Ford reveals track-ready 2024 Mustang that anyone can buy

If you want to feel like a V8 Supercar driver but don’t have the budget or connections to buy one of the racing cars, don’t worry because Ford has the answer. The Blue Oval has bridged the gap between its racing-spec Supercar and the new road-legal Mustang with the reveal of the Dark Horse R.

Designed specifically for track use, the Mustang Dark Horse R is a turn-key, race-ready car that anyone who wants one will be able to buy directly from Ford Performance. In the USA, Ford has announced plans for a one-make racing series for the cars beginning in 2024, but would-be Australian buyers will only be able to use them at track days as the cars are not road legal.

“Mustang Dark Horse R has been developed with Mustang racing enthusiasts top of mind,” said Jim Owens, Ford Mustang marketing manager. “Ford Performance leaned into countless areas of expertise developed through years of racing the Mustang and honed in on an aggressive yet approachable package for customers to pick up and play with.”

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But this isn’t just a Mustang Dark Horse road car with the seats pulled out. Instead, Ford Performance has given it a comprehensive overhaul and made changes to the powertrain, chassis, brakes, wheels and tyres.

The majority of the engine actually remains stock, but does get a new Borla exhaust and upgraded oil system and additional cooling for the transmission and differential.

It also receives adjustable suspension and new dampers as well as new Brembo brakes and flow-formed alloy wheels wrapped in slick Michelin racing tyres. The interior is stripped out, with a roll cage, racing seat, racing harness and MoTec digital display.

Ford Australia hasn’t confirmed when the Dark Horse R will be available locally, with the US market likely to take priority in 2024, but the door is open for the car to be available to would-be Australian buyers eventually.

If you want to feel like a V8 Supercar driver but don’t have the budget or connections to buy one of the racing cars, don’t worry because Ford has the answer. The Blue Oval has bridged the gap between its racing-spec Supercar and the new road-legal Mustang with the reveal of the Dark Horse R.

Designed specifically for track use, the Mustang Dark Horse R is a turn-key, race-ready car that anyone who wants one will be able to buy directly from Ford Performance. In the USA, Ford has announced plans for a one-make racing series for the cars beginning in 2024, but would-be Australian buyers will only be able to use them at track days as the cars are not road legal.

“Mustang Dark Horse R has been developed with Mustang racing enthusiasts top of mind,” said Jim Owens, Ford Mustang marketing manager. “Ford Performance leaned into countless areas of expertise developed through years of racing the Mustang and honed in on an aggressive yet approachable package for customers to pick up and play with.”

But this isn’t just a Mustang Dark Horse road car with the seats pulled out. Instead, Ford Performance has given it a comprehensive overhaul and made changes to the powertrain, chassis, brakes, wheels and tyres.

The majority of the engine actually remains stock, but does get a new Borla exhaust and upgraded oil system and additional cooling for the transmission and differential.

It also receives adjustable suspension and new dampers as well as new Brembo brakes and flow-formed alloy wheels wrapped in slick Michelin racing tyres. The interior is stripped out, with a roll cage, racing seat, racing harness and MoTec digital display.

Ford Australia hasn’t confirmed when the Dark Horse R will be available locally, with the US market likely to take priority in 2024, but the door is open for the car to be available to would-be Australian buyers eventually.