Ford Unveils 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC Supercharged Model

Ford has unveiled the 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC, a new supercharged variant of its popular Mustang lineup. The car slots between the standard Dark Horse and the high-end GTD model, bringing a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine to more buyers. Orders open at the end of March, with deliveries set to begin this summer.

Background

The Mustang has long been a key part of Ford's lineup, known for its power and presence on roads and tracks. The Dark Horse model, introduced earlier, uses a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that makes 500 horsepower and 418 pound-feet of torque. That version already appeals to drivers who want strong performance without going to the extremes of models like the Shelby GT500 or the GTD.

Now Ford adds the Dark Horse SC, where SC stands for supercharged. This move comes as the company shifts away from the Shelby name on some high-performance Mustangs but keeps pushing the envelope on power and handling. The SC takes the familiar Predator engine, a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 from past GT500s and the current GTD, and pairs it with updates aimed at track use. Ford sees this as a way to offer more choices in the Mustang family, from everyday drivers to full race machines.

The standard Mustang lineup includes options like the EcoBoost four-cylinder and the GT's 5.0-liter V8. The Dark Horse sits near the top with its tuned engine and suspension tweaks. The SC pushes further with forced induction, meaning the supercharger forces more air into the engine for extra power. Ford has not said exactly how much power or torque the SC will have, but it calls it the most powerful Dark Horse yet. Past versions of this engine made 760 horsepower in the GT500 and 815 in the GTD, so the SC likely lands somewhere in that range, perhaps over 700 horses to keep it below the GTD.

Key Details

The heart of the Dark Horse SC is its supercharged 5.2-liter V8, known as the Predator engine. This is not a simple add-on to the standard 5.0-liter; it's a purpose-built unit with features like a dry-sump oiling system to keep oil flowing during hard cornering. Power goes to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which shifts faster than a manual for track work. This setup differs from the GTD, which uses an eight-speed transaxle at the rear.

Ford made big changes to the suspension for better control. It comes with MagneRide dampers that adjust on the fly, firmer springs, new anti-roll bars, and revised knuckles and control arms. The front strut tower brace is now lightweight magnesium, and many steel parts switched to forged aluminum to cut weight. The track width grew by more than an inch compared to the regular Dark Horse. Steering got updates to the rack and tie rods, and rear geometry changed for sharper response. Brakes are Brembo units with six-piston fronts and four-piston rears, plus variable traction control in track mode.

Track Pack Options

Buyers can add the Track Pack for even more capability. It includes special MagneRide tuning, 11.5-inch carbon-fiber wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup R tires sized 305/30R-20 front and 315/30R-20 rear. Carbon-ceramic brakes from the GTD bring 16.5-inch front discs. These changes drop the weight by 150 pounds. Aero upgrades include a ducktail spoiler, larger adjustable carbon wing, and a big rear diffuser. Ford says the full Track Pack setup makes 620 pounds of downforce at 180 mph.

The body shows its track intent with a wider front fascia full of vents for cooling the brakes and engine. A large vent in the aluminum hood helps with temperatures and adds downforce—up to 2.5 times more than the standard Dark Horse hood when the rain tray is off. At the back, a diffuser works with a wing for balance. Other packages include a Carbon Exterior with material on the front and mirrors, and a Teal Accent option for Track Pack cars. A 2026 Track Pack Special Edition adds carbon trim, black roof, red accents, and titanium interior bits from the GTD. Ford did not say how many of these special cars will be made.

Dimensions stay close to the Dark Horse: wheelbase at 107 inches, length around 189.7 inches for the fastback, height 55.2 inches, and width 75.5 inches without mirrors. The SC keeps the coupe body for now, with no word on a convertible.

"The Mustang Dark Horse SC sets a new standard for race-bred performance in the Mustang lineup," said a Ford spokesperson.

Pricing details come later, but expect it to sit above the standard Dark Horse, which starts in the mid-five figures.

What This Means

This new SC model gives Ford a clearer ladder in the Mustang range. Buyers get steps from the base car up to the SC and then the pricier GTD. It fills the gap left by the Shelby GT500, offering supercharged power without the Shelby badge or full race focus of the GTD. Track enthusiasts gain a factory car tuned for circuits, with options to go further via packs.

The SC will hit NASCAR tracks in 2027, showing Ford's racing plans. That could boost the street version's appeal and help develop future Mustangs. For everyday drivers, it means more power on tap, though the stiff setup suits twisty roads or tracks best. Fuel economy takes a hit with the big supercharged V8, but that's not the point here—raw speed is.

Ford aims to keep the Mustang relevant against rivals like Chevrolet's Camaro or Dodge Challenger, even as electric cars grow. By expanding the high-performance end, Ford holds onto fans who want gas-powered muscle. Dealers will see demand from collectors and racers alike when orders open soon. The SC keeps the Mustang's roar alive in a changing auto world.