Ford has officially unveiled the 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC, a new high-performance variant featuring a supercharged V8 engine, advanced aerodynamic enhancements, and track-focused modifications. Details about the vehicle initially emerged through a Red Bull YouTube video prior to its formal introduction by Ford, which positioned it as a flagship road-going model below the GT3-inspired Mustang GTD.
Unveiling and Context
Information regarding the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC first appeared in a 24-minute Red Bull YouTube video released on Wednesday, featuring Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen. This video was produced as part of Ford's powertrain supply agreement with Red Bull and Racing Bulls Formula 1 teams for the 2026 season and beyond. Ford subsequently introduced the vehicle at an official event, which coincided with its 2026 racing season launch.
Positioning and Purpose
The Mustang Dark Horse SC is positioned as a high-performance production variant within Ford's lineup, situated above the standard Mustang Dark Horse and below the 815-horsepower Mustang GTD. Ford has described the Dark Horse SC as its "most advanced, powerful, and track-capable Dark Horse ever," designed for road use with enhanced track capabilities. The 'SC' designation in the model name reportedly signifies 'supercharged'.
Powertrain and Performance
The Dark Horse SC is equipped with a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine. While official horsepower figures are pending, output is anticipated to be near 800 horsepower, placing it between the former Shelby GT500 (760 horsepower) and the Mustang GTD (815 horsepower). The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Exterior Design and Aerodynamics
The vehicle features significant exterior modifications compared to the base Dark Horse model, contributing to improved airflow and downforce. These enhancements include:
- An updated front fascia with a center opening 65% larger and side inlets twice the size of the base Dark Horse.
- A new aluminum hood designed to generate 2.5 times the downforce of the standard Dark Horse hood vent when its rain tray is removed, and its open area is five times larger.
- A new splitter.
- Redesigned side skirts.
- A new rear apron and a new rear diffuser.
- A rear wing.
- Widened front and rear tracks.
Observations have noted similarities between its front end and the Chevrolet Camaro.
Interior Features
The cabin of the Dark Horse SC exhibits several performance-oriented modifications:
- The rear seats have been removed and replaced with bracing, indicating a focus on weight reduction and structural rigidity.
- The steering wheel features a 12 o'clock marker.
- The interior includes a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, Alcantara, and carbon-fiber accents, elements derived from the GTD program.
- Recaro leather and Dinamica sport seats are standard with the optional Track Pack and available as an option for the standard SC.
Chassis and Braking Systems
The Dark Horse SC incorporates several components to enhance handling and braking:
- MagneRide dampers with updated software.
- Revised springs with firmer rates and new stabilizer bars.
- Updated front and rear knuckles, along with modified front control arms.
- A lightweight magnesium strut tower brace.
- Six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo brake calipers.
- Pirelli P Zero R tires on 20-inch aluminum wheels.
Track Pack and Other Optional Packages
An optional Track Pack is available to further enhance performance:
- MagneRide dampers with a Track Pack-specific calibration, optimized for the package's 20-inch carbon-fiber wheels.
- Custom Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.
- Carbon-ceramic brakes sourced from the GTD, measuring 16.5 inches at the front and 14.5 inches at the rear.
- A ducktail-style decklid and an updated carbon-fiber rear wing, which together produce up to 620 pounds of rear downforce at 180 miles per hour.
- A variable traction control system from the GTD, offering five levels of assistance, including a fully disabled electronic stability control (ESC).
Additional optional packages include:
- Teal Accent Package (for Track Pack): Adds teal accents to brake calipers, badging, and seat belts.
- Carbon Exterior Package: Includes carbon accents for the front fascia and mirrors.
- Limited-run Track Pack Special Edition (2026 only): Combines the Track and Carbon packages, featuring a black-painted roof, Race Red Brembo brake calipers, and offered exclusively in Shadow Black or Oxford White. This edition also includes unique Solar Red accents on the Recaro seats.
Weight Reduction and Material Innovations
Approximately 150 pounds of weight have been reduced through the use of components such as carbon-fiber wheels, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, forged suspension links, and a lightweight magnesium strut tower brace. Select versions of the Dark Horse SC also include 3D-printed titanium accents, derived from the Mustang GTD program.
Availability
Official pricing information for the Dark Horse SC has not yet been announced. Ordering is scheduled to commence in March, with deliveries anticipated to begin in the summer months.