Ford Unveils 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC Variant

Ford has unveiled the 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC, a supercharged performance variant designed to bridge the gap between the standard Dark Horse and the track-focused Mustang GTD. The new model, set for release in the United States in mid-2026, incorporates elements from Ford's racing programs to deliver enhanced power and handling for enthusiasts seeking a more capable pony car without the GTD's extreme price.

The Dark Horse SC features a 5.2-liter supercharged Predator V8 engine, derived from the unit in the Mustang GTD. While exact output figures remain undisclosed, Ford officials indicate it will produce more than the standard Dark Horse's 500 horsepower but fall short of the GTD's 815 horsepower. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the engine aims to provide rapid acceleration, potentially surpassing the previous-generation Shelby GT500's 760 horsepower and 625 pound-feet of torque. That earlier model, available in the U.S. from 2020 to 2022, achieved 0-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds.

Positioned as a street-legal track contender, the Dark Horse SC includes several upgrades over the base Dark Horse. It retains the naturally aspirated model's 5.0-liter...