Ford Motor Company has announced two new performance variants of the Mustang Dark Horse for the Australian and global markets.
The announcements cover production numbers, pricing, specifications, and availability timelines for the limited-edition T8-Spec Pack (developed in collaboration with Triple Eight Race Engineering) and the Mustang Dark Horse SC, a supercharged flagship model.
Mustang Dark Horse Returns to Australia with T8-Spec Pack
Ford Australia has confirmed the return of the Mustang Dark Horse to the Australian market. A total of 500 units will be sold, with 250 of those receiving the T8-Spec Pack.
Pricing and Availability
- Standard 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse: priced from $104,990 (before on-road costs).
- T8-Spec Pack variant: priced at $138,888 (before on-road costs).
- Order books: Open now.
- First deliveries: Scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026 (October to December).
Vehicle Specifications
Both variants are powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter 'Coyote' V8 engine producing 350 kW and 550 Nm of torque.
Standard Dark Horse:
- Available with either a Tremec six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission at no extra cost.
- Both transmissions include a Torsen limited-slip differential and MagneRide adaptive suspension.
- Standard features include 19-inch Tarnish Dark-painted alloy wheels.
T8-Spec Pack:
- Available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission.
- Includes chassis modifications: recalibrated MagneRide suspension, stiffer springs, revised anti-roll bars, and adjustable top mounts.
- Wheels: Black 19-inch alloys (10.5 inches wide front, 11 inches rear) fitted with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires (305/30R19 front, 315/30R19 rear).
- Braking: Blue Brembo calipers.
- Exterior: Large rear spoiler with blue accents, a black roof, bonnet decals, and Triple Eight branding. An enhanced front splitter is supplied separately for track use only.
- Interior: Recaro sports seats with blue/indigo bolsters, a unique gear shift knob, Triple Eight branded scuff plates, and an individually numbered build plaque.
Production and Installation
The T8-Spec Pack will be installed at Ford's former assembly plant in Broadmeadows, Melbourne, Victoria—the same facility that produced the 2020 Ford Mustang R-Spec.
Track Experience
Purchasers of the T8-Spec Pack will receive an invitation to an exclusive track day at Queensland Raceway in 2027, hosted with members of Triple Eight Race Engineering.
Statements
Ambrose Henderson, Director of Marketing for Ford Australia:
"By partnering with Triple Eight Race Engineering, we've created a vehicle that not only celebrates our racing heritage but offers our most passionate enthusiast customers a globally unique, bespoke numbered collector's item vehicle, upfit right here in Melbourne."
Jamie Whincup, Managing Director of Triple Eight Race Engineering:
"All of us at Triple Eight Race Engineering are incredibly proud to be partnering with Ford, and the Mustang Dark Horse T8-Spec is a fantastic way to celebrate our return to the track with the Blue Oval."
Ford Unveils Mustang Dark Horse SC
Ford has introduced the Mustang Dark Horse SC, a supercharged variant positioned between the 500-horsepower Dark Horse and the 815-horsepower Mustang GTD.
Powertrain and Performance
The Dark Horse SC features a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine. Official power figures have not been released. The vehicle is equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Ford has described the model as its most advanced, powerful, and track-capable Dark Horse.
Chassis and Braking
Standard features include:
- MagneRide dampers with updated software.
- Revised springs with firmer rates and new stabilizer bars.
- Updated front and rear knuckles with modified front control arms.
- A lightweight magnesium strut tower brace.
- Six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo brake calipers.
- Pirelli P Zero R tires on 20-inch aluminum wheels.
The vehicle has been modified for weight reduction, with approximately 150 pounds removed through components such as carbon-fiber wheels and forged suspension links.
Aerodynamics
- A new front fascia features a center opening 65% larger and side inlets double the size of the base Dark Horse for improved airflow and brake cooling.
- A new aluminum hood generates 2.5 times the downforce of the standard Dark Horse hood vent when the rain tray is removed.
- The rear of the vehicle is equipped with a new diffuser.
Track Pack Option
An optional Track Package offers additional performance upgrades:
- MagneRide dampers with Track Pack-specific calibration.
- Custom Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires on 20-inch carbon-fiber wheels.
- Carbon-ceramic brakes (16.5-inch front, 14.5-inch rear) sourced from the Mustang GTD.
- A ducktail-style decklid and an updated carbon-fiber rear wing producing 620 pounds of rear downforce at 180 miles per hour.
- A variable traction control system from the GTD with five levels of assistance.
Interior and Styling
The interior features a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, Alcantara, and carbon-fiber accents derived from the GTD. Recaro leather and Dinamica sport seats are standard with the Track Pack and available as an option for the standard SC.
Optional Packages
- Teal Accent Package (for Track Pack): Adds teal accents to brake calipers, badging, and seat belts.
- Carbon Exterior Package: Includes carbon accents for the front fascia and mirrors.
- Limited-run Track Pack Special Edition (2026 only): Combines the Track and Carbon packages, featuring a black-painted roof, Race Red Brembo brake calipers, and offered exclusively in Shadow Black or Oxford White. This edition includes unique Solar Red accents on the Recaro seats.
Availability
- Pricing: Not yet announced for the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC.
- Order books: Scheduled to open in spring.
- Deliveries: Anticipated to begin in summer.