The new seventh-generation (S650) 2023 Ford Mustang surprised many fans due to the Blue Oval brand sticking to a tried-and-tested formula, and it's probably for the better. With the next-generation Dodge Charger and Challenger radically moving towards an all-electric future after the 2023 model year, Ford kept the Coyote V-8 and even debuted in its most powerful form under the hood of the Mustang Dark Horse.
The 2023 Mustang 5.0 Coyote V-8 Up Close and Personal
Of course, unsurprisingly, many of you are curious to find out how it sounds, and so are we. The Coyote V-8 in the case of the Mustang is naturally-aspirated, which means all we're going to hear is the pure, mechanical roar of a cross-plane-crank V-8. Thankfully, that is what we're getting in this video in spades.
The video comes courtesy of DtRockstar1, who is one of the attendees of the Mustang Stampede--the launch venue for the seventh-generation Mustang. The video starts off with the Coyote V-8 firing up with a growl that's enough to wake the neighbors up. What's amazing is the fact that the noise isn't accompanied by the pops and bangs that have become an automotive fad as of late.
The Coyote V-8 then settles into the background, but with a burble emanating from its exhaust. After a while, the Mustang Dark Horse hurriedly accelerates out of the parking lot, thankfully without hurting anyone as it drove off--something that Mustangs have become infamous for as of late. The Coyote V-8 then emits a roar that's accompanied by a baritone note as it climbed up the rev range. If this isn't pure muscle car eargasm, then I don't know what is.
What Makes The 2023 Mustang Dark Horse Sound So Good?
On its own, the 2023 Mustang GT already sounds great. The modifications Ford has done to create the Dark Horse make this one of the best-sounding muscle cars out there, especially since this isn't accompanied by any form of forced induction. Some of these upgrades that were made to the Coyote V-8 include the same piston connecting rods from the Shelby GT500 and a new dual throttle-body intake that not only improves engine breathing but also contributes to its amazing engine note.
Ford has not yet revealed the specs of the Mustang Dark Horse, with Ford only stating that they are aiming for around 500 horsepower. Until a next-generation Shelby GT500 debuts, this is the most powerful S650 Mustang you can currently get. The 2023 Mustang in the video also probably comes with the standard 6-speed Tremec manual with rev-matching based on its gear changes, but a 10-speed automatic is available as an option.
Other than that, the Mustang Dark Horse also gets an upgraded radiator, more powerful cooling fans, a new auxiliary engine oil cooler, NACA brake cooling ducts, Ford Performance strut tower, and K-brace, Brembo brakes, and even a proper Torsen limited-slip differential. In fact here are 10 Things we just learned about the Ford Mustang Dark Horse At this point, the Mustang Dark Horse is more like a precision-handling sports car rather than an old-school muscle car that's only good in a straight line and nothing else.
FAQ
Q: What is Mustang GT Darkhorse?
The Mustang GT Dark Horse is a track-focused version of the seventh-generation Mustang that features several performance upgrades as well as Ford's 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engine under the hood
Q: How much horsepower does the Mustang Dark Horse have?
The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse's 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engine produces 500 horsepower and an estimated 425 pound-feet of torque
Q: How much is the new 2024 Mustang GT?
You can expect the upcoming Mustang to carry a slight premium over the current model. Expect an estimated starting price of $30,000 for the 2024 Mustang. For reference, the S550 starts at $27,470.
Q: Is the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse electric?
While rumors of an all-electric or hybrid Mustang with the S650 generation were floating around for months, Ford revealed that the 7th-gen Mustang will offer an updated version of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost and the 4th-Gen 5.0-liter Coyote V8.
Q: Is the Mustang Dark Horse only manual?
No, the Mustang Dark Horse is available with either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional 10-speed Tremec automatic with paddle shifters.