No one would accuse the seventh-generation 2024 Ford S650 Mustang Dark Horse of lacking firepower. Arriving with a 500 bhp naturally aspirated Gen-4 Coyote 5.0-litre V8, it’s far from inconspicuous but as always, the folks at Hennessey have found a way to push the limits. The revered car modification specialist has worked its magic on the top-of-the-line performance Mustang, elevating the power to a supercar-bothering 850bhp. Giddy up.
- Model and Upgrades: The H850 is a high-performance version of the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, extensively upgraded by Hennessey Performance, renowned for modifying and enhancing high-performance vehicles. The package includes a supercharged 850-horsepower engine and a suite of cosmetic enhancements.
- Engine and Performance: The vehicle is powered by Ford’s Gen-4 Coyote 5.0-liter V8 engine, boosted with a high-performance supercharger, high-flow air induction system, upgraded fuel injectors, and a new fuel pump. This results in a staggering output of 850 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, marking a 70 per cent increase over the factory model.
- Transmission Options: Buyers can choose between a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission with 3.73 gears or a Ford 10-speed automatic transmission with 3.55 gears.
- Braking and Handling: It features upgraded multi-piston Brembo performance brakes on both axles, enhancing its track and road capabilities.
- Aerodynamics and Aesthetics: The H850 package includes a carbon fibre front splitter, side skirts, and rear spoiler, along with forged aluminium alloy wheels. The car also features Hennessey embroidered head restraints and Hennessey badging on the quarter panels and rear fascia. Optional ‘Heritage’ graphics are also available.
- Warranty and Support: Hennessey backs the upgrades with a comprehensive 3-year / 36,000-mile limited warranty, ensuring reliability and customer satisfaction.
- Availability: Production of the H850 will begin in the fourth quarter of 2023, and Hennessey encourages potential buyers to contact them directly via their website or phone for inquiries.
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The supercharged ‘H850’ Mustang Dark Horse is now a muscled-up monster with enough horses to give some exotic track cars a complex. The hefty 70 per cent increase in power comes courtesy of a supercharger and a high-flow air induction system being fitted to the V8, alongside upgraded fuel injectors and a new fuel pump.
While that would have been enough, Hennessy decided to go all in, throwing everything and the kitchen sink at this new mod. An HPE Engine Management software upgrade was added into the mix, pushing the torque output towards 650 lb-ft. To handle all those rampant ponnies, the Dark Horse comes with either a Tremec 6-speed manual (3.73 gears) or Ford’s 10-speed automatic (3.55 gearing). It will be interesting how the gearboxes would be tuned to cope with this much power. This track-focused Mustang also features upgraded multi-piston Brembo performance brakes on both axles.
It is not all substance and no style though as the mean-looking Dark Horse gets has been doused in carbon fibre. Several elements, including a carbon-fibre front splitter, carbon-fibre side skirts, and a carbon-fibre rear spoiler help give the Dark Horse a much more imposing stance. Your Hennessey fettled Dark Horse will also stand out from the crowd with aluminium forged alloys, Hennessey’s badging, embroidered head restraints and much more.
According to John Hennessey, company founder and CEO, the new ‘H850’ Mustang Dark Horse embodies the original foundations that Hennessy was built on – Big engines, high performance and incredible design.
“Our supercharged Mustang builds have continually been customer favourites over the years, and Ford’s improved S650 platform will prove to be its most capable,” Hennessy said. “Without question, our supercharged 850 horsepower Dark Horse model will be one of the most exciting and powerful muscle cars on the road — sure to turn heads with its distinctive supercharger wail and exhaust note.”
Hennessey will start production from Q4 of this year and with the stock Dark Horse rumbling into Australian showrooms later in the year you would need to reach out to the local Hennessey partner, KPM Motorsport to get the kit although it isn’t confirmed that it will be also offered here.
