The Ford Mustang is still one of the best-known of all the American performance vehicles, a name synonymous with other icons of that nation’s culture. Ford’s legendary muscle car has been synonymous with speed, style, and the open road for over half a century. That tradition endures into the 2027 model year, with a full range of 10 models catering to a wide variety of driving styles. Whether the buyer prefers to hit the road with the top down or with a focus on track-ready performance, Ford remains committed to providing muscle-car familiarity along with the latest performance technology.

For 2027, Ford offers a few levels of performance throughout the 2027 range, the first of which is a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder Eco Boost that outputs 315 horsepower. Naturally aspirated and supercharged V-8s are available on higher trims, with 480 horsepower on some models and up to 795 horsepower on others. The GT models and higher-performance models still have a six-speed manual option for those who want to take more of the driving process into their own hands.

The base Mustang is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder Eco Boost engine with 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. It is only available with a 10-speed automatic transmission that offers plenty of punch for normal driving, although the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine is still firmly at the heart of the Mustang lineup. Ranging from the GT to the Dark Horse and Dark Horse SC, Ford remains committed to a lineup that keeps adding power, chassis talent, and track-ready hardware.

1. Mustang GT Delivers Classic V8 Muscle

The GT is powered by a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 that delivers 480 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The engine’s power travels to the rear wheels via either a 10-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual transmission. Mustang GT equipped with the available active valve performance exhaust gets a bump in horsepower to 486 horsepower and 418 pound-feet of torque and features four 4-inch chrome exhaust tips that give the car a more aggressive appearance and sound depending on drive mode.

GT Powertrain And Transmission Choices:

• 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8
• 480 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque
• Up to 486 horsepower with performance exhaust
• 10-speed automatic transmission
• Six-speed manual transmission

The rear-drive V-8-powered car with manual transmission maintains the muscle-car in its soul. Also available is an automatic GT with brisk acceleration and ease of use for day-to-day driving. This is a Mustang that can be used as a daily driver, but where needed it can be a modern-day muscle-car, too. If gear-shifting makes your heart beat faster, the six-speed manual lives up to the Mustang character. It boosts the involvement of the naturally aspirated V-8; the automatic transmission aims for rapid, effortless acceleration. And the two transmission choices still make the GT Mustang viable for people who prefer to take control of the shifting without abandoning the car’s rear-drive working-class identity.

2. Dark Horse Raises the Performance Level

The Mustang Dark Horse bumps up the power output on the 5.0-liter V-8 to 500 horses and includes more aggressive hardware for harder driving. This model is an evolution of the last-generation Mach 1 and brings with it adaptive dampers and the option of 19-inch Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires. If you desire even more cornering prowess, the handling package adds track-ready Pirelli Trofeo RS tires that are more sticky on the track. Its tires, adaptive suspension, and upgrades to its chassis tuning serve to improve its abilities when cornering and braking all of which benefit the Dark Horse on a track. Ultimately, that is how the Dark Horse combines race car abilities with a Mustang coupe.

Dark Horse Performance Hardware:

• 500-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8
• Adaptive dampers
• 19-inch Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires
• Optional handling package
• Pirelli Trofeo RS track tires

Performance differences are highlighted in instrumented testing. A Dark Horse equipped with a six-speed manual shifter managed a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.1 seconds, narrowly faster than a GT-manned Dark Horse, by 0.1 second. It finished the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds at 115 mph. An auto Dark Horse shod with the six-speed manual shifter showed comparable high-speed braking and acceleration capabilities, finishing the 0-to-150-to-0-mph test in 29.7 seconds. The figures reveal how the Dark Horse amplifies the Mustang’s principle of speed in a straight line.

3. Mustang Acceleration and Track Testing

In the final instrumented testing, the Mustang GT sped to 60 mph as quickly as or quicker than the Mustangs with the most-powerful mill in the lineup. GT variants with the performance exhaust and auto trans dispatched the quarter mile in 3.7 seconds. The manual variant was able to complete it in 4.2 seconds and Eco Boost powered GT in 4.5 seconds. It stopped from 70 mph in 142 feet and from 100 mph in 278 feet, and reached 100 mph in 9.7 seconds, 130 mph in 16.4 seconds and 150 mph in 23.2 seconds.

Tested Performance Figures:

• Automatic GT: 3.7 seconds to 60 mph
• Manual GT: 4.2 seconds to 60 mph
• EcoBoost: 4.5 seconds to 60 mph
• GT recorded 0.97 g on the skidpad
• GT stopped from 70 mph in 149 feet

Testing of a 2026 GT Premium coupe verified that it had a weight of 3,984 pounds. 0.97 g of adhesion was measured on the 300-foot skidpad and it completed a 70-mph 149-foot emergency brake stop. It took 299 feet to reach a full stop from 100 mph and acceleration remained strong at the top end of the performance range with 100 mph in 8.7 seconds, 130 mph in 15.7 seconds, and 150 mph in 24.0 seconds. The GT held its own in a head-to-head 0-to-60-mph drag race with a 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Plus, both of them posting 3.7 seconds. The Dark Horse had even more grip – the 2024 6-speed clocked a mind-melting 1.07 g on the skidpad.

4. New 2027 Mustang Trims and Appearance Packages

For 2027, the Mustang expands further still: An extra package list caters to other buyer needs, including the new Dark Horse SC convert. The convertible applies the high output Dark Horse SC powertrain to an open-air body style that features a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 making 795 horsepower, a retractable fabric roof, and a suspension tune to elevate the open-air cruising experience. Oxford White badging and white wheels with a split-spoke design pay homage to the iconic Fox Body Mustang of the 1980s, while the interior features two-tone stitching and perforated plaid leather seats. It continues the retro theme set off by the 2026 FX package.

New Appearance And Trim Options:

• Dark Horse SC convertible
• 795-horsepower supercharged 5.2-liter V-8
• Retractable cloth roof
• Mustang TLD appearance package
• Fox Body Package for GT Premium

Meanwhile, Ford will equip the base GT and Eco Boost models with appearance packages. The Mustang TLD, created via a collaboration with Troy Lee Designs and also based on the Eco Boost, will be limited to 550 examples and is painted with bronze accents, a gloss-black GT grille, and hood vents along with a two-tone red interior for a visual identity for four-cylinder Mustang.
For the GT Premium, you can select the Fox Body Package, a throwback to the Mustang’s 1980s aesthetic.

5. Dark Horse SC Brings Supercharged V8 Power

Sitting between the standard Dark Horse and the top-tier GTD, the Dark Horse SC offers a performance bump that’s nothing short of significant. It gets the supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 (the Predator, as it’s called) that’s expected to make 700-800 horsepower and a Tremec seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that allows the car to shift gears quickly and efficiently. Rather than putting the priority on ultimate track performance, the convertible balances the high V-8 horsepower of the project car against a softer suspension tuning and that delivers something different: high style and sound, less hardcore track intent.

Dark Horse SC Performance Equipment:

• Supercharged 5.2-liter Predator V-8
• Estimated 700 to 800 horsepower
• Tremec seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Optional carbon-fiber wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes
• Starting price of $108,000

Dark Horse SC features the same aerodynamics and traction technology from the Mustang GTD program. For customers wanting even more performance on the track, an available Track Package includes carbon fiber wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, a lighter front seat and rear seat delete, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Pricing starts at $108,000. And the convertible takes the Dark Horse SC experience, and the idea of that special edition formula, into another dimension.

6. Dark Horse SC and Mustang Racing

The Dark Horse SC also ties into Ford’s efforts in stock car racing. Ford Racing has said that the Dark Horse SC will make its NASCAR Cup Series debut at the 2027 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Ford’s presence in NASCAR is with Team Penske, RFK Racing and Front Row Motorsports, linking the production Mustang’s racing-car image to Ford’s racing program. The no-pony-road car will be available to customers, but tying the race car into NASCAR gives Ford another means of promoting the Mustang name into competition.

NASCAR Connection:

• 2027 Daytona 500 Cup Series debut
• Daytona International Speedway venue
• Ford Racing competition program
• Team Penske involvement
• RFK Racing and Front Row Motorsports involvement

09/25/2023, 02:01 A.M. During the Dark Horse SC debut in Detroit, Michigan, driver champ Ryan Blaney took the wheel at an event sponsored by actor Dax Shepard. The launch provided the new model with a star-studded introduction and reinforced its place in the growing Mustang family of performance vehicles. To add racing to the mix, it’s part of the Dark Horse SC identity as well. The 2027 Daytona 500 will be where it makes its Cup Series debut.

7. Mustang GTD Remains the Flagship

GTD At the pinnacle of the Mustang lineup is the GTD, a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 with a power output of more than 800 horsepower. This version boasts sophisticated active aerodynamics and was designed to run sub-seven-minute lap times on the Nrburgring. It’s the high-performance version of the car that will stretch the limits of Mustang. Its supercharged engine, aerodynamic technology, and track-oriented engineering place it in a much more specialized performance category while maintaining the recognizable Mustang identity.

GTD Performance And Availability:

• Supercharged 5.2-liter V-8
• More than 800 horsepower
• Advanced active aerodynamics
• Nürburgring target below seven minutes
• Three years of planned production

Application for ownership Ford has reserved a special period when applications will be open to purchase the GTD. On April 17, to celebrate the 62nd birthday of the Mustang, customers will be able to apply to the GTD Concierge team to join the three-year line-up. The GTD’s place at the top of the pack also illustrates the rapid evolution of Mustang branding: this pony may still wear the GT badge, but with a supercharged motor, advanced aerodynamic systems and track-tuned suspension, it’s been elevated to a more focused performance segment.

8. Future Mustang Performance Development

Filed Under: car news, news Tagged With: 2024, 2024 ford mustang gt 500, may 2024 ford mustang gt 500, next generation Ford Mustang GT 500, new ford mustang gt 500, new mustang gt 500, new mustang gt500, mustang gt 500 performance last, mustang gt500 concept motor1 1 Comment ”. Now reading: Ford is working on a super-aspiring Mustang GT500 follow-up, saw on the bodywork. An upgraded supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 is speculated to be part of the saga, but performance types have also mentioned a pushrod 7.0-liter V-8 based on the Megazilla crate engine program. It’s reminiscent of the 428-cubic-inch V-8 that appeared in the 1967 Shelby GT500.

Prototype Engineering Details:

• High-performance GT500 successor under development
• Vertical rectangular quad exhaust tips
• Revised front-end airflow management
• 305/30ZR20 front tires
• 315/30ZR20 rear tires

The design also reveals a changed approach to front-end airflow management. Elevated front air intakes and nearly vertical struts seem to channel air toward the radiator, while distinct corner vents could help cut down on dead space. The cars sit on large tires 305/30ZR20 in front and 315/30ZR20 in the back – and tested with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and Pilot Cup 2R tires.
The UAW files call the super-Mustang project coming down the pipeline the “Legend.”

9. Digital Interior and Everyday Practicality

Behind the wheel on the inside of the Mustang GT sits a digital dash with a configurable 12.4-inch instrument cluster. Drivers can switch up the gauges, change the visual themes, or leave on a “calm screen” with a handful of necessary pieces of information. A 13.2-inch center touchscreen is embedded next to it in a curved glass panel and runs Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment software. Headroom is 37.6 in front and 34.8 in the second row, with bolstered front seats that are available with micro-suede vinyl inserts.

Cabin Technology And Space:

• 12.4-inch customizable instrument display
• 13.2-inch center touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Ford Power-Up over-the-air updates
• Four-seat Fastback configuration

Wireless connectivity Apple Car Play and Android Auto standard with wireless connection available as an option. Sync 3 enhancements available for the available MyFord Dock charging pad for compatible mobile devices, as well as available voice controls on Ford’s connected systems with compatible mobile devices-so you don’t need to reach for the touchscreen. Updates available using Ford Power-Up over-the-air (OTA) technology. The Fastback continues to seat four, though the rear seats aren’t quite as accommodating, and are better for children or bulky cargo. Front legroom is 44.5 inches, while the rears are just shy of 29 inches.

10. Fuel Economy, Safety, and 2027 Pricing

Fuel economy will vary from one Mustang engine and transmission to another. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost gets 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. An automatic EcoBoost scored a 75 m.p.h. highway average of 32 m.p.g. The GT automatic gets 16 miles per gallon in the city, 24 miles per gallon on the highway and 19 miles per gallon in combined city-hwy driving, and the manual takes a mpg from each of these. According to reports, Ford has postponed plans to a 100 percent electric next-generation Mustang, and is still working on gasoline-powered and hybrid versions, such as an S650E hybrid project, ahead of a larger redesign planned for 2029. Ford also has been reported to be looking into making the crossover even more affordable while remaining profitable, which has delayed the Mustang Mach-E crossover redesign.

Ownership And Efficiency Details:

• EcoBoost rated at 22/33/26 mpg city/highway/combined
• GT automatic rated at 16/24/19 mpg
• Dark Horse rated at 14/22/17 mpg
• 13.5 cubic feet of coupe trunk space
• Three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty

The Dark Horse gets a 14 city, 22 highway, and 17 mpg combined ratings, whether it has a manual or automatic. The Mustang also has useful cargo room with the coupe model having 13.5 cubic feet of space. Testing was able to fit 5 carry-on suitcases in the trunk and up to 14 suitcases with the rear seats folded. Standard safety features are electronic stability control, anti-lock braking, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, alongside a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. Ford offers a limited warranty for three years or 36,000 miles, and a powertrain limited warranty for five years or 60,000 miles. Any scheduled maintenance is not considered complimentary service. Official 2027 pricing hasn’t been announced yet but it is expected to be around $33,000 after the mid-cycle update, which is around $400 higher than the 2026 model year price.