Is the new Mustang Dark Horse electric or gas?
The new Mustang Dark Horse is gasoline-powered, not electric.
Ford introduced the Dark Horse as a high-performance variant designed for enthusiasts who crave track-ready dynamics and a visceral V8 experience. While Ford continues to expand its electric lineup with models like the Mustang Mach-E, the Dark Horse remains rooted in an internal-combustion powertrain and traditional Mustang driving thrills.
Powertrain and Performance
The Dark Horse centers on a modified, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, part of Ford’s venerable Coyote family, tuned to deliver substantial output for corner carving and straight-line speed. Ford quotes around 500 horsepower for this variant, underscoring its position as the most powerful non-hybrid Mustang in the lineup. The engine is paired with a drivetrain oriented toward rear-wheel drive handling and driver involvement on both street and closed-course settings.
Below is a concise look at the core powertrain and performance attributes that define the Dark Horse:
- Engine: 5.0-liter V8 (naturally aspirated), with performance-focused tuning
- Power output: around 500 horsepower (as Ford states for the Dark Horse configuration)
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive designed for direct, engaging handling
- Transmission options: a six-speed manual is a highlighted feature; an automatic option exists in certain configurations or markets
- Suspension and handling: tuned for track capability with upgraded components and adaptive options on select builds
These elements combine to deliver a driver-centric package that emphasizes revs, response, and chassis control over plush daily-drivability. The Dark Horse aims to bridge street performance with track-capable dynamics, rather than pursuing electric propulsion or hybrid efficiency gains.
Design and Features
Beyond its heart, the Dark Horse brings distinctive styling cues, performance-oriented interior touches, and equipment choices that signal its purpose: a car built for enthusiasts who want serious engagement. Exterior enhancements include darker badging and aerodynamics tuned for stability at higher speeds, while the cabin leans into a race-inspired feel with sport seats and instrumentation designed for quick reads during aggressive driving.
Here are notable design and feature highlights that define the Dark Horse experience:
- Distinctive Dark Horse exterior styling for an assertive visual identity
- Performance-focused interior with supportive seating and track-oriented instrumentation
- Upgraded chassis and braking components to support high-speed handling
- Drive-mode selections and driver aids tailored to sport driving and track use
These design and feature choices reinforce the Dark Horse’s mission: provide a high-performance experience centered on driver involvement, with a package that can handle the rigors of track activity while remaining street-legal.
Electric vs. Gas: Where the Dark Horse sits in the Mustang lineup
In Ford’s broad Mustang family, the Dark Horse occupies the high-performance gasoline segment alongside other naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants, while the Mustang Mach-E represents the electric side of the lineup. The Dark Horse’s gasoline V8 powertrain and driver-focused tuning set it apart from the electric Mach-E, which emphasizes instant torque, battery range, and efficiency rather than the raw V8 experience.
For prospective buyers weighing options, consider these contrasts between the two powertrain philosophies within the Mustang family:
- Dark Horse: high-revving V8, emphasis on driver engagement, potential manual transmission
- Mach-E: electric powertrain with immediate torque, multiple battery options, and charging considerations
- GT/Mach 1 (gas): other gasoline options with varying levels of performance and daily usability
In short, the Dark Horse remains a gasoline-powered, driver-focused variant, while Ford’s electric Mustang offerings live in a separate category with distinctly different driving characteristics and ownership considerations.
Summary
The Mustang Dark Horse is gasoline-powered, featuring a modified 5.0-liter V8 that Ford positions around 500 horsepower. It is designed for enthusiasts who want a visceral, track-capable driving experience in a street-legal package, and it sits within Ford’s Mustang lineup alongside other gasoline variants and the electric Mach-E. If you seek an electric Mustang experience, the Mach-E is the model to explore; if you want a high-performance V8 with hands-on engagement, the Dark Horse is the option to consider.
Are the new Mustangs gas or electric?
Combining the Mustang's iconic heritage with zero-emission innovation, Ford's Mach-E delivers adrenaline-pumping performance without compromise. Ford's bold bet on electrification has paid off. In Q4 2024, the Mach-E doubled traditional Mustang sales, proving that electric power is the future.
Is the dark horse naturally aspirated?
Experience the pinnacle of Mustang performance with the 2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0L Coyote V8 engine delivering an impressive 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque, this track-ready beast sets a new standard for performance.
Is the Mustang Dark Horse electric?
No, the Mustang Dark Horse is not electric; it is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0L Coyote V8 engine that produces 500 horsepower. It is a gas-powered muscle car, in contrast to the electric Mustang Mach-E.
- Engine: 5.0L Coyote V8
- Horsepower: 500 hp
- Torque: 418 lb-ft
- Transmission: Available with a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic
What fuel does the Mustang Dark Horse use?
unleaded premium fuel
Dark Horse R is compa5ble with pump unleaded premium fuel. It is recommended that VP Racing E10 is used. Use of other fuels is not recommended and can cause serious damage to your engine! 4.1 MoTeC OVERVIEW This vehicle is equipped with a MoTeC C187 dash display.
