# 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Test

> Ford's 795-hp Mustang Dark Horse SC delivers track dominance without showy flair.
- Title: 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Test · Car and Driver
- Summary: Ford's 795-hp Mustang Dark Horse SC delivers track dominance without showy flair. The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC produces 795 horsepower and outperforms…
- Keywords: ford mustang, dark horse sc, mustang gt500, track pack, predator engine, nascar cup, race car, supercharged v8, cars, 2026, Ford, Mustang
- Source: Car and Driver — https://caranddriver.com/reviews/a73977639/2026-ford-mustang-dark-horse-sc-test
- Published: 2026-10-06T10:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: ford mustang, dark horse sc, mustang gt500, track pack, predator engine, nascar cup, race car, supercharged v8, cars
## Power Output
The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC makes 795 horsepower, matching the Shelby GT500's performance.

> The new Mustang Dark Horse SC makes 795 horsepower.
## Engine Details
The SC features a Predator 795-hp 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine identical to the GTD's 815-hp version.

> All SCs feature a Predator 795-hp 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 that’s virtually identical to the 815-hp Predator in the $327,960 Mustang GTD supercar
## Track Pack Features
The Track Pack includes carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires, and a two-position adjustable rear wing.

> The Track Pack version’s rotors, however, are carbon-ceramic rather than iron.
## Performance Metrics
The SC achieves a 3.0-second 60-mph time and 134-mph trap speed, outperforming the GTD in speed and braking.

> The SC’s 3.0-second 60-mph rip is impressive for a 4099-pound rear-driver with 56.1 percent of its weight on its front tires.
## Track Handling
The SC handles well on both track and road, with a smooth ride and responsive steering.

> The SC arrows down the road, rarely needing anything more than tiny corrections.
## Price Points
The base Dark Horse SC starts at $108,085, with Track Pack at $144,585 and Special Edition at $175,565.

> The standard Dark Horse SC starts at $108,085. The Track Pack version goes for $144,585.
## Interior Experience
The SC offers a practical interior with Recaro seats and minimal cabin upgrades for the price.

> The rear seat is deleted to save a few pounds, and alcantara sections sewn onto the steering wheel give it a racier appearance and feel.
## Engine Sound
The V-8 engine produces 95 decibels of noise at full throttle, with a smooth transmission shift pattern.

> The exhaust flaps open and the revs climb toward the 7400-rpm redline.
## Braking Performance
The SC stops from 100 mph in 261 feet, outperforming the GTD by 1 foot in both 70 and 100 mph stops.

> Stopping from 100 mph required just 261 feet; the car bested the GTD in both metrics by 1 foot.
## Track Testing
The SC excels in track conditions with minimal handling issues and strong acceleration.

> The SC made going fast feel natural.
## Price Justification
The SC's price is justified by its performance, though interior features are basic for the cost.

> No, the SC’s interior environs are hardly fancier than those in a standard Mustang GT and not nearly commensurate with the price.
## Engine Details
The SC's engine uses a 'mailbox slot' intake duct to gain 20 additional horsepower over the GTD.

> The extra gulp of air it delivers contains enough additional oxygen to burn a little more fuel.
## Competitor Comparison
The SC competes with the Corvette Z06 and Porsche 911 Carrera in performance but at a lower price.

> Dark Horse SC Track Pack money will buy you some fine alternatives: a chevrolet corvette z06, a porsche 911 carrera, or a mercedes-amg gt55.
## Track Performance
The SC achieves a 134-mph trap speed and outperforms the GTD in both 150 and 170 mph runs.

> The latter’s 134-mph trap speed was 1 mph better.
## Racing History
The SC is an evolution of the 2020, 22 GT500, with a focus on track performance.

> No one at Ford Racing denied that the SC is an evolution of the 2020, 22 GT500.
## Final Verdict
The SC delivers exceptional track performance at a price that justifies its performance level.

> A supercar in a humble Mustang wrapper that’s impossible not to love, price be damned.
## Key takeaway

The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC produces 795 horsepower and outperforms the GTD in speed and braking while maintaining a practical driving experience.