The seventh-generation Ford Mustang (chassis code S650) went on sale in 2023 and is the only American muscle car still sold new with a naturally aspirated V8 and a manual gearbox. It stays rear-wheel drive across the range, measures 4,810 mm long, 1,915 mm wide and 1,400 mm tall on a 2,720 mm wheelbase, and grows about 10 mm in length and 5 mm in width in Dark Horse form thanks to its own bumpers and aero.
Four engines cover the lineup. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost four makes 315 hp and 350 lb-ft (475 Nm) and comes only with the 10-speed automatic. The 5.0-litre Coyote V8 in the GT is rated at 480 hp, rising to 486 hp with the optional active-valve exhaust, and 418 lb-ft (567 Nm). The Dark Horse runs a reworked version of the same V8 with forged connecting rods, extra oil cooling and revised tuning for 500 hp. At the top, the Dark Horse SC uses the supercharged 5.2-litre Predator V8 developed for the GTD, detuned to 795 hp and 660 lb-ft (895 Nm) and driving through a seven-speed dual-clutch rather than a manual.
Inside, the S650 replaced the previous car’s analogue dials with a 12.4-inch digital instrument display and a 13.2-inch central touchscreen, angled towards the driver and running Ford’s SYNC 4 software. The two screens sit under a single curved cover. A remote rev feature lets the V8 be blipped from the key fob.
US prices start at $32,995 for the EcoBoost fastback and $46,800 for the GT, both before the $1,995 destination charge. The Dark Horse begins at $63,080 and the Dark Horse SC at $103,490, or $108,485 once destination and the $3,000 gas-guzzler tax are added. Two option packs push the SC further: the Track Pack takes it to $144,985 delivered and a Track Pack Special Edition to $175,965. Every version is built at Ford’s Flat Rock plant in Michigan.
