Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC: Almost a GTD at Half the Price

MotorTrend's first test of the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC calls it a discount GTD. The comparison is fair.

The Dark Horse SC shares the Predator V-8 with the GTD, tuned to 795 horsepower here. It uses the GT500's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission instead of the GTD's rear-mounted eight-speed transaxle. That shift in weight brings the balance to 56 percent on the front axle, 5 points more than the GTD. The SC weighs 4,105 pounds, 306 pounds lighter than the GTD.

On the track, the numbers are close. The Dark Horse SC hits 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, just 0.2 seconds behind the GTD. The quarter mile comes in 10.8 seconds at 131.8 mph. Stopping from 60 mph takes 91 feet, 2 feet more than the GTD. On the skidpad, the SC pulls 1.11 average lateral g, almost matching the GTD's 1.13. Around MotorTrend's figure-eight course, both cars lap in 22.6 seconds.

The Dark Horse SC starts at $108,085. That's less than a third of the GTD's $330,000-plus price tag. The Track pack adds $35,600 for carbon-fiber wheels and extra aero parts, bringing the total to $144,585. That's still less than half a GTD. Option it heavily and you can hit $176,000.

MotorTrend notes the Dark Horse SC's interior is mostly a standard Mustang affair, even at these prices. Some carbon-fiber trim and Recaro seats don't change that.

The Dark Horse SC makes sense if you have to have the closest thing to a GTD without actually buying a GTD. The price is still steep, but you get a lot of car for the money compared to the GTD. For those who missed the GTD lottery and want something close out of the box with a factory warranty, this is a buy.

• Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC
• GTD
• MotorTrend
• performance
• Predator V-8
• price