Just because the Ford Mustang never left showrooms since its 1964 introduction, it doesn’t mean that all the sides of the pony have to be retro-themed. Thus, the Blue Oval went ahead and introduced an all-new range-topper for the launch versions of the all-new S650 generation. We’re referring to the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse and, thanks to recent insider info, we can now discuss the financial side of the newcomer.
We’re now updating the story with the official 2024 Ford Mustang pricing
For the most part, the S650 Mustang range remains unchanged. Thus, we get the EcoBoost-animated Coupe (now only in ten-speed automatic guise) in base and Premium specs. The 2024 model year sees the EcoBoost Convertible only coming in Premium form. Next up, the V8-powered GT models come in base and Premium configurations for the coupe, while the GT Convertible is reserved for the latter. Then there’s the all-new Dark Horse, currently offered without additional versions for the road. It takes the place of the Mach 1 and Mach 1 Premium that had replaced the VooDoo-animated Shelby GT350.
The base EcoBoost kicks off at $33,515 ($1,595 destination included). That’s a noticeable bost (please excuse the pun) compared to the $29,205 MSRP of the 2023 EcoBoost, but the 2024 model packs the automatic transition as standard, while its predecessor offered this as a $1,595 option.
The EcoBoost Premium Fastback starts at $38,040, while the EcoBoost Premium Convertible kicks off at $43,540. As shown by the leak described in the original article below, the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse carries an MSRP of $59,565 (the leak didn’t include the said $1,595 destination, but it was accurate to the dollar).
The most affordable V8, the 2024 GT Fastback, carries an MSRP of $41,335, a $1,755 bump over last year’s model. Then there are the GT Premium Fastback ($47,610) and the GT Premium Convertible ($53,110).
While the S650 is an evolution of the S550 it replaces, the former introduces noticeable exterior changes, a revised interior featuring a standard digital gauge cluster with a more generous infotainment screen. The base EcoBoost 2.3L turbo-four offers 315 hp, with the 5.0L V8 of the GT, now in its Gen IV, offering 480 hp. As for the Dark Horse, this adds a beefier crank, cams and forged connecting rods, along with dual air bokes and throttle bodies for 500 hp.
Of course, we now live in a world where dealer markups can often become ridiculous (here’s a dealer straight up taking bids for the Chevy C8 Z06 starting at $50,000 over MSRP), and it remains to be seen how this will impact the S650 Mustang.
The Blue Oval has yet to announce the pricing for the seventh-generation Mustang. And, given that we’re approximately a year away from the market arrival of the seventh-generation pony, that’s not a surprise. As per Ford, the first deliveries of the S650 Mustang are scheduled for the summer of 2023 in the U.S., with European models set to come later next year. It’s also worth mentioning that right-hand-drive markets (think: Australia, the UK) may have to hold out until the final part of 2023.
Unofficial 2024 Mustang Dark Horse pricing
However, according to a Ford insider talking to YouTuber StangMode, whom Ford invited onto the scene during last month’s debut of the new ‘Stang, the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is said to come with a $50,000 starting price, while a fully-loaded model with all the options will reach $60,000. You can see this at the 6:35 point of the video below.
For one, the vlogger’s previous insight on the 2024 Mustang did check out—he previously reported that the S650 Mustang would come with a locked ECU, thus impacting aftermarket developments, with Ford subsequently confirming the information.
And, given that the Dark Horse will more or less take the place of the 2022 Mach 1, which has an MSRP of $57,665 (before the destination charge and options), that unofficial info means the Dark Horse would be perhaps slightly more affordable than expected.
Update (February 8, 2023): Mustang Dark Horse pricing leaked
The pricing of the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse has reportedly leaked online. The Dark Horse will come with an MSRP of $57,970, which means an extra $1,400 compared to the S550 Mach 1 it is partially replacing, albeit while appearing to offer superior performance. Opting for the 700A equipment group, which should cover a wide range of interior features, means paying $2,595 on the DH, compared to $2,095 on the Mach 1.
However, we have matching prices for a wide range of optional goodies. The list includes the $1,250 Appearance Package, $4,500 Handling Package, $1,650 Recaro seats and the all-important ten-speed automatic ($1,595). Unlike the Mach 1, the S650 Dark Horse can be had with carbon fiber wheels, but, at $8,495, these cost a pretty penny.
All the sources we could find, including YouTuber StangMode in a new video, point out to Ford Authority as the one to originally deliver the info. It’s worth noting that the website states that the details come from “sources familiar with the matter”.
As for the other two models in the 2024 Mustang range, namely the GT V8 (available with either a six-speed manual or a ten-speed auto) and the EcoBoost turbo-four (ten-speed-only), we can use their 2022 MSRPs (starting prices) as a reference—while prices for the EcoBoost and the GT versions of the S650 aren’t available right now, the publication explains that the Dark Horse numbers may change.
For the sake of comparison, the current, S550-gen Mustang EcoBoost kicks off at $27,470, while the GT Fastback comes with a starting price of $38,045. Now, we can expect the new generation to bring a four-digit pricing increase. And that’s because the 2024 Mustang comes with revised engines (the Dark Horse even packs dual throttle body intakes on top of the GT’s Gen IV Coyote), as well as an all-new interior with two large displays.
At this point, Ford has yet to release the output numbers for the seventh-gen ‘Stang, even though the carmaker has mentioned a 500 hp target for the Dark Horse. And with the current GT sitting at 450 hp, you can expect the 2024 GT to sit somewhere around 470 hp.
A Dark Horse recently toured the Michigan Assembly Plant
Meanwhile, the carmaker has recently sent a 2024 Mustang Dark Horse on a tour of the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant that builds the Bronco (two-door and four-door), as well as the Ranger pickup truck. Note that the facility is just 30 minutes of driving away from Michigan’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant, which builds the current S550 Mustang and will also cover the S650 production.
Footage from the event was originally uploaded to YouTube by user Numberoneslouch, with StangMode including that in his video. And this is how we get to enjoy not just a (probably cold) start of the Dark Horse’s 5.0L V8, but also the coupe’s headlight animation—hey, there are extra LEDs in the Mustang RTR-like side grille elements of the Dark Horse!
