The engine
The Dark Horse SC brings back Ford's supercharged 5.2-litre V8, paired with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission from the Mustang GTD. This is the same engine and gearbox combination that powered the previous Shelby GT500, which made 760 hp and 625 lb-ft. Ford hasn't released official output figures for the SC yet, but independent sources point to 795 hp and 660 lb-ft. Final numbers are expected later this year.
No manual option. The DCT is the only transmission, which makes sense given the power output and the fact that this car is meant to bridge the gap between the 500 hp base Dark Horse and the 815 hp, $328,000 GTD.
Chassis and aero
MagneRide dampers come standard with revised software calibration, stiffer springs, new stabilizer bars, updated front knuckles, and modified control arms. The magnesium strut tower brace is lightweight, and the whole suspension tune is firmer than the standard Dark Horse.
The aero package is aggressive:
- Front fascia with a 65% larger centre opening than the base Dark Horse
- Side inlets double the size of the standard car
- Aluminium hood that generates 2.5x the downforce of the standard hood vent
- New rear diffuser
Standard brakes are six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo calipers on 20-inch aluminium wheels with Pirelli P Zero R tires.
The Track Pack
The optional Track Pack is where the GTD DNA really shows. It adds:
- Carbon-ceramic brakes (16.5-inch front, 14.5-inch rear) directly from the GTD
- 20-inch carbon-fibre wheels
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires
- Ducktail decklid and carbon-fibre rear wing producing 620 lbs of rear downforce at 180 mph
Base Track Pack pricing starts at $144,985. The standard Dark Horse SC is expected around $108,485.
Our take
The Dark Horse SC sits in the exact space the Shelby GT500 used to occupy: factory-supercharged, DCT-equipped, track-capable, and priced well under six figures for the base car. The GTD proved Ford could build a Nurburgring weapon. The SC takes that credibility and makes it accessible. If the final power figures land near 795 hp, this is the most compelling muscle car on sale in 2026.
Orders open spring 2026 with deliveries in summer. We'll update with confirmed power figures when Ford releases them.