Wild new V8 muscle car has landed

Ford Australia has revealed a race-inspired pack for the Mustang Dark Horse co-engineered with Triple Eight Race Engineering and its team principal seven-time Supercars Champion Jamie Whincup.. The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse T8 Spec pack is still in the last stages of development, but Whincup was on hand at Ford's recent 'Ford Uncovered' event to present the T8 pack prototype.. "I've been wanting to do something like this for many years," Whincup said..

He also confirmed pricing at an apt $138,888 plus on-roads.. The new 'Stang was joined by the reveal of the incoming Ford Bronco Basecamp, Transit City EV, and the announcement of a conditional seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty that will cover the Mustang Dark Horse T8 when it launches.. The T8 Spec pack is based on the US market Handling Package and has been tweaked by Triple Eight and Whinup alongside Ford Australia's engineers to create not only a visual difference but also a tangible difference on the road..

Ford Special Vehicles Engineering's James Holloway didn't want this to just be a sticker pack.. "This wasn't a branding exercise," he said, "this was Jamie Whincup and [Triple Eight Team Manager] Mark Dutton sitting in meetings with us, giving their views on what this could be and what it shouldn't be." The limited edition will be a 250-unit run, with each owner being invited to Queensland Raceway (Triple Eight's home track) for an experience day with Whincup's team of drivers and some track time, as well as a run-down of the car.. The drivetrain for the Mustang Dark Horse remains unchanged, with a 5.0-litre 'Coyote' petrol V8 under the bonnet making 350kW and 550Nm..

The Dark Horse T8 Spec Pack is currently only listed with the six-speed manual gearbox.. The biggest changes come underneath, in the tyres and suspension.. "At the end of the day, the tyre is the only thing that touches the ground," Whincup said..

"You can have the best car and the best driver, but if you've got the wrong tyres, it's not going to be quick." Semi-slick, track-biased Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tyres and a series of changes to the springs, the roll bar, the ride suspension and the steering rack are all key to the changes made.. "Suspension is what keeps the tyre on the ground.. It's a critical part, particularly over bumps and under braking," Whincup added..

"That's where we've been able to bring our knowledge and experience to the Mustang Dark Horse.. It's already a nicely balanced car.. It not only handles well, but it gives great feedback to the driver, so they enjoy the experience..

We wanted to help take that to the next level with T8 Spec 1." A rear spoiler and an updated front aero splitter complete the look as well as the Triple Eight exterior badging..