The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC has been revealed, expanding the Blue Oval’s range of track-ready muscle cars.
Developed with input from the Ford Racing motorsport division, the Mustang Dark Horse SC will bring lessons learned from the fearsome Mustang GTD to a wider audience.Â
Although the Mustang Dark Horse already has a strong focus on circuit driving, having even spawned a one-make race series, the SC version pushes this ethos still further.Â
A more powerful 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, bespoke bodywork, and enhanced suspension are all upgrades over the regular Dark Horse.Â
Ford will also offer an optional Dark Horse SC Track Pack, which adds carbon-ceramic brakes and more accessories.
Bringing the noise
Ford has not confirmed how powerful the Dark Horse SC’s engine will be. However, it shares much in common with the V-8 in the Mustang GTD racing at Daytona this weekend.Â
Fitted to the homologation-special GTD, the supercharged V-8 produces 815 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. This makes an output in excess of 750 hp seem likely for the Dark Horse SC, given the engine’s similarities to the one found in the previous-generation Mustang GT500.
Expect the Dark Horse SC’s exhaust to deliver a serious soundtrack, too. Ford’s engineers have apparently dedicated a substantial amount of time to tuning the tailpipes.
Other highlights include a new aluminum hood with a huge carbon fiber vent. This is said to generate 2.5 times more downforce than the item used on the regular Mustang Dark Horse.
There is also a bespoke front bumper to provide increased cooling for the supercharged V-8, plus revised settings for the Magneride suspension dampers.
Race car engineering for the road
For the ultimate Mustang Dark Horse SC experience, enthusiasts will need to tick the box marked ‘Track Pack’ when ordering.Â
This adds lightweight carbon fiber wheels, carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes, and sticky Michelin Cup 2 R tires. Ford Racing has also retuned the suspension to take account of the car’s reduced unsprung mass.
The Track Pack adds a sizable carbon fiber rear wing, plus a ducktail lip for the trunk decklid to boost aerodynamic efficiency by 10 percent. Compared to a regular Mustang Dark Horse, the SC can generate up to 620 lb of additional downforce.
Variable traction control allows drivers to choose from five levels of assistance. The electronic stability control can be fully deactivated, too.Â
Sculpted Recaro bucket seats form part of the Track Pack too, with gray or teal accents on offer. An optional Teal Accent Package applies this signature color to the seat belts, exterior badges, and the brake calipers.
Ready to stampede this summer
Ford has yet to confirm prices for the Dark Horse SC. However, even with the optional Track Pack, it will easily undercut the $327,000 asked for a Mustang GTD.
Regardless of the exact price, the level of performance engineering on offer means Ford won’t have trouble finding enthusiasts keen to own a more extreme Mustang Dark Horse.Â
For those who want greater exclusivity, Ford will also offer a limited-production Track Pack Special Edition for the 2026 model year. This will feature a carbon fiber exterior package, black-painted roof, red Brembo brake calipers, 3D-printed titanium paddle shifters, and unique painted hood graphics.
Special Edition buyers will be limited to a choice of Shadow Black or Oxford White paintwork, matched with Solar Red trim for the Recaro seats.
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