When Ford introduced the 815-horsepower, Nürburgring-scorching Mustang GTD, it left a giant gap between the new flagship model and the 500-horsepower Mustang Dark Horse. Ford now has filled spot nicely with the 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC, which is almost as potent as the GTD. Ford recently put the Dark Horse SC configurator on its website, so now you can decide how you want yours to look and perform. Let’s take a closer look.

Those two little letters — SC — make a big difference. They mean Ford replaces the Coyote 5.0-liter V-8 of the regular Dark Horse with a version of the GTD’s supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 that has nearly the same output: 795 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque, differences of only 20 and four, respectively. However, the Dark Horse SC starts at a much lower price of entry: $106,490 (excluding destination), as opposed to the GTD’s roughly $330,000. As it is in the GTD, the SC’s engine is paired with a TREMEC seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Standard equipment includes a carbon fiber driveshaft, 3.73 Torsen rear end, active exhaust system, 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster, and 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The $36,500 High (970A) Equipment Group deletes the rear seats and adds features like 20-inch carbon fiber wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, and Magneride dampers. It also locks in the Track Pack, which includes splitter wicks, underbody strakes, RECARO seats, unique Magneride tuning, oil catch can, and much more. The ultimate Dark Horse SC will also have the $30,980 2026-only Track Pack Special Edition treatment (which Mustang brand manager Ryan Shaughnessy showed us here). Available only in Shadow Black or Oxford White, the package features upgrades that include a black roof, Race Red Brembo brake calipers, hood and decklid graphics, 3D-printed titanium shift paddles and rotary shifter trim from the GTD, Solar Red RECARO buckets, and the $10,000 Carbon Fiber Exterior Package’s “Strong Man” front fascia, mirror caps, and rear fascia appliqué.

Now that we have those details out of the way, let’s spec one! As a former 2008 Mustang Bullitt owner, I’m rather conservative when it comes to colors, but the Dark Horse SC makes me feel a little more adventurous. It’s in a different stratosphere, so why not have some fun and make it look a little different? With that in mind, I choose the head-turning Adriatic Blue Metallic, one of seven available colors. I’ll keep the roof the same color but will add the Tarnish Dark Anodized hood and decklid graphics for some contrast. The carbon fiber wheels from the 970A package are too cool to resist and they come bundled with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R rubber, Magneride, carbon-ceramic brakes, and the Track Pack as major bonuses.

For a little more contrast (if not for the track-appropriate, technical materials that fit a machine like this), I will also select the Carbon Fiber Exterior Package. The $495 Race Red seat belts are a must to brighten up the cockpit and coordinate with the red steering wheel accents and starter button.

By the time I stop clicking, my dream Dark Horse SC build ends up with a $165,875 price tag, which — if I had a bankroll that’ll choke a hippo — could be paid off for $2,290 a month. How would you configure the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC? Tell us in the Comments section below.