The New 2024+ European Mustang S650. Which One Should I get? GT or Dark Horse?

The all new 2024+ S650 chassis Ford Mustangs are now fully available in Europe and the UK. Two models are available with not many options. First of course, the trusty GT, still equipped with the Coyote V8 and still available in either a 6 speed manual MT-82 transmission or the A10 automatic. In fact the V8 is the only engine now offered across the range as the Ecoboost is dropped in Europe. The Coyote 5 litre V8 stays basically the same with the biggest change up front in the intake department. Twin airboxes breathing in gulps of fresh air through a dual throttle body. 

If you want a convertible, then the GT is your only choice for the open air Mustang experience!

There are probably two big significant changes to the GT package that the new S650 chassis brings to the table, alongside its revised styling, that might tempt you to make the upgrade from your S550, or convince you to stick with what you have or seek out a used S550:

Firstly and in our opinion very importantly, a massive improvement in braking. The new electronically boosted setup features huge Brembos up front (going from a 15" in the S550 to a 15.3" in the S650 or 381mm to 388mm) and also pairs them with rear Brembos unlike in the S550. The rears go up from a 13" to a 13.9" disc, or 330mm to 353mm. The front callipers go from a 4 pot calliper to a 6 pot, and the rears introduce a 4 piston calliper to replace the S550s single piston calliper. The rears also feature a separate second calliper for the hand brake unlike on the S550. So all in all a huge change. The new brakes offer great stopping power and that stopping power can happily deal with track work over multiple laps

Pic below shows the Brembo rear brakes with secondary handbrake / E-brake calliper unlike in S550 Mustangs

Secondly, the interior gets a real "21st century" makeover, dropping old school dials and adding two large screen with very customisable set ups including throwback gauge packs like a Fox body gauge cluster! 

This is really a matter of taste. They are very customisable and look very cool and offer a bunch of useful information and track tools. However some might not like the overly "digital feel" if they want that "analogue Mustang simplicity" of gauges and old school vibes.

The other change of course is also a big one. Alongside the classic GT is another nameplate that is all new to Mustang world, as Ford decided against bringing back an older brand like Boss 302 or Mach1, and created the "Dark Horse" as the 2024+ performance model. It too offers the Coyote 5.0 V8, but with significant internal upgrades such as forged pistons, and enhanced cooling to enable it to endure more on track punishment.

The first all new Mustang brand for a long time: introducing the Dark Horse! 

The Dark Horse is positioned much like the previous Mach 1 model, as the more "track focused" performance model, with the forged engine internals also being mated to further enhanced cooling, enhanced on track aero performance, and also the manual transmission uses the same Tremec 6 speed as the Mach 1.  EU emissions regulations mean that the power output of the engine is much the same as its GT twin, with less than 10hp difference between them at an official 446 PS vs 453PS for the Dark Horse.  The USA Dark Horse hits 500hp around 20hp more than the US GT, which is also slightly more muscular than the EU variant. 

The US Dark Horse also comes with a "Track Pack" option which fits wider wheels with very wide track rubber, and enhanced roll bars, much like the US Mach 1 optional track package, but just like the previous Mach 1 that package is NOT available in Europe. The EU Dark Horse comes with the same size 19" wheels and 255/40/19 front and 275/40/19 rear tyres from Pirelli as the EU GT. Only the wheel styling is different.

The cars have a limited scope in terms of option choices. The main choice on the GT is MagneRide suspension, which we recommend, and is default on the Dark Horse and on both GT and Dark Horse you can opt for Recaro sports seats, which certainly suit if you want to use the cars for performance driving. If not then the standard buckets are very comfy! 

Indeed apart from the outside styling of the Dark Horse, with its gorgeous signature "Blue Ember" paint finish and the enhanced engine and transmission and cooling mods, little separate it from the GT spec wise. It comes with its own distinct fascia (front bumper) and also a bigger rear spoiler than the GT. Note that some very early EU models came with no spoiler (apart from a tiny blade on the boot lip) due to homologation issues. (see pic below)

Below: Blue Ember paint is stunning, especially in the sun! See the close up above to to really enjoy that close up flake!

If you are looking at serious on track work, then we would 100% recommend going for the Dark Horse. Also if you think a supercharger or turbocharged future lies ahead, then again the enhanced strength engine and enhanced cooling will also be a bonus and make the Dark Horse the right car for you.

However we think that unless the Dark Horse badge or styling is the game changer for you, then as a package the GT makes the most economic sense in Europe, and if you want a sports car like drive, then a Steeda Q500 Enforcer is the way to go.

The Steeda Q500 Enforcer, based on a GT will outperform a stock EU Dark Horse on the road thanks to its extensive suspension and chassis upgrades, with zero downsides, and the Q500 will certainly shine on the odd track day excursion as well.

However if major track time does beckon, then the Dark Horse is the car for you, but in the form of a Steeda Q767 Dark Horse, where the suspension and chassis mods really turn the Dark Horse into a potent track weapon happily able to hang with Porsches and other hardcore sports cars. Sport Auto magazine from Germany tested an auto Steeda Q767 Dark Horse lapping the Anneau de Rhin Circuit faster than an Alpine 110S, and the A10 autobox is certainly not our first choice for the track.

Here you can watch a manual Steeda Q767 demolish the Nurburging piloted by  the "Wizard of Nur", Misha Charoudin. (Ignore the confusing intro showing the auto! the car driven was the manual in the video!)

So here is our summary on what to buy if you are interested in the new European Mustang S650.

1. You just want a Mustang or you want a Convertible. You want to cruise and enjoy the rumble of that V8. Then the GT is for you. Auto, Manual, you choose!

2. You want a Mustang as a Sports car, not a boulevard cruiser. Back roads carving, the odd track day, fun on outings with friends or clubs. Then the Steeda Q500 Enforcer, based on the GT will give you awesome performance at a great price. Select the manual for maximum fun, especially if you like the odd track day. The auto offers great daily comfort and also does well if the drag strip is your preferred track of choice! We also recommend the recaros, nice sports seat but very comfy for normal driving too.

3. You love the looks of a Dark Horse (and that paint!), but aren't going to go on track, and are not really into performance driving. Well then the Dark Horse is for you! Clearly! 

4. You are a track enthusiast or you just want the "Ultimate Mustang" for Europe, then the Steeda Q767 Dark Horse is for you. If the track calls then especially in manual. The Dark Horse looks, combined with all those track friendly factory mods, like the Tremec 6 speed, the forged engine, enhanced cooling and improved aero all combine with the Steeda suspension and chassis mods to create an incredible drivers car, capable on and off track. We recommend speccing the Recaro seats too! 

To purchase your Steeda Q Series, whether its a Q500 Enforcer or the Q767 Dark Horse contact us, or contact Steeda Germany or Steeda Luxembourg directly.

Steeda Germany / Fiege Performance: 

T: 0049 5671 99689 0
www.fiegeperformance.com

Steeda Luxembourg / Wengler Ford:

T: 00352 812157-1
E: direction@fordwengler.lu
www.fordwengler.lu/