Ford unveils track-only Mustang Dark Horse R

Ford has unveiled a track-only version of its seventh-generation muscle car, the Mustang Dark Horse R, offering punters a chance to participate in a one-make race series in the United States.

The racecar is of course based on the road-going Dark Horse, of which not much has really been changed in terms of what’s under the bonnet.

Lurking beneath, you’ll still find a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre Coyote V8 that makes over 368kW mated to a Tremec 3160 manual gearbox, as well as a limited-slip differential. Even the factory car’s Brembo rear brake calipers and rotors have even retained.

However, other areas of the powertrain has been fettled with for the sake of longevity, with the car getting an upgraded oil system, transmission cooler and differential cooler, as well as a Borla exhaust system and a Ford Performance oil pan.

Adjustability is key when it comes to honing in the fastest lap time, which is why Ford fitted the racing pony with adjustable front camber plates and anti-roll bars, alongside Multimatic DSSV dampers.

The body remains relatively untouched from the original car, with the only significant changes being the addition of tow hooks front and rear, reinforced jacking points, and underbody tie-down hoops.

Inside, the Dark Horse R gets a roll cage and a single Recaro FIA racing seat, along with a bunch of other track-only goodies such as a MoTeC data display and logging system.

With regard to the IMSA-sanctioned one-make series it was designed to race in, the Mustang Challenge series will start in 2024 and will be host to 10 to 12 races.

“The new Mustang Challenge series is a perfect addition to our IMSA family and we are grateful to our longtime partners at Ford for trusting us to be the sanctioning body for this spectacular new platform,” said IMSA President John Doonan.

Customers can pick up their very own race-ready Ford Mustang Dark Horse R for $US145,000 ($NZ234,605) with deliveries expected to start next year.