It’s Everything You Could Ever Want in a Pony Car
The 2025 Ford Mustang Darkhorse Premium is street-legal but even more comfortable on the track. Learn what you need to know about this impressive sports coupe.
Some people view the Ford Mustang Dark Horse Premium as the next step in the evolution of the outgoing Mustang Mach 1. Others view it as an entirely separate sports coupe in its own right. Either way, it’s something to behold.
What’s Beneath the Hood?
Beneath the hood of the Mustang Dark Horse sits a 5.0L Coyote V8 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The Dark Horse also comes with an available 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for those who don’t like to drive stick.
The Dark Horse’s impressive engine puts out 500 hp and 418 lb-ft of torque, providing a visceral, intense driving experience. That kind of power is best unleashed on the track, but of course, the Dark Horse Premium is also street-legal.
No matter where you drive the Dark Horse, it will attract all kinds of attention. Drivers can show off to their hearts’ content by pushing a key fob button to activate the valve performance exhaust system with quad tips and remote rev.
What It’s Like to Drive the Dark Horse
Anyone sitting behind the wheel of the Mustang Dark Horse Premium will feel every bit of its power. When Car and Driver tested the Dark Horse, it accelerated from 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds and made it through a quarter mile on the track in 12.5 seconds, reaching a speed of 115 mph.
The Dark Horse features multiple active exhaust modes. Try out Normal, Sport, Track, Very Loud, and Even Louder to see how each one feels and sounds, but don’t be ashamed to put it back in Quiet mode if that’s your preference.
Given that the Mustang Dark Horse comes standard with a six-speed manual, that’s the transmission most experts recommend for anyone planning to hit the track. The Dark Horse uses the same Tremec TR-3160 from the Mach 1.
What Sets the Dark Horse Apart?
Driving the Dark Horse is very much like driving the Mach 1, but a few things set it apart from its predecessor, aside from the dark, mysterious appearance.
The Dark Horse gets larger anti-roll bars and new chassis tuning in addition to all the same upgrades made across the lineup.
Is the Dark Horse Worth the Money?
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse starts at $64,380. That’s a lot of money for some buyers, but it’s reasonable for such an impressive pony car.
Buyers who can afford to spend some extra bucks can also get optional extras like custom hood and accent stripes, a leather-wrapped gear shifter, and a remote start system.
Overall, the Dark Horse Premium isn’t for everyone. The best way to decide whether it’s the right sports car for you and to find the right model is to speak with a local dealership.
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