Ford goes all in on motorsport with the seventh-generation 2024 Mustang, pledging the brand new pony automobile to quite a lot of racing collection. That dedication is mirrored within the Mustang Darkish Horse S and Darkish Horse R — two track-only coupes constructed atop the street-legal Darkish Horse, probably the most highly effective model of the newest ’Stang.
We’ll begin with the Darkish Horse S, which, according to Ford, was designed with the “weekend track-day fanatic” in thoughts. All the pieces irrelevant to racing has been stripped from this mannequin, which will get an FIA-certified roll cage, security nets, racing seats and belts and a pro-grade quick-release steering wheel. Actually, the passenger seat is non-obligatory.
Efficiency enhancements embody upgraded exhaust and brake programs, in addition to Multimatic dampers with adjustable trip top and camber.
The dashboard has been redesigned for observe use, with bodily switches and knobs for features just like the headlights, windshield wipers, aspect mirrors and rain gentle, all housed in a central panel for simple entry. You’ll simply should think about all of that, as Ford has not but offered photographs of the inside.
The Mustang Darkish Horse street automobile, on which the racing variations are based mostly.Picture: Ford
Ford even threw in a pit-lane velocity limiter, so the automaker actually is aware of this automobile’s viewers. Outdoors, an adjustable rear wing and tow hooks are purposeful touches that additionally convey the Darkish Horse S’s objective.
The Darkish Horse R touts all of these enhancements as nicely, however is constructed to be much more strong for professional-level competitors. Strategic seam welding, a long-range gasoline cell and unique Ford Efficiency rims accompany a “particular serialization” that the automaker says approves the Darkish Horse R for racing.
Ford hasn’t launched many photographs of the Mustang racing variants, however we are able to see the Darkish Horse R on this household render. The attention-grabbing factor is, it appears similar to the GT4-spec automobile.
Picture: Ford
On the entrance on this picture is the top-dog GT3 chassis that may contend the IMSA WeatherTech Championship in 2024 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Then, both the Darkish Horse R or GT4 mannequin seems behind it to the left, flanked by the Mustang destined for Australia’s Supercars collection. The same-looking machine may be seen on the again proper as nicely — the one apparent distinction being the scale and form of the rear wing.
It’s encouraging to see Ford actually stake the Mustang’s declare to racing, from the grassroots stage to the head of worldwide competitors. It’s the kind of validation the Mustang at all times deserved however not often obtained, being sidelined for sporting functions in favor of the Ford GT. For the seventh-gen, the Mustang is scalable. When you observe or race at any stage, there will likely be one for you.
