2023 Ford Mustang Dark Horse unveiled, Australian launch locked in

A more powerful 2023 Ford Mustang Dark Horse has been unveiled – and it will join the seventh-generation range in Australia.

Ford revealed the latest addition to the performance-focused Mustang line-up – the first in 21 years, following the Bullitt – after the standard EcoBoost and GT variants were showcased at the Detroit Auto Show.

It will become the flagship variant of the Mustang range – at least until the Shelby models return, but don’t expect to see those officially in Australia.

Check out our reveal story on the 2023 Ford Mustang for a full run-down on the seventh-generation model.

15

While the Dark Horse nameplate trademarked in June was initially expected to feature on a final send-off black accent package for the outgoing model, it is now officially on the boot of the new S650 version – and it packs a punch.

Under the bonnet, the Mustang Dark Horse is powered by a ‘specially modified’ 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8.

Ford global CEO Jim Farley told Wheels the Dark Horse will have "more than 500 horsepower" (373kW), with final outputs still to be confirmed.

Ford has yet to disclose numbers for the Mustang GT, but claims significant revisions have boosted power and torque beyond the current 339kW and 556Nm.

15

Expect power in the Mustang GT to be less than the Dark Horse, then.

“With sinister looks and a specially modified 5.0-litre V8, Dark Horse will set a new benchmark for Australian street and track performance,” said Ford Australia in a media release.

Engine modifications include; piston connecting rods from the latest GT500, a dual throttle-body intake design for extra breathing, a lighter radiator, a rear axle cooler, an auxiliary engine oil cooler, and more powerful cooling fans.

15

A six-speed Tremec manual transmission – as found in the Mustang Mach 1 and Shelby GT350 – is standard with a 3D-printed titanium shifter, or an optional 10-speed torque converter automatic shared with the standard model.

Up front, the Mustang Dark Horse, unsurprisingly, wears darkened LED headlights, a gloss-black grille with pronounced trapezoidal nostrils, and a unique lower bumper.

A set of lightweight carbon fibre wheels supplied by Australian company Carbon Revolution will be available in the ‘States, with standard examples featuring staggered 19-inch alloys.

15

In addition, the Mustang Dark Horse wears Pirelli P Zero tyres as standard and includes adaptive suspension, a larger sway bar, heavy-duty front dampers, a strut tower and an under-bonnet engine brace.

It shares its Torsen limited-slip rear differential – previously exclusive to the Mach 1, but not in Australia – and six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo brakes with the Mustang GT.

An optional handling package adds a rear wing with an integrated gurney flap similar to the Ford GT, stiffer springs, larger front and rear sway bars, and wider Pirelli Trofeo tyres.

15

Inside, the Mustang Dark Horse sports a thicker suede-wrapped steering wheel with blue stitching, extending to the door panels, seats, gear shifter and centre console.

The regular Mustang’s chrome highlights are now dark metallic gloss, while blue upholstery will be optional.

Local timing for the 2023 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is unknown. Expect more information closer to the Mustang EcoBoost and GT launch in late 2023.

15

2023 Ford Mustang confirmed for Supercars Championship, as race models debut

Ford has confirmed the Dark Horse will form the basis for a redesigned Mustang in the Supercars Championship, which will face the newly-added Chevrolet Camaro from the 2023 season.

Next year's season will see Walkinshaw Andretti United, perhaps the best-known Holden team in Supercars, defect to Ford in a massive coup for the Blue Oval.

15

In addition, the company has announced two track-only models of Mustang Dark Horse: the Dark Horse S and Dark Horse R.

As a stripped-out version of the road car, the Dark Horse S features an FIA-certified roll cage, safety nets, a race seat with safety belts and a quick-disconnect steering wheel.

Overseas, factory-backed Ford teams will return to the GT3 and Le Mans, joining NASCAR, GT4 and NHRA Factory X racing.