Ford Mustang Dark Horse: Report Reveals Delivered with Factory Taillight Twist

By Dabbie Davis

May 20, 2024 02:31 AM EDT

PHOTO OF BLUE MUSTANG ON ROAD FORD
(Photo : PEXELS/Max Andrey)

A new Ford Mustang Dark Horse was delivered to a customer in the US with taillights that didn't match. The latest Dark Horse variant, part of the seventh-generation Mustang lineup, boasts improved performance compared to its forerunner.

Ford Mustang Dark Horse Delivered with Taillights Issue

The owner of a new Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the US received a car with taillights sourced from North America and another set possibly from Australia, New Zealand, or Europe! According to CarScoops, the taillight that seems out of place matches those found in Mustangs intended for overseas markets such as Australia and Europe.

The owner is eager for Ford to switch the US-specific taillight with the "misplaced" one, creating a distinctive Mustang Dark Horse. While it would make the car exceptionally unique, it's improbable as common sense and likely regulations suggest that Ford will likely install the US-standard unit.

Owned by Jim Manderano from Texas, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse was being driven by his wife, leading him to follow behind in their journey home. It was during this drive that he noticed a discrepancy: the taillights on their powerful 500-horsepower car did not align.

The report further shared that on one side, the taillight exhibited uniform amber reflectors, while the other side displayed a darker shade at the bottom. These lights resembled those found in cars meant for international markets like Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Jim Manderano only discovered this discrepancy after seeking advice on a Facebook group for owners.

Other members verified that his situation was exceptional, as no one else had encountered the same issue. In essence, the Mustang had an incorrect taillight installed, one that was not intended for a US-spec vehicle.

About Ford Mustang Dark Horse

According to Forbes, the 5.0-liter Coyote engine, which has an aluminum block and aluminum head V8 with dual overhead cams, powers the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. This engine produces 418 pound-feet of torque and 500 horsepower in the Dark Horse variant.

Additionally, according to the report, Ford states that this V8 engine, paired with either a Tremec 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission, enables the Dark Horse to reach 60 mph in approximately 4 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in around 12 and a half seconds.

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These figures align with the internal accelerometer, which appreciated the V8's blend of ample torque and distinctive exhaust sound. MotorTrend indicated that the Dark Horse R derives its name and numerous components from the street-legal Mustang Dark Horse performance variant.

Contrary to the norm, this car adopts technology from the streets for the racetrack. However, this "entry-level" racing vehicle comes at a substantial price of $145,000, catering to serious enthusiasts. The article delves into the unique features of the Dark Horse R and highlights the distinctions from its road-going counterpart.

Meanwhile MotorTrend indicated that the Dark Horse R derives its name and numerous components from the street-legal Mustang Dark Horse performance variant. Contrary to the norm, this car adopts technology from the streets for the racetrack.

However, this "entry-level" racing vehicle comes at a substantial price of $145,000, catering to serious enthusiasts. The article delves into the unique features of the Dark Horse R and highlights the distinctions from its road-going counterpart.

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