If you’ve spent any time at a local circuit lately, you’ve probably heard it before you saw it. That deep, rhythmic rumble that could only come from a 5.0-liter Coyote V8. But this isn't just another Mustang GT with a loud exhaust and a prayer. It’s the Dark Horse. Specifically, it’s the Dark Horse Track Attack experience—and the car that inspired it—which has basically flipped the script on what a factory-built Ford can do when the road gets curvy.
Most people think of Mustangs as drag strip kings. They aren't wrong, honestly. For decades, the recipe was simple: big power, solid rear axle, and a "good luck" when you hit a corner. But the S650 platform, and the Dark Horse trim in particular, changed the math. Ford didn't just want a fast car; they wanted a track weapon that wouldn't melt its brakes after three laps at Virginia International Raceway.
What the Dark Horse Track Attack actually is
Let’s get the terminology straight because it gets confusing. When people talk about the Dark Horse Track Attack, they’re usually referring to one of two things: the physical act of tracking the 500-horsepower beast, or the literal "Track Attack" program hosted at the Ford Performance Racing School.
If you bought a Dark Horse, Ford basically hands you the keys to a professional racing school for a day. It’s held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. You don't bring your own car—which is great because you aren't roasting your own tires—and you spend the day learning how to actually rotate a 4,000-pound car using the throttle. It’s a masterclass in weight transfer. You learn that the MagneRide Damping System isn't just a marketing buzzword; it’s the reason the car doesn't dive like a submarine when you slam the Brembos.
The program is intense. You get classroom time, but nobody is there for the PowerPoint slides. You’re there for the skid pad. You’re there to figure out the Torsen rear differential. Most drivers realize within twenty minutes that the car is way more capable than they are. That’s a humbling moment. It’s also where the "Attack" part of the name comes from. You aren't just driving; you're learning to hunt apexes.
The hardware that makes the "Attack" possible
You can't just slap a badge on a Mustang and call it a track car. People will see through that in one session. The Dark Horse earns its keep through cooling. Cooling is everything. If you’ve ever tracked a standard street car, you know the heartbreak of "Limp Mode" after ten minutes because the oil is boiling.
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The Dark Horse comes with heavy-duty radiator fans and auxiliary coolers for the engine oil, transmission, and rear diff. It’s built to be beaten on. Honestly, the most impressive part might be the brake cooling ducts. They funnel air directly to those massive 19-inch rotors.
Why the Handling Power Matters
The Handling Package is the secret sauce. If you're looking at a Dark Horse without it, you're missing the point. You get stiffer springs. You get larger sway bars. But the real kicker? The tires. Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires are basically street-legal racing slicks. They are sticky. Like, "pick up every pebble on the road and fling it at your wheel well" sticky.
- Total Output: 500 hp / 418 lb-ft of torque.
- Aero: A unique rear wing with a Gurney flap that actually provides downforce.
- Transmission: The Tremec TR-3160 six-speed. This is a massive upgrade over the MT-82 found in the standard GT. It feels mechanical. It feels notchier. It’s built for high-RPM shifts that would make a lesser gearbox whine.
Getting the most out of your track sessions
If you’re taking your Dark Horse to a private track day—not the official school—there are some things you’ve gotta do. First, change the oil. Ford recommends a specific weight for track use. Second, check your alignment. The factory street alignment is a compromise. It’s meant to keep your tires from wearing out on the highway. For a real Dark Horse Track Attack, you want more negative camber. It helps the tire stay flat against the pavement when the car is leaning hard into a hairpin.
Don't forget the brake fluid. Even with the big Brembos, factory fluid can bubble under extreme heat. Swapping to a high-temp racing fluid like Motul 600 or Castrol SRF is a cheap insurance policy against a soft pedal at 140 mph.
The car has different drive modes, obviously. "Track Mode" relaxes the stability control. It lets the rear end step out just enough to help you point the nose. But be careful. 500 horsepower is plenty to send you into the grass if you're lazy with your right foot. The Dark Horse is forgiving, but it isn't magic. It still respects the laws of physics.
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Common misconceptions about the S650 on track
A lot of guys at the track will tell you the car is too heavy. "It’s a boat," they’ll say while leaning against their 2,400-pound Miata. Yeah, it’s heavy. But weight isn't an absolute dealbreaker if you have the suspension to manage it. The Dark Horse uses its mass to stay planted.
Another myth: "The electronic drift brake is just a toy."
Actually, while it’s great for showing off, the technology behind the braking system in the Dark Horse is incredibly sophisticated. It uses a "brake-by-wire" setup. Some purists hate the lack of a physical linkage, but the benefit is consistency. The car can simulate the same pedal feel even as the pads start to wear down or get hot. It gives you confidence. Confidence equals speed.
Why the Track Attack program is a must-attend
If you’re a new owner, the Track Attack school is included with the price of the car. Seriously. Why would you skip that? You’re getting professional instruction from people who spend 200 days a year on the limit.
They teach you about "The Line." They teach you that the shortest way around the track isn't always the fastest. You learn to trust the aero. At high speeds, that rear wing is actually pushing the back of the car down, giving you more grip. It’s counterintuitive to go faster to get more grip, but that’s the reality of a modern performance car.
Realistic expectations for lap times
Look, you aren't going to break the Nürburgring record on your first outing. The Dark Horse is fast, but it requires a smooth driver. If you're jerky with the steering, the weight will settle in the wrong places and you'll understeer.
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In the hands of a pro, the Dark Horse has been seen clocking times that embarrass much more expensive European metal. We're talking about staying on the bumper of Porsche 911 GT3s in the technical sections. That’s insane for a car that starts at a fraction of the price.
Actionable steps for your first "Attack"
If you're ready to actually push the limit, stop reading and start prepping.
- Register for the School: If you bought the car new, go to the Ford Performance Racing School website immediately. The slots fill up months in advance.
- Burn the "Delivery" Fuel: Most dealerships fill the car with 87 octane. The Coyote engine needs 93 to hit that 500-hp mark. Run a few tanks of premium through it before you hit the track.
- Torque Your Lugs: Track heat makes things expand and contract. Buy a high-quality torque wrench and check your lug nuts after every single session. 150 lb-ft is the spec. Don't guess.
- Tire Pressure Management: Start lower than the door sticker suggests. As the tires get hot, the pressure will rise. You want to aim for a "hot" pressure that keeps the sidewall from rolling over. Ask the instructors at the track for the "sweet spot" for the Trofeo RS tires; it's usually lower than you'd think.
- Data Logging: Use the built-in TrackApps. It’s not just for 0-60 times. Reviewing your lap times and lateral G-loads is the only way to see where you're leaving time on the table.
The Dark Horse isn't just a trim level. It’s a shift in philosophy. It’s Ford admitting that the Mustang can't just be a straight-line hero anymore. It has to be a global competitor. Whether you're at the official Track Attack or your local Friday night "Run What Ya Brung" event, the car is ready. The question is whether the person behind the wheel is.
Go find a technical circuit. Turn the dial to Track Mode. Let the Coyote howl. That is the only way to truly understand what you bought.