Cargazing
By Derek Price

After experiencing the new 2024 Ford Mustang GT last week, I wasn’t sure how much more impressive the track-focused Dark Horse variant could be.

But as I discovered during a week behind the wheel, this wild pony’s subtle enhancements add up to a uniquely thrilling package that distills the essence of Mustang performance.

At first glance, the Dark Horse doesn’t look dramatically different from the already aggressive GT. Unique visual cues like darkened headlights, a gloss black grille with trapezoidal nostrils, and menacing “fanged” front bumper signal this

Mustang’s more sinister intentions.

The optional Race Rad paint on my tester perfectly complemented the car’s aesthetic.

Slipping into the Dark Horse’s cockpit reveals an interior that blends sporting purpose with surprising comfort. The available Recaro sport seats in my test car struck an ideal balance between supportive bolstering and supple cushioning, making them impressively livable for daily driving duties. Contrasting stitching and seatbelts add a welcome pop of color to the otherwise dark cabin.

With its gloss black grille, darkened headlights and aggressive front splitter, the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse has a menacing presence that hints at its track-honed performance.

But the real magic happens when you summon the Dark Horse’s 500-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 to life. While only 14 horses stronger than the standard GT’s engine, the Dark Horse’s specially modified Coyote V8 feels utterly unhinged in its ferocity.

A unique dual-throttle-body intake and other enhancements help it breathe deeper and rev more eagerly.

Paired with the slick-shifting Tremec six-speed manual transmission in my tester, the Dark Horse’s V8 delivers a lively, engaging experience that rewards drivers. The 3D-printed titanium shift ball feels purposeful in your palm, and the manual’s precise action encourages frequent gear changes to keep the engine in its sweet spot.

The Dark Horse’s track-tuned chassis is equally impressive, with standard MagneRide shocks that stiffen the ride without completely sacrificing compliance. The available Handling Package adds goodies like Pirelli Trofeo tires and aerodynamic tweaks to further sharpen responses. Even without it, the base Dark Horse feels nimbler and more composed than the already capable Mustang GT.

That said, during spirited street driving, it was difficult to discern a massive performance delta between the two. The Dark Horse’s upgraded brakes and tires surely pay dividends during hot laps, but for most buyers, the $10,000 premium over a well-optioned GT may be hard to justify.

The Dark Horse’s cockpit blends racy cues like available Recaro seats and contrast stitching with surprising comfort and refinement for daily driving.

Moreover, the Dark Horse can’t completely escape the inherent limitations of the Mustang’s platform. It’s heavy, definitely designed to be more of a muscle car than a sports car, and in some ways sacrifices styling over comfort and outward visibility.

But to get hung up on practicality is to miss the point of the Dark Horse entirely. This is a Mustang distilled to its purest form, an unabashedly meaty machine that prioritizes driver involvement and raw thrills over cornering speed. Its raucous exhaust note and wild styling are an assault on the senses in the best possible way.

The Dark Horse represents the zenith of the Mustang’s old-school formula before electrification and fuel-economy concerns inevitably take hold.

It’s a fitting evolution of the iconic V8 pony car, one that embraces its muscle car-roots while offering modern refinement to make it livable as a daily driver.

For diehard Ford fans and weekend track warriors, that’s more than enough to justify the Dark Horse’s price tag.

At A Glance

What was tested? 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse ($58,935). Options: Premium paint ($295), security package ($500), Recaro sport seats ($1,995). Price as tested (including $1,595 destination charge): $63,320
Wheelbase: 107 in.
Length: 189.4 in.
Width: 81.9 in.
Height: 55 in.
Engine: 5.0-liter V8 (500 horsepower, 418 ft. lbs. torque)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel economy: 14 city, 22 highway

Ratings

Style: 10
Performance: 9
Price: 3
Handling: 5
Ride: 7
Comfort: 6
Quality: 7
Overall: 9

Why buy it?

The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse elevates the iconic pony car’s track-focused formula with a specially tuned V8, sinister styling and performance upgrades that make it the most capable 5.0-liter Mustang ever built for the street.

Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2024 Ford Mustang GT is a glorious anachronism, a tire-shredding, V8-powered throwback to a time when fuel economy and subtlety were afterthoughts.

But don’t mistake this all-new pony car for a mere nostalgia act. With its fighter jet-inspired digital cockpit, advanced driver assists and customizable drive modes, this Mustang is equally at home in the modern era.

Slip behind the wheel and the GT’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8 erupts to life with a seismic rumble that’s equal parts threatening and intoxicating. It’s a fitting overture for this 486-horsepower beast, which feels endlessly eager whether rocketing away from stoplights or painting black streaks exiting corners.

The six-speed manual transmission heightens the involvement, demanding a light touch to keep the rear tires planted.

It’s not for the faint of heart — an over-eager right foot will easily overwhelm the rear end — but skilled drivers will relish walking the line between maximum thrust and a lurid powerslide.

Chiseled bodywork and classic design cues like tri-bar taillights reinforce the 2024 Mustang GT’s heritage.

Yet for all its unbridled aggression, the Mustang GT proves remarkably livable day-to-day. The adaptive suspension yields impressive compliance over rough pavement, while the quad-tipped exhaust quiets to a distant burble at a cruise.

Inside, the leather-lined cabin cocoons occupants with unexpected refinement, though some cheaper plastics do lurk inside.

Technophiles will appreciate the Mustang’s fighter jet-inspired digital cockpit, which features dual customizable displays and crisp 3D renderings of vehicle data. Practically everything is adjustable through the massive touchscreen, a boon for personalizing the drive experience, but a few more hard buttons for basic functions would be welcome.

Options add up quickly on the GT, with my tester’s sticker swelling past $56,000 thanks to the Premium trim and desirable Performance Pack. That’s a hefty sum for a car with obvious downsides like a cramped back seat and limited outward visibility.

The 2024 Ford Mustang GT’s fighter jet-inspired interior features large customizable displays and available full leather upholstery for a mix of modern convenience and surprising refinement.

But parsing the Mustang GT through such a rational lens feels beside the point. This is a car that proudly puts raw driving thrills above all else, that unabashedly cranks up the volume in a world increasingly defined by soulless EVs and anodyne crossovers.

For Ford to not only keep the V8 Mustang alive but to comprehensively modernize it is something to be celebrated.

While competitors like the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro have comparably retro appeal, neither offers quite the same mix of heritage, character and newly remastered tech.

In a rapidly changing world, it’s possible this new-generation Mustang could be the last of the true muscle cars. If so, it’s going out with a defiant and decidedly high-tech bang.

At A Glance

What was tested? 2024 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Premium ($46,980). Options: Equipment Group 401A ($2,900), premium paint ($495), GT performance package ($4,995). Price as tested (including $1,595 destination charge): $56,965
Wheelbase: 107 in.
Length: 189.4 in.
Width: 81.9 in.
Height: 55 in.
Engine: 5.0-liter V8 (486 horsepower, 418 ft. lbs. torque)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel economy: 15 city, 23 highway

Ratings

Style: 10
Performance: 9
Price: 4
Handling: 5
Ride: 7
Comfort: 6
Quality: 7
Overall: 9

Why buy it?

With its intoxicating V8, slick manual gearbox and surprisingly livable demeanor, the 2024 Ford Mustang GT offers an unabashedly old-school driving experience enriched by welcome modern tech.

Cargazing
By Derek Price

In an era where trucks seem to be ballooning in size, price and thirst, the redesigned 2024 Ford Ranger delivers a refreshing dose of sensibility.

After spending a week with the new Ranger XLT SuperCrew, it’s clear this midsize pickup hits a sweet spot for many buyers, offering genuine capability and comfort without the city-unfriendly bulk of its full-size F-150 and heavy-duty F-250 siblings.

The specific Ranger I tested, an XLT SuperCrew 4×2 model, came well-equipped with options including Ford’s advanced trailering tech suite, spray-in bedliner and locking rear differential. At $43,339 as-tested, it represents a solid value for buyers seeking a versatile daily driver with the chops to handle weekend adventures.

Slipping behind the wheel, the Ranger immediately feels more maneuverable and wieldy than its larger brethren.

While still a sizable vehicle, it’s far easier to navigate through tight urban streets and crowded parking lots. The steering is light, although a bit rubbery feeling, and the truck’s relatively tidy dimensions inspire confidence in close quarters.

On the open road, the Ranger’s revised suspension delivers a generally smooth and composed ride. Rough patches of tarmac are dispatched with minimal fuss, though undulating highway stretches can induce some bounciness.

It’s a noticeable improvement over the outgoing model but stops short of delivering a truly serene experience.

Sporting a bold look with C-clamp lighting signatures and a rugged stance, the newly redesigned 2024 Ford Ranger strikes a commanding presence.

Where the Ranger truly shines is under the hood. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is an absolute gem, churning out a stout 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain imbues the Ranger with effortless pulling power reminiscent of V8 engines from yesteryear.

Passing maneuvers are dispatched with ease, and the truck never feels overwhelmed, even when fully loaded.

Fuel economy is respectable if not class-leading, with the 4×2 model returning an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Those figures best the full-size F-150 and represent a significant advantage for buyers who rack up serious miles.

Inside, the Ranger’s redesigned cabin impresses with its solid build quality and intuitive layout. The XLT trim’s materials feel substantial and well-assembled, while the available 12-inch SYNC4 infotainment system is a breeze to operate. Clever storage solutions abound, from the spacious center console bin to the under-seat rear cargo cubbies.

The Ranger’s redesigned cabin impresses with premium materials, thoughtful storage solutions and an available 12-inch SYNC4 infotainment system.

Out back, the Ranger’s bed offers ample space for hauling duties, with over four feet of width between the wheel wells. Available features like the integrated box side step and bed lighting make accessing cargo a snap, while the included spray-in bedliner and available 400-watt power outlet boost versatility.

For those who tow, the Ranger offers a robust suite of trailering aids. The XLT tester came equipped with Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance, which use cameras to provide a 360-degree view and coached guidance when maneuvering a trailer. It’s an invaluable asset for novice and experienced haulers alike.

In a segment that’s grown increasingly crowded, the Ranger stands out as a well-rounded, highly capable option. It may not boast the most extreme off-road prowess or outright towing capacity, but for the majority of buyers, it delivers an ideal blend of everyday livability, stout performance and sensible size.

At A Glance

What was tested? 2024 Ford Ranger SuperCrew 4×2 XLT ($36,210). Options: Equipment Group 301A ($945), premium paint ($495), 3.73 locking differential ($420), advanced tow and tech package ($2,305), all weather floor mats ($200), box side step ($215), key pad ($95), spray-in bed liner ($495). Price as tested (including $1,959 destination charge): $43,339
Wheelbase: 128.7 in.
Length: 210.6 in.
Width: 86.7 in.
Height: 74.4 in.
Engine: 2.3-liter turbocharged four cylinder (270 horsepower, 310 ft. lbs. torque)
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 21 city, 25 highway

Ratings

Style: 8
Performance: 6
Price: 7
Handling: 5
Ride: 6
Comfort: 7
Quality: 6
Overall: 7

Why buy it?

With its ideal blend of capability, comfort and manageable size, the Ranger is the sensibly proportioned pickup for buyers seeking a versatile daily driver with the chops for weekend adventures.