The all-new Ford Mustang Dark Horse's 5.0-liter V8 engine has received significant recognition by landing a spot on Wards Auto's influential Top 10 Engines list for 2023. This notable accomplishment sheds light on the remarkable engineering behind Ford's first new Mustang performance series in over two decades.
Unveiling the All-New Mustang Dark Horse
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse series marks a new era in Mustang's performance capabilities. With a projected 500 horsepower emanating from its 5.0-liter V8 engine, the Dark Horse promises to deliver the best performance ever seen in the Mustang series. In addition, its sinister yet premium exterior and interior styling accentuate its high-performance capabilities.
For those who require even more performance, the Mustang Dark Horse comes with an available Handling Package, making it the most track-capable, street-legal 5.0-liter V8 Mustang in history. This is made possible by improved aerodynamics, upgraded hardware, and new software and tuning, along with an available six-speed manual transmission. Moreover, the all-new Mustang Dark Horse S and Dark Horse R track-only models promise to further expand Mustang's motorsports history, forming part of six new racing Mustangs in the pipeline.
The Significance of Wards Auto's Top 10 List
Wards Auto's Top 10 Engines list serves as a yearly benchmark for engine excellence, evaluated by a team of experienced editors. For the 2023 list, Wards considered 32 vehicles, comprising 13 internal combustion engines, 10 battery-electric vehicles, and nine hybrids. The ranking criteria include horsepower, torque, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) management, observed efficiency, and new technology. Only engines that are either all-new or have seen significant improvements are eligible for consideration, and they are tested in everyday driving conditions to provide a realistic assessment.
The History of Wards Top 10 List
Wards Auto has been publishing its Top 10 Engines list for 29 years, initially focusing solely on internal combustion engines. Over the years, however, the list has evolved to accommodate the growing range of propulsion systems, including battery-electric and hybrid engines. In 2021, a price cap for nominees that had been present since 1995 was removed, although value remains a vital part of the evaluation criteria.
In summary, the inclusion of the all-new Ford Mustang Dark Horse's 5.0-liter V8 engine on Wards Auto's Top 10 Engines list for 2023 is a significant achievement. It underscores the engine's superior performance and engineering, further cementing the Mustang's legacy as a frontrunner in automotive excellence.
