(WWJ) Just in time for the Woodward Dream Cruise, Ford taking the wraps off of the ultimate Mustang convertible.
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC convertible, developed by Ford Racing Engineering, has a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 795 horsepower.
“We’ve taken the SC and leveraged it to elevate the mustang brand into the premium sports car space to go head to head with the world’s elite sports car competition,” said Ryan Shaughnessy, Ford Mustang marketing manager.
The vehicle will play a big part in Ford’s Woodward Dream Cruise events, centering on the 9 Mile and Woodward area in Ferndale.
Ford keeps adding new layers of performance to the Mustang. It started with the Dark Horse sub brand. They added even more performance and power with the SC variants.
Ford's Ryan Shaughnessy shows powerful Mustang at media preview
Jeff Gilbert
This convertible version aims to help Ford reach high income buyers, who want something unique and are willing to pay for it.
“This diverse affluent customer historically gravitated towards European premium sports car convertibles. But, now they want something different, says Shaughnessy. “They want a vehicle that’s edgy, sexy, disruptive. One that makes them stand out on the street.”
In addition to the high output engine, Ford has added other performance attributes to the Mustang Dark Horse SC convertible.
“Starting with the Mustang GT 5.0-liter V8 convertible’s architecture, Ford Racing engineers have added a strong, lightweight magnesium tower-to-tower brace across the engine to help handle the power of the Dark Horse SC convertible’s 5.2-liter supercharged V8,” read a statement issued by Ford. “This reinforcement is paired with a specially tuned, next-generation MagneRide® suspension, delivering a smooth, comfortable ride when cruising and a firmly planted feel the moment you lean into the accelerator.”
This is the second Mustang Dark Horse SC variant from Ford. They revealed a coupe at this year’s Detroit auto show.
While the coupe was meant for racing, the convertible has a different goal.
“Rather than pursuing ultimate lap times, we were after delivering the ultimate top down grand touring machine," said Arie Groenveld, Mustang Dark Horse SC chief engineer.
That fits into the whole feel of the Dream Cruise.
“We wanted to provide our customer with a visceral top down driving experience,” said Groenveld.
Order banks for the Ford Mustang Dark Horse convertible will open in the fall, with deliveries starting early next year. Ford is not yet announcing pricing, but the coupe version starts at $108,000, and–with extras–can significantly rise from there.
