that comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The American carmaker hasn’t specified exact power or torque figures at the time of the unveiling. For reference, the Dark Horse produces 506 bhp and 566 Nm of torque, so there’s definitely more than that on offer. We’re getting goosebumps just writing about it!

To further aid the Dark Horse R’s track capabilities, Ford has upgraded the oil system, differential cooling, transmission cooling, a fuel cell for added safety and capacity, and last but not least, a Borla racing exhaust system. That’s not all, there are adjustable anti-roll bars, adjustable front camber plates and Multimatic DSSV racing dampers for better on-track performance.

Ford has further authenticated the track experience by taking out all creature comforts and equipping the Dark Horse R with a removable Sparco steering wheel, a roll cage, Recaro racing seats and a Sparco racing harness. The Brembo brakes have been carried over from the Dark Horse edition but the R sits on smaller 19-inch wheels with racing slicks.

Those who can churn out $145,000 (Rs 1.20 crore, approximately) for the Mustang Dark Horse R will get a chance to compete in a brand new International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) approved racing series organised by Ford Performance Racing School called the Mustang Challenge. Now there’s a racing saddle you can put on a Mustang!