Pure Dark Horse
by Metropol | October 29, 2025 8:33 am
The term ‘dark horse’ refers to an underdog or a surprise winner, which is how Ford has positioned its first new Mustang brand in 21 years. Metropol writer Ben Selby saddles up for a test ride.
Referred to as the Mustang ‘you never saw coming’, the Dark Horse by Ford is a hardcore, limited-edition version of the regular seventh-generation Mustang GT. Having driven it for the first time on track at The Bend in Adelaide late last year, I was dead keen to experience this limited-run Mustang on Canterbury roads.
Power comes from the now legendary 5.0L Coyote V8, which in Dark Horse trim produces 373kW instead of the regular GT’s 362kW. Mated to this is a 10-speed automatic or a TREMEC six-speed manual transmission, of which my test car had the former.
The Dark Horse also benefits from larger Brembo brakes, underbody brake ducts, enhanced cooling, a rear subframe which it shares with the Shelby GT500, a rear spoiler and larger sway bars.
Inside, you have comfortable and immensely supportive Recaro bucket seats, lots of blue stitching and a big red starter button. The 13.2-inch SYNC 4 infotainment system takes centre stage and provides some seriously sharp graphics and intuitive in-car tech.
The vehicle also incorporates numerous elements that evoke Mustang heritage, including the option to select digital instrument displays representing various generations of the Mustang – from classic models of the 1960s and Fox Body vehicles of the 1980s, to the SVT Cobra from the early 2000s.
Flex one’s right shoe after waking up that delicious-sounding Coyote V8, and soon you are rumbling around your native Christchurch, grinning from ear to ear.
The ride is also relatively smooth for a no-nonsense muscle car as the Dark Horse’s unique Magnaride adaptive suspension monitors both tyre and wheel movement up to 1000 times per second to ensure things are as plush as possible.
Switching over to Sport or even Track mode is a not-so subtle reminder that this is no luxury barge. That snarling V8 amplifies its soundtrack, the steering weights up, and the shifts get more aggressive. The Dark Horse is ready to bolt and bolt it does, as I was able to reach 100kph from a standstill in 4.4 seconds.
Despite some delayed upshifts from the 10-speed auto box’s manual mode, the Dark Horse is a terrific automotive adrenaline pump. There is big power, but it is power within the realms of control. Sure, if you don’t treat it with respect, this horse might be tempted to buck, but in the corners, you have the confidence to turn in hard after standing on the anchors and get on the power again sooner.
As this is a limited edition, New Zealand’s Dark Horse allocation for this model year has already been snapped up. However, one could say it has renewed my admiration for one of the most coveted heroes of motoring. The Ford Mustang Dark Horse is a laugh, a real laugh.
FACT FILE
2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Price: $116,990
Engine: 5.0L Coyote V8 Petrol
Transmission: 10-speed automatic/six-speed manual
Power: 373kW
Torque: 567Nm
Wheels: 19-inch alloy
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/pure-dark-horse/