Ford's Mustang Hero gains huge popularity in Australia

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse has emerged as a highly sought-after model in Australia, despite its name suggesting otherwise. Ford Australia secured a limited allocation of 1,000 units for the Australian market, and the entire stock was sold out before the first vehicles even arrived on local shores. The demand for this special edition Mustang has been so strong that dealers report having waiting lists of disappointed customers ready to step in should any existing orders be cancelled.

The Dark Horse edition serves as a launch variant for the seventh generation of Ford's iconic pony car. While Ford has not officially disclosed the total production numbers for this model, it is understood to be a limited run. At the heart of the Dark Horse is Ford's most powerful naturally-aspirated Mustang engine to date - a 5.0-litre V8 'Coyote' unit that has been tuned to produce an impressive 350kW of power and 550Nm of torque. This potent powerplant is mated to a six-speed manual Tremec transmission, which features unique gear ratios compared to the standard GT model and is capable of 'flat-shifting' under specific conditions. The Dark Horse also boasts a bespoke suspension setup and a unique body kit, further distinguishing it from the regular Mustang GT.

With the Dark Horse allocation already exhausted, speculation has turned to Ford's next move in the high-performance Mustang space. Executives from Ford's US operations have hinted at the possibility of more special editions in the pipeline, potentially including revivals of iconic badges such as the Mach 1 or Bullitt. However, these are likely to be further down the road.

In the Australian market, Ford previously collaborated with Herrod Performance to create the R-Spec for the previous generation Mustang - a supercharged version of the V8 pony car that produced a staggering 552kW. While Ford Australia spokesman Matt Moran indicated that there are no immediate plans to replicate this concept with the new model, he suggested that Herrod Performance is likely to offer a range of aftermarket performance parts and upgrades for enthusiasts looking to enhance their Mustangs.

Reflecting on the success of previous limited-edition Mustangs, Moran highlighted the enduring enthusiasm for models like the R-Spec and Mach 1. He noted that owners of these special editions continue to express great satisfaction with their vehicles. While no specific plans for another collaboration were announced, Moran acknowledged Herrod Performance's expertise across various vehicles and hinted that the tuning company may have its plans in the works.

For those interested in the more mainstream Mustang models, Moran offered reassurance that a steady supply of right-hand drive GT and EcoBoost variants will continue to flow from the USA to Australia. Deliveries of the 2024 model year vehicles are already underway, with the updated 2025 model year versions set to begin arriving soon.