Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC: 281 kg of downforce and a problem with common sense

The MagneRide suspension has been upgraded, along with the springs, anti-roll bars, steering knuckles and control arms. The strut tower brace is made from magnesium, while several suspension components have been replaced with forged aluminium parts. The steering and rear-axle geometry have also been revised to make the car more precise and responsive.

Then there are those two words that hide an entire programme: the Track Pack. This is where the Dark Horse SC finally stops pretending to be a normal car. In practical terms, it means carbon-fibre wheels wrapped in enormous Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, measuring 305/30 R20 at the front and 315/30 R20 at the rear. There are also Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with 16.5-inch front discs.

The Track Pack also brings a bodywork package far more interested in downforce. At the rear, there is a new ducktail-style element and a gigantic carbon-fibre rear wing, which could probably double as a clothesline when required. At around 290 km/h, the Dark Horse SC generates approximately 281 kg of aerodynamic downforce over the rear axle. 281. Yes.

At this point, the question is no longer “how fast is it?”. It is “how much courage does it take to actually go this fast?”

The interior follows the same philosophy: a flat-bottomed steering wheel, Alcantara, carbon fibre and, with the Track Pack, Recaro seats. The rear seats make way for a simple storage shelf. A sensible choice, considering that anyone buying a car like this already knows that finding two passengers audacious and brave enough to come along will be a challenge.

Unfortunately, at least for the time being, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC remains outside Ford’s official European line-up, where the Mustang range stops at the standard Dark Horse.

A Mustang with a huge V8 is by now almost an American tradition. But a Mustang with a huge V8, a dual-clutch gearbox, Cup 2 R tyres, carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon-fibre wheels and 281 kg of downforce at 290 km/h is something much closer to a declaration of war. Not so much against the European market, but against its most extreme sports cars. And, perhaps, against common sense too.

• Ford Mustang
• Dark Horse
• V8
• Track Pack
• Muscle Car
• Ford Performance
• Ford Racing