Title: Ford Unveils the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse R: Racing for Glory, Designed to Dominate the Tracks
Introduction
In a bid to make its mark in the world of motorsports, Ford has unveiled the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse R, a production-based race car designed for club racing and the Mustang Challenge spec series in partnership with IMSA. The Dark Horse R, building on the legacy of the iconic Mustang, offers an impressive performance on the tracks while paying homage to its racing roots. This article highlights the key features and specifications of the Dark Horse R, showcasing the intricate engineering and design that make it a formidable contender on the race track.
I. The Heart of the Beast
At the core of the Dark Horse R lies Ford’s fourth-generation 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, finely tuned to meet the demands of racing. While the engine maintains its road-going specifications, it undergoes modifications to improve performance, including better-flowing exhaust manifolds and a Borla exhaust system. The modifications eliminate any restrictive carbon filters, optimizing the engine’s power output.
To endure the extreme lateral G forces experienced by race cars, the engine features an upgraded oiling system. A Ford Performance oil pan with added capacity and proper baffling ensures that the oil remains stable during hard cornering, preventing excessive sloshing.
Power from the mighty Coyote engine is transmitted through the same Tremec six-speed manual gearbox and Torsen limited-slip differential found in the street version. This choice of transmission sets the Dark Horse R apart from other production-based race cars, such as the Global MX-5 and Toyota GR Cup cars, which opt for sequential gearboxes for improved durability.
II. Inside-Out Performance
The Dark Horse R features an aerodynamics package similar to the road-going Dark Horse Mustang, optimizing its performance on the track. The interior design also takes inspiration from the street version, with a Motec dash replacing the factory gauge cluster. The rest of the interior retains much of the assembly line plastic, adding a touch of familiarity to the driver’s experience.
In terms of safety, the Dark Horse R boasts a comprehensive roll cage and a fixed-back Recaro racing seat, replacing the adjustable seat found in the street car. The seat is accompanied by a six-point Sparco racing harness, ensuring the driver’s safety in the event of an accident. Other Sparco components, such as the fire suppression system and Ford Performance steering wheel, further enhance the race car’s functionality. Additionally, Safecraft side netting adds an extra layer of protection, meeting industry standards.
III. Delving into the Intricacies
To better understand the engineering behind the Dark Horse R, an interview was conducted with Dave Born, a representative from Ford Performance. It was revealed that Watson Racing, a fellow Michigan company, plays a crucial role in assembling the vehicle. Watson Racing modifies the body-in-white received from the Flat Rock assembly plant, handling interior modifications, cage installation, and seam welding. The car then returns to the plant for paint before final assembly takes place at Watson Racing.
Ford’s longstanding partnership with Multimatic extends to the Dark Horse R’s suspension package. The vehicle is equipped with Multimatic’s DSSV passive dampers, featuring adjustable rebound and compression for motorsports-grade tuning. The shocks also showcase a unique shim-based system for adjusting camber efficiently and maintaining alignment during races.
The race-grade grip of the Dark Horse R is enhanced by the use of 295/30/R19 Michelin racing slicks mounted on lightweight 19-by-10.5-inch front and 19-by-11-inch rear Ford Performance R1 flow-formed wheels. Ford’s partnership with Michelin ensures a high-quality tire for the race car, benefiting both companies and contributing to the overall performance of the Dark Horse R.
IV. Priced for Competitiveness
While the Dark Horse R is not considered a budget option, its pricing is competitive in the realm of motorsports. With an entry price of $145,000, the Dark Horse R positions itself as an attractive alternative to other race cars, such as the Global MX-5 Cup entry or the higher-priced GT4 cars. The Dark Horse R offers a balance between performance, heritage, and affordability, making it an enticing option for racing enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Ford’s introduction of the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse R showcases the brand’s commitment to motorsports and pays tribute to the Mustang’s racing heritage. This production-based race car is built to excel on the track, combining power and performance with engineering precision. With its competitive pricing and strong focus on performance, the Dark Horse R is expected to draw attention on the race circuits in IMSA paddocks and beyond. As Ford continues to expand its range of motorsport Mustangs, it is evident that the brand is challenging its competitors and setting its sights on racing glory.
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