2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse first drive reviews are in!

The first opinions about the 2023 Ford Mustang Dark Horse have started to trickle in. And in general, the reviews seem positive.

The Dark Horse is a performance version of the 7th-generation Mustang. It is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that makes 500 hp @ 7250 rpm and 418 lb-ft of torque @ 4900 rpm. The engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic.

According to Car and Driver, the Mustang Dark Horse does seem to have enough grunt to haul its weight around. While the engine is similar to the one offered in the Mustang GT, it gets GT500 connecting rods and a different engine tune. The manual option also gets rev-match and no-lift shift features.

The car also feels stable at high speeds and turns direction fairly well. That’s partly down to the grip from the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires and its sheer mass. Braking also feels stable. That being said, the steering seems a bit disconnected.

Before you get too disappointed, the Mustang Dark Horse test drive cars that Ford brought to Charlotte Motor Speedway were pre-production units. So, expect some of the rough edges to be smoothened off before it reaches showrooms.