Ford Mustang Dark Horse Upgrades, Delivers 500 Horsepower, Most Powerful 5.0-Liter V8 Ever

Ford is spreading the holiday cheer this season by giving Mustang fans exactly what they had on their wish list: more horses across every engine offering for the all-new, seventh-generation 2024 Mustang, including 500 horsepower with the Mustang Dark Horse. 

According to a statement by the automaker, “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,” said Ed Krenz, Mustang chief engineer. “And Mustang EcoBoost fans are also getting a boost in power to make every Mustang more fun and visceral to drive.” 

First-ever Mustang Dark Horse delivers 500 horsepower

For the pinnacle of 5.0-liter V8 performance and track capability, the Mustang Dark Horse features a uniquely engineered fourth-generation Coyote V8 engine with 500 horsepower and 418 ft.-lb. of torque* to set a new benchmark for Mustang street and track performance, and the most powerful non-Shelby edition ever. 

Powered by Ford Performance know-how, the Coyote engine was upgraded even further to produce 500 horsepower, delivering its most powerful naturally aspirated V8 yet. These upgrades include a uniquely balanced crankshaft and forged piston connecting rods – the latter first introduced in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 – to handle higher cylinder pressures and piston speeds. Mustang Dark Horse also sports strengthened camshafts for track-durability needs, including extended operation closer to its 7,500-rpm 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,” said Suzanne Robinson, Coyote engine program supervisor. “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.” 

Most Powerful Mustang GT 5.0-liter V8 

At the core of making the all-new Mustang the most exhilarating and visceral Mustang yet is a new fourth-generation Coyote V8 engine. The available active-valve performance exhaust system enables the Mustang GT coupe and convertible to deliver 486 horsepower and 418 ft.-lb. of torque**. Beyond the boost in power, the system’s free-flowing design delivers a custom-V8 sound with the ability to close the valves to restrict the amount of noise made by the car. 

Those opting for the standard Mustang GT still enjoy 480 horsepower* — the most standard power in a naturally aspirated V8-powered Mustang ever. In addition, the engine delivers 415 ft.-lb. of torque for the most standard torque ever. 

The fourth-generation Coyote V8 features a segment-first, dual intake and dual throttle body induction system that’s matched with structural improvements and upgraded oil pan. This helps minimize induction loss by enabling higher air flow rates.  

For Mustang GT and Mustang Dark Horse, horsepower and torque ratings are the same for automatic and manual transmissions.

Turbocharged Mustang EcoBoost delivers up to 315 horsepower

Continuing a tradition of affordable performance, the all-new 2024 Mustang EcoBoost delivers on the nameplate’s legacy with its all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 315 horsepower*, the most standard power in a four- or six-cylinder Mustang ever. In addition, the engine delivers 350 ft.-lb. of torque. 

Mustang EcoBoost also offers the optional active-valve performance exhaust system designed for even more excitement from its turbocharged-soundtrack. 

The Mustang EcoBoost coupe and convertible feature a new engine from the ground up that incorporates Ford’s new Modular Power Cylinder (MPC) engine architecture, driving prowess in design and function – and is targeted to have improved EPA-estimated fuel economy over the outgoing model year***. It uses a new Bore to Stroke ratio, Port Fuel injection coupled with direct injection, variable cam timing, integrated Exhaust Gas Recirculation and Twin Scroll turbocharging technologies to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect.  

The all-new 2024 Mustang coupe and convertible models go on sale in the U.S. starting in the summer of 2023 and are assembled at Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.†

*Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary. Horsepower and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously. 

**486 horsepower can be achieved on Mustang® GT models equipped with Active Valve dual exhaust. 

***Outgoing base model Mustang has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 22 city/32 hwy/25 combined; 2024 Mustang base model has a targeted fuel economy of 22 city/34 hwy/26 combined. 

†Assembled in the USA with domestic and foreign parts.