Ford Mustang Dark Horse features most powerful 5.0L V8 ever

MANILA: Ford is bringing festive spirit this season by fulfilling the wishes of Mustang fans by introducing the all-new, seventh-generation 2024 Ford Mustang with greater horsepower across every engine option, including 500hp with the Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

“Mustang has always pushed the envelope. From Mustang GT to Dark Horse, this is our best 5.0-liter V8 yet. It’s naturally aspirated awesomeness and Mustang EcoBoost fans are also getting a boost in power to make every Mustang more fun and visceral to drive,” Ford Mustang Chief Engineer Ed Krenz stated.

The fourth-generation Coyote V8 engine in the Ford Mustang Dark Horse is specially developed to have 500hp and 418lb-ft of torque, making it the pinnacle of 5.0-liter V8 performance and track capability. It is the most potent non-Shelby edition yet, raising the bar for Mustang performance on the street and on the track.

The Coyote engine was further improved to generate 500hp using Ford Performance expertise. These improvements include a specially balanced crankshaft that can withstand higher cylinder pressures and piston speeds, as well as forged piston connecting rods that were initially used in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.  The Ford Mustang Dark Horse also has reinforced camshafts in order to meet track durability requirements, including extended operation closer to its 7,500rpm redline.

“Every time someone gets behind the wheel of a Mustang, we know they want to feel that strong connection to their vehicle – and we’re just as invested in creating that bond. With the increased responsiveness you get from the new dual throttle bodies, we’re wringing every ounce of performance we can out of our engine so Mustang enthusiasts can have that experience,” Coyote Engine Program Supervisor Suzanne Robinson said.

The Ford Mustang GT coupe and convertible are able to produce a ton of power and torque, thanks to the optional active-valve performance exhaust system. In addition to the increase in power, the system's free-flowing design produces a unique V8 sound and has the ability of closing the valves to reduce the amount of noise the car makes.

The segment-first dual intake and dual throttle body induction technology is included in the fourth-generation Coyote V8 along with enhanced structural components and an oil pan. This makes it possible to have larger air flow rates, which reduces induction loss.

Those eyeing the standard Ford Mustang GT can still enjoy 480hp, the most standard power ever for a naturally aspirated V8-powered Mustang. The engine also produces 415lb-ft, the most standard torque ever.

The horsepower and torque figures for the Ford Mustang GT and Ford Mustang Dark Horse are the same for both automatic and manual transmissions.

The all-new 2024 Mustang EcoBoost upholds the nameplate's reputation of offering affordable performance with its all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, which delivers 315hp, the highest standard output in a four- or six-cylinder Mustang ever. The engine also produces 350lb-ft of torque.

The optional active-valve performance exhaust system for the Ford Mustang EcoBoost is meant to boost the thrill factor of the turbocharged soundtrack.

The Ford Mustang EcoBoost coupe and convertible comes with a new engine that features Ford's new Modular Power Cylinder (MPC) engine architecture, driving capability in design and function. It is projected to have increased EPA-estimated fuel economy over the outgoing model year.  To achieve the performance Mustang drivers expect, it makes use of a new Bore to Stroke ratio, Port Fuel Injection combined with Direct Injection, Variable Cam Timing, Integrated Exhaust Gas Recirculation, and Twin Scroll turbocharging technology.

The all-new 2024 Ford Mustang coupe and convertible models are manufactured in the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan and will go on sale in the US in 2023.

Photos from Ford

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