Last year, Ford lifted the veil on the seventh-generation Mustang and introduced multiple racing configurations, many of which have already been showcased.
Among those unveiled were the Mustang GT3, GT4, GT Supercar, and the Mustang Dark Horse R. The latter is a specialized racing version engineered specifically for Ford’s proprietary Mustang Challenge single-make racing series.
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Overview of Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford has officially announced its competing vehicle for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series, which is heavily influenced by the design of the commercial Mustang Dark Horse. While the aesthetic elements are borrowed from the road-legal version, the similarities largely end there. Both the race car and its street counterpart do, however, sport V-8 engines and operate with rear-wheel drive systems. NASCAR’s design requirements mandate that the race cars conform to a specific template, which means the body lines differ from those of the production vehicle.
The Mustang Dark Horse for NASCAR is built upon the Next Gen design platform that was launched for the NASCAR 2022 season. This design is equipped with a 5.9-liter V-8 engine mated to a 5-speed sequential transmission, directing power to the rear wheels. The underlying chassis employs a steel space-frame construction, a feature standardized across all participating vehicles.
2024 Mustang Dark Horse at Upcoming Events
The NASCAR Cup Series for 2024 will not be exclusive to Ford; vehicles designed around the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the Toyota Camry will also be part of the competition.
Ford’s Mustang Dark Horse is scheduled to make its inaugural track appearance on February 4, 2024, participating in the Clash at the Coliseum event within the confines of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
A Brief History of Mustang in NASCAR
This will not mark the Mustang’s debut in NASCAR competitions. The model has been a regular participant since its induction into the Xfinity Series in 2011 and later joined the more prestigious Cup Series in 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mustang Dark Horse NASCAR
What is the Mustang Dark Horse NASCAR race car?
The Mustang Dark Horse NASCAR race car is a specialized racing vehicle developed by Ford for competition in the NASCAR Cup Series. It is based on the Next Gen design introduced for the 2022 NASCAR season and features a 5.9-liter V-8 engine, a 5-speed sequential transmission, and rear-wheel drive.
How does the Mustang Dark Horse NASCAR car differ from the road-going Mustang Dark Horse?
While the Mustang Dark Horse NASCAR car borrows its design elements from the road-legal Mustang Dark Horse, the similarities primarily pertain to aesthetics. Both cars feature V-8 engines
More about Mustang Dark Horse NASCAR
- Official Ford Announcement on Mustang Dark Horse
- 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Overview
- Clash at