Dark Horse Mustang targets ‘future classic’ status but could cost $100K

The new Dark Horse variant of the latest, seventh-generation Mustang has been created to become a future classic, revered in decades to come.

Dark Horse is the first all-new Mustang grade since the 2001 Bullitt that was inspired by the famous car-chase movie.

It will sit above the EcoBoost and GT models when the new Mustang arrives in Australia in the first quarter of 2023, essentially taking the place of the Mach 1.

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It features the most powerful 5.0L Coyote V8 yet, with an output of 500hp (373kW), in addition to a host of other performance and aesthetic features.

“With Dark Horse, we wanted to create a future collectible,” said Mustang marketing manager Jim Owens.

“I pine for a 1971 Mach 1 as that’s the car I harken to when I was a kid. And now we want this to be the one today’s kids remember in 30 years’ time.

“We think we did a great job with Bullitt with the Gen 4 [2001 Mustang] - great movie - and we did two generations after that (and I] think that reached an audience that was a little bit looking backwards in heritage.

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“With the 7th generation [Mustang] we wanted to project forward. So not a heritage name, and Dark Horse seemed to fit.

“From 1965, we’ve had a number of nameplate derivatives … Bluebonnet, High Country Special, Twister edition, California special, Mach 1, Boss 9, 351… Those heritage brands will always be there. But with Gen 7 we wanted to go to the future.”

Ford has yet to confirm whether we will see Mach-1, Bullitt and Boss derivatives again for this latest generation.

The car maker is promoting the Dark Horse with “Limited availability”, though wouldn’t confirm a production limit.

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Recent Mach-1 and Bullitt editions were limited to 700 units in Australia.

The last Mustang Mach-1 was priced from $83,365 before on-road costs in 2021, though the Dark Horse could break the $100,000 barrier with additional charges.

In the US, the standard Dark Horse is priced similarly to the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV that has converted to a $107,665 price tag in Australia.