The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse hasn’t even galloped into customers’ hands and it has already been hit with a price increase.
When Ford first announced the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse, it confirmed that the entry-level model would start at $57,970 before options and the obligatory $1,595 destination fee while the Dark Horse Premium would be available from $61,565. However, a member of the Mustang7G forum recently noticed that the pony car’s online configurator had been updated and now lists the base model at $59,270 while the Dark Horse Premium starts at $63,265.
Read: 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Comes With Color-Shifting Blue Paint, See Its Interior
The reason why the Dark Horse and its Premium sibling’s prices jumped by $1,300 and $1,700 respectively is that it has been hit with a gas-guzzler tax, as Ford confirmed to Motor1. The Blue Oval further clarified that the extra tax will affect all new Mustangs with a six-speed manual and the 5.0-liter V8, including the GT and GT Premium in addition to the two variants of the Dark Horse.
“The all-new Mustang family provides engine and transmission choices for every customer and is the most aerodynamic Mustang ever,” said Ford in a statement. “While we strive for efficiency, Mustangs equipped with the 5.0-liter V8 with manual transmission will be subject to the Gas Guzzler Tax.”
In regards to the GT and GT Premium, the gas-guzzler tax adds increases their prices by $1,000 each, with the former now starting at $42,495 and the latter from $47,015 before delivery fees. See the previously announced MSRPs here.
At least in regards to the Dark Horse, we don’t think the moderate price increase will be a big deterrent to shoppers looking to pick up the keys to what is currently the flagship version of the seventh-generation Mustang.
Ford claims that the Dark Horse is the most track-capable road-going Mustang ever built with its 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8. This engine has been upgraded with the connecting rods from the Shelby GT500’s 5.2-liter supercharged V8 and delivers an impressive 500 hp and 418 lb-ft (566 Nm) of torque. This V8 can be coupled to either a traditional six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic ‘box, both of which route power through the rear wheels.
Plenty of other upgrades improve the car’s track potential. For example, it sports new brake cooling ducts, an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a rear axle cooler, and a distinctive radiator. MagneRide shocks also come standard and can monitor wheel and tire movement 1,000 times per second to maximize performance. Beefed-up brakes with 13.9-inch six-piston Brembo calipers up front are also fitted as standard.
