Mustang Dark Horse SC Hits 60 in 2.9 Seconds, Quarter in 10.8

MotorTrend tested the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC and the numbers are decisive. The 795-hp supercharged V-8 coupe ran from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and covered the quarter mile in 10.8 seconds at 131.8 mph.

2.9 seconds: 0–60. 10.8 seconds: quarter mile.

That beats the quickest 2020 Shelby GT500 MotorTrend ever tested, which needed 3.6 seconds to 60 and 11.3 seconds in the quarter. The Dark Horse SC also trails close behind Ford’s own 815-hp GTD, which hits 60 in 2.7 seconds and the quarter in 10.5 seconds at 134.9 mph. Against the 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, the Dark Horse SC loses the 0–60 sprint (2.7 seconds for the Corvette) but wins the quarter mile by 0.2 second.

MotorTrend reports the Dark Horse SC shares much of its hardware with the old GT500. The key difference is launch control. The GT500 never had a proper system; getting a clean launch required a complex procedure. The Dark Horse SC’s system is straightforward: select Drag Strip mode, activate launch control on the touchscreen, set the rpm, and go. MotorTrend found the sweet spot at 1,600 rpm for the quickest start.

The test car wore the optional Track package, which adds $36,500 to the $108,085 base price for an as-tested total of $149,325. That package brings Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires tuned by Ford Racing and carbon-fiber wheels, and it also improved braking and handling numbers.

MotorTrend notes the Dark Horse SC currently has no direct competitor from Chevrolet or Dodge. The Mustang GTD occupies a higher price bracket, leaving the Dark Horse SC alone in the sub-$150,000 supercharged muscle car segment.

• 2026 Mustang
• acceleration test
• Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC
• MotorTrend
• performance car
• Shelby GT500