The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is Not a One Trick Pony | Track Test & Review

The Mustang name alone is about as nostalgic as it gets, but it seems like whenever Ford ups Mustang’s performance ante, they double down with throwback names like “Boss” and “Mach 1.” But now they’ve actually come up with something all-new for the seventh-gen pony car. It’s the Mustang Dark Horse… and around the race track, it’s anything but stealthy! #Ford #Mustang #FordMustang #DarkHorse #MustangDarkHorse
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[@er1115]

John David. My favorite car reviewer from the 80's, 90's, 2000's, 2010's, and the 2020's.

[@davej1212]

spelled davis

[@genemounce8302]

Back in '89, I saw the then new Fox coupes go for $8,999 right off the dealer showroom... MAN, our grand kids won't be able to afford a vehicle, ice, hybrid or electric. 😔 Mornin every one.😁🍻

[@jarmelo2006]

Yeah, these prices are ridiculous.

[@justme307]

I bought a new GT back then and the sticker was just under $17K with A/C, power accessories, manual and a sunroof; an automatic would have been more $. I do remember the 1982-1984 GT being just under $10K without A/C and power accessories.

[@Canadian_Gamer]

I would much rather have the Fox body Michael Douglas drove in Basic Instinct over this hunk of plastic fantastic.

[@basshead.]

Inflation, bro.

[@danielfair4675]

I ordered a new loaded to the gills 5.7 IROC back in 1987 @ $19993.00 That's the equivalent of $52,000+ in 2024. The cost isn't as bad as folks think. Things have came along way mechanically which has added alot more to vehicle cost, than just the cost of living adjustment.

[@ajdub5]

Love my tremec 6-speed dark horse. I don’t care if the auto is faster bc the 6-speed is so much more fun to drive!

[@mvnorsel6354]

Smart man.

[@bobbybarnes1652]

Due to a disability, I have to drive the 10R80 version of the DH. Not as visceral as the MT, but still as much fun!

[@jasonhayes3944]

Well said sir If I buy a car like this I want it as a drivers car should be with 3 pedals what’s a couple point faster compared to the connection you have with the car rowing thru those gears there is no substitute jus sayin

[@paulabes4220]

I have to agree with you. I love my Shadow Black Dark Horse and the Tremec 6 speed makes it so fun to drive. If I wanted a drag car, I would have bought a Demon.

[@joehenry9546]

I’m really tempted to get a 6 speed Dark Horse. I was a little let down by my test drive of the GT. The steering didn’t feel responsive enough. What your take on the difference between the GT and the Dark Horse?

[@masterchinese28]

"It's name is dark horse, that is far from black sheep!" lol John Davis still at it after more than 40 years.

[@mikewozawski1634]

I know it never gets old

[@blackice7408]

I mean he is reading from a script

[@videogazer801]

Honestly, John is the only one at MotorWeek who does right. Thank you again, John!

[@ZepG]

Thanks John Davis for sticking around and giving us your fantastic commentary! I've been watching you since the 80's.

[@ATRcams]

It's so good to know that Davis is fine and great! Thanks for the video!

[@davidaubin3902]

Yes he the Mister Rogers for adults. Not ready to retire until he’s ready to. John’s gonna turn 80 next week.

[@seanw3621]

I remember watching the early shows in the 80s with my dad.

[@Motorweek]

While we appreciate your loyal support of the show, we do want to correct that John's birthday is April 22nd and he will not be turning 80.

[@DrBeef216]

​@@davidaubin3902Enjoy him still doing this. I doubt he'll be doing it too much longer. Will be a sad day when he decides hes done

[@chileshemubanga3594]

Here in Zambia (Africa) were we don't have Mustangs, BMW M4 makes sense but if I were living in America I would definitely go for the Mustang Dark horse!.just listen to the rumble of that NA Coyote V8!!😮

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

I have loved the mustang since a kid.. this one is 1600lbs heavier than a fox body and nearly a 2ft longer.. and is actually closer in total size to a lincoln town car.. That's one fat pony.. 😂

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

I own a 94 MKVIII, which I adore. When street parked it's one of the smaller cars on the block. Never would have seen that coming, LOL. Cheers.

[@ralphsmallblock4367]

I guess due to obesity Of North Americans it followed suit.

[@WynnofThule]

1600lbs? I know it's heavier but it's not THAT much heavier. A little over half that at most from some cursory research.

[@robertriegel5000]

And TONS better than a fox body. Not even close

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

@@robertriegel5000 You've never driven one.. or you'd know..

[@ZackNakazora1]

The screens were a research topic on how to make more younger audience buy the car. But at 70k no one younger is buying this. That said it's a good evolution of the s550 chassis and I'm happy we still get a manual v8. Hey Ford? Where's the manual ecoboost hipo?? 😅 I never got my order

[@E52O4]

They should have the option to order a MT82 transmission if you want one for the ecoboost. Why? Because driving manual transmission Mustangs should not be limited to the V8 buyers. At least offer the option. It isn’t like the assembly line can’t do it.

[@StandingUpForBetter]

This car looks amazing and sound like a beast! The fact it is offered with a V8 and a 6-speed manual is a big win for me. I hope to one day own one. Well done Ford!

[@markmark3275]

The size of digital screens are getting out of control

[@joshlamar1990]

Car has been on the market to long to be still complaining about screens they aren’t going anywhere.

[@hmuvee]

​@@joshlamar1990 I rented a ecboost vert and I love the screens, they mite look goofy but how well they work when your driving is great

[@joshlamar1990]

@@hmuvee screens don’t bother me I don’t even think about them anymore just happy to still have a v8. They could have gave us a MacBook Pro on wheels like dodge.

[@daison96]

What I don't like about this giant screen fad is that if something breaks, in regards to the screen--it's not getting repeated--it's going to simply be replaced. More money for car companies.... More money FROM consumers.

[@mtatters3603]

I love my 05 interior, I don’t want two iPad screens in my mustang

[@PANTYEATR1]

I was against the new Mustang's design, but it's growing on me. Those wheels are straight pimp juice💪

[@mikemet1744]

I got my Dark Horse Premium this week. Put about 350 miles on her. AMAZING car. Make sure you get the tunes and the Recaro seats! $76k out the door...plus I added a little extra warranty for $2250 more. I went with the standard. Have fun.

[@TheSpitzy24]

I love the Camaro, but Ford has done a ripper job with this.

[@Vuhjayjay68]

You like this because ford took the looks of the Camaro

[@ferdinand9103]

You can probably still see out of this better than a Camaro though 😂

[@patrickeggert6344]

Bought an 23' ss 1le for 10 grand less and the same performance. Dark horse is a hell of a car though. Glad Ford is still doing the V8 manual muscle.

[@goblinzl1]

ripper as in ripoff. beautiful car but way too expensive.

[@mileslumpkin9500]

That paint is incredible

[@professorx2607]

I WANT A FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE THIS YEAR!! WHAT A STUNNING VALUE FOR UNDER 100K.😮

[@ricardocorbie6803]

Love this car,, saw it in person at our local Caffeine and Octane I fell in love 🥰 that new dark horse badging is ♨️♨️🔥🔥☄️☄️

[@spook5756]

I'd always be ok with sacrificing a few tenths to have the 6 speed manual.

[@joeylewis8615]

Great to see John Davis looking fantastic! MotorWeek is must see tv, my dad and I have been watching for over 35 years. Keep up the excellent work!

[@brandedjb6981]

The depth of David's emotions and his ability to put it into words then sing it so genuinely that it gets inside you and you feel it right along with him, is nearly other worldly. Thank you David for music that actually means something!

[@ArthurBenetton]

Great review, and also this was the only review I've seen that really celebrated just how cool it is to have a truly new special model - not throwback Boss etc. Coming from the legendary John Davis who was there for all of them throughout the decades, it does take that kind of wisdom to show us kids just how cool something like that really is! :-)

[@TurboBMRProjectLove]

i just got a 2024 Mustang GT Performance 6 speed in Red. Love it, compliments my 2020 Subaru STi. The rear brembos on my mustang are the same size as the front brakes on my STI it seems . 😁

[@blackice7408]

2:50 that top end engine note🤌🏿

[@jameshows5419]

We have the DH and we love how they sound handle and stop . They’re not as quick as the RS3 i had but then again the DH is naturally aspirated.

[@TheMICMusicInspirationChannel]

Haven't gotten used to that new grille yet.

[@slickrichelicopter8977]

Best of the year? That's easy when the competition is extinct.😅

[@KartKing4ever]

The issue I have with this car, as someone who has owned 4 Mustangs is my GT500 cost HALF as much as this car when it was new. I'm factoring in the $15-20K markup that all of these have.That's insane. You're better off buying a used GT350, if you want manual, which ya should, or a GT500. Honestly, the only S650 that seems appealing to me is a base model, no option GT. That's still $45,000. Then again, these "young people" cars have been priced out of young people for over 20 years.

[@Icebergslim333]

You're 100% right! The prices these days are insane. I've all but given up hope for getting a Mustang anymore.

[@RealAnthonyJones]

Inflation hit different.

[@bobbybarnes1652]

Bought my DH three days ago ... zero markup.

[@garfieldkeddoo81]

Like your reviews John

[@Cheezwizzz]

“This ain’t a one trick pony” I could write for Motorweek

[@charleswhite5482]

I love mine! Only thing I'm adding to the looks is Anderson Composite carbon fiber front splitter and rear spoiler.

[@jimtyme]

Fantastic video

[@baoquoc3710]

John Davis truly made a big hit once again! Never stop since 1980s🙏

[@dutchgiant9846]

how is the 0-60 for the dark horse considerably worse than the 0-60 for a z06 even though the dark horse has more power? is it the grip on the road?

[@sliknik1025]

I bought a brand new '20 Camaro ZL1 in 2019 for $60k right before pandemic hit. I understand it was over 4 years ago but charging people over $60k today for a Mustang GT with a cool new name, cloth seats and some factory handling upgrades sounds crazy to me. Nice car though. Just way overpriced imo.

[@edevanko160]

Long live John Davis don't know what I would I do with him on the show

[@1tannedman]

Haha motor week probably don't either

[@CaptainCJ97]

Has a great look & sounds good

[@backnu]

Glorified Mustang GT!

[@DUNEATV]

Beautiful car!

[@PowersJulian]

Would be cool to see a combined video with every Mustang John Davis has reviewed over the years.

[@leviefrauim1425]

How does Motorweek only have 453k subscribers?

[@cjsnylons]

I just can't get behind how the screens sit in the dash. Also, for the money, I would gladly take a gently used C7 Z06. I feel that is an easy choice unless you really just want a Mustang, which is cool too.

[@cctaximan]

Nice Stang! ❤❤❤

[@Biltware]

The Dark Horse is a great looking car with amazing performance, but with the insane price tag and the touch screens everywhere, I'll stick with my '22 Mach 1, thank you!

[@alschoenbeck2615]

1990 Mustang LX 5.0 with a Vortech supercharger and GT40 heads and exhaust. 3100 lbs. $21K with everything. had to put slicks on it to have any chance to hook up at the track.

[@swmann2]

I just bought one, amazing and scary cars

[@theforgottenorg]

That spoilers aftermarket sales are gonna make $$$$$$#.

[@mannyrosado9887]

This price for a Mustang that doesn't have a Shelby name and number right next to it is ludicrous. You can get a used 911, Z06, Supra, ZL1, and Hellcat, and the list goes on. It's not only about speed and number, but reliability, value, and collectibility.

[@brilliantradience]

What is the 60-0 distance and no slalom run? I'd be very interested in seeing the results

[@Motorweek]

We don't run them when we do track testing at Roebling. We answered this recently on the last episode of our podcast but the short of it is that the heavy braking and cornering that we do on the track allows us to get the impressions we need. And with time constraints due to TV, they would likely get cut anyways due to redundancy. The tests are certainly more important when we are not track testing cars. Hope that explains it!

[@jeoffbenzos4959]

Multiple magazines said it’s the best breaking car they’ve ever tested. Motortrend had it stop at 86 feet which beat the previous record held by the 911 GT2 RS.

[@FalconZA]

70k+ for a mustang....and is not event a Shelby....what a time to be alive!

[@analogguy5548]

Would give serious consideration to the Dark Horse, except, a) Local Dealer has a $5,000 “Addendum” & b) the iPad dash 🤢 - I’ll be hanging onto my 2018 S550 GT Premium w/ PP1. Happy Motoring 🇺🇸🤠

[@alphonsothomas3651]

This car weighs nearly 3,900 pounds and it has a 500 hp 418 pft and it still hits 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and covers the quarter mile in 12.7 that's incredible for any car that weighs that much

[@philhenderson3516]

The RCF was getting these exact numbers back in 2015 and people trashed it! It weighs just as much.

[@jeffkelly9197]

These are off motor trend got 3.7 0-60 and 12 flat in the quartermile. There are plenty of KZbinrs confirming same; these guys are either high in elevation or terrible at driving.

[@rickmjr9569]

This version feels like the modern day 5.0 Mustang 🤓

[@nathanielcargile7135]

John Davis has seen the massive evolution of the mustang: now horsepower about quadruple what it was when he first started motor week.

[@tedschmitt178]

I would love to have that exhaust on my F-150 5.0.

[@jimmymccormick142]

Awesome car as always Ford power forever baby l love it

[@KingDroza.]

They need the dark horse line to stay that is a bad ass name for a car

[@clancas01]

for 70K+ it's a horrible value

[@bobbybarnes1652]

Its not always about value if you can afford it ... ;)

[@dtrooperVideo]

Beatiful Mustang... but for a total investment of ~$40k, I have a 2016 Mustang GT (purchased new 9 years ago) with a dealer installed Roush Phase 2 supercharger and exhaust putting out 750 crank horsepower.

[@dohc1067]

The styling hasn't grown on me yet. You can see it is wider and is probably more comfortable, but the dash is kinda...I love the exhaust note though.

[@House_of_Schmidt]

The Katy Perry edition.

[@tomfromeyer6230]

Ford did it right with the 2024 Mustang 🐎

[@soapa4279]

500hp to run a high 12's is a little disappointing, but I guess you can only do so much with a heavier curb weight.

[@310Cowboys]

The best exhaust system for the 5.0 is the Flowmaster Outlaw.

[@planet_mustang]

I have had Flowmaster Outlaw, Borla S type, Solo street race, AWE Touring and finally my Corsa extreme on my 5.0 mustang and even though I really liked the flowmaster Outlaws I just couldn't get used to the drone so that's why I settled on Corsa with there No drone technology! ;)

[@310Cowboys]

@@planet_mustang extreme cat back?

[@planet_mustang]

@@310Cowboys Yes the extreme cat back Sir.

[@310Cowboys]

@@planet_mustang oh shit! Then it’s worth it

[@TBagr]

Throw the available Whipple SC on there and it’s a savage.

[@6ixspeedstang186]

If I trade in my PP2 for an S650 it’s definitely gotta be this exact spec minus the automatic. I’d go for the manual.

[@broeheemed32]

You know... back in 2005, Ford introduced a Mustang that - after decades of "evolution" - looked more like a Mustang than it had in many years. They should do that again.

[@LovelyBreakingWaves-gu2cv]

John Davis is a superstar !! He’s the only one I like on Motor Week !!

[@VanCityAdventurer]

More respect for this model over the Shelby because it did not have to be shipped off to Vegas for upgrades.

[@michaelsheedy]

My 83 Mustang 5.0 Convertible cost $16,000 new. Bought it off the showroom floor. My 85 Bronco ll cost me $16,000 new also. So don't remember 89 5.0s for under $10,000 new.

[@puravida5683]

What Motorweek has not mentioned, for a complete review! The fit-and-finish issues. And, dependability issues!

[@SuperSenis]

That has got to be the coolest color on Brembo calipers in the world. What color is that??

[@terrysherman8646]

That's why people will still buy 1LE's, Chevrolet knew to put everything that goes with a track package in from the start. Imagine spending 65k and it doesn't have the "handling pack". But kudos to Ford for not discontinuing their iconic V8 sports car that you can get in a manual. LOOKING AT YOU GM...

[@WayApp]

Classy elegance

[@revelare_xvii6269]

That moment you realize the Mustang outlived both the Challenger and Camaro for the last time.

[@bradwooldidge6979]

I hate touch screens, but this thing looks amazing! (2019 Mustang GT owner)

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

I agree. Probably the first one I like.

[@gigi9467]

How does this look remotely cool? Besides the fact they are charginf the hell of it for a $1 tech

[@TrailBlazerSS502]

Proof that American muscle is nowhere near dead.

[@backnu]

Interesting that you guys didn't include the handling package price. Either way, the Darkhorse ( glorified GT Mustang) price is absurd. In 2021 you could get a 760hp, DCT, superchard GT500 for the same price as a premium Darkhorse with Handling package. So who's paying you guys to leave out the *as shown* car you guys tested ?

[@wadeayoub9799]

watch again, he mentions the differences in packages and prices

[@alanholmes2366]

Grab one and go pay the 8-10k to supercharge it. You’re killing damn near everything then with about 750hp and low weight with still insane handling once you hook up.

[@gus91340]

I think a Stage 3 Roush is better for the price and performance

[@mikemet1744]

Until you drive a Dark Horse. Have fun.

[@beavisdoubleo76]

With the Roush you still have a shit transmission. And non forged engine internals.

[@WFO.]

John Davis sounded different on this video. Fighting a cold?

[@barryfastcars25]

Missed out on "Black Stallion" branding.

[@bobboy5508]

Wait 0-60 4.3 seconds. A quarter mile 12.7. That’s not braggable. My Cadillac ATS-V as tested by Car And Driver turned a 3.8 second 0-60 and flat 12.0 quarter mile. And that’s in 2017. Now The ATS-V also is a track car with magna ride and great in the corners. So lol.

[@ArabianOak]

My DH ran 12.02@117 on the street. The video is on my channel...same trap speed as MW but much faster to 60 and the 1/4.

[@donroyal750]

AI??, You're listening to the legend!😂

[@mikehughes8023]

Can it be tuned yet?

[@davej1212]

that won't address the weight factor

[@christopherkelly577]

Slick

[@RogBeasly]

Looks great! I’d slap a pair of snails on that thing and call it a day :)

[@theeric]

65k for the Dark Horse Premium. Not bad. Way cheaper than the Charger Widebody.

[@rotcoke652]

This is a cool car, but it is not made for the track. Idk why the whole video is focused on tracking it. These things are heavy and you feel it cornering.

[@freddywayne]

MotorWeek... are you guys using A.I. voice for John Davis!?? 🤔

[@Motorweek]

Of course not.

[@jerrywagner4690]

Thank you Ford... just sad I will never own one.

[@ammaral-thaqafi4652]

Just bought one it’s incredible car but for the price I would buy Camaro ZL1 but it’s not any more in the market

[@GordonJones88]

John should have said Hella Fast again.

[@Motorweek]

That would be too easy...we like to add stuff like that when you least expect it :)

[@dainco08]

DARK HORSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ytsux9259]

It's a 4000lb boat!!! And has absolutely zero steering feel.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Taking full advantage of GM's magnetic suspension

[@rustkotetotalcare]

The best American Performance car

[@ericd1632]

Why the hell would anybody run regular gas in this car. With the compression ratio these Coyote's have you should always run premium. Unless it's the F150 Coyote

[@mr.c493]

Wow my 2014 GT premium, not track package, was $35k brand new. Times have changed!

[@KAZ109]

Well that was pretty much a base mustang ( not a trim like dark horse or Mach One) also that was 10yrs ago…….. it’s still hard for me personally to process that 2014 was 10 freaking year ago!!! That’s wild! Time flys

[@drodriguez1724]

35k in 2014 is 45k in todays money accounting for inflation. Which is what a base GT goes for nowadays.

[@KC-632H]

Wish I could afford one😂