Mustangs capable of track-day duties have sporadically been part of the Ford story for a long time, going back to the Fox-platform Mustang Cobra R in the 1990s. The current-generation Mustang is capable enough that Ford Performance has now unleashed three different special editions for those intending to take it to a road course. Ford Performance has just unveiled the latest, the Mustang Dark Horse R, which is built specifically to compete in the newly announced Mustang Challenge spec series that’s sanctioned by IMSA, the NASCAR-affiliated International Motor Sports Association.
As the new series’ official race car, the Dark Horse R will take its power from Ford’s fourth-generation 5.0-liter Coyote V-8, upgraded with an improved oiling system, differential and transmission cooling, and a Borla exhaust system. The chassis is stiffened by installation of a roll cage, and Multimatic race dampers are installed at all corners. The driver’s office features Recaro seating and a Sparco safety suite, which includes a quick-disconnect steering wheel and fire-suppression system. The tires, sold separately, are 19-inch Michelin racing slicks.
Jim Donnelly On Wheels 