No matter how good they are, the base Mustang EcoBoost and the V-8-powered GT have historically signaled that even better Mustangs—absurdly powerful, track-capable, and/or collectible Mustangs—are a year or two away. Modern icons with names like Cobra, Boss 302, Mach 1, and Shelby have taught us the great pony cars always come later.
That (mostly) changes with the S650 generation. As you’re kicking the tires of EcoBoost four-cylinder and GT models at your local dealer, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for anything wearing Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS track tires. That’s a telltale that you’ve stumbled on a Dark Horse with the optional Handling package. If the car’s not already spoken for, run—don’t walk—to your preferred auto-loan issuer. Even if you have to call Mom to cosign the paperwork, you’re unlikely to regret parking one of these in your driveway.
True to its name, this is the one we didn’t see coming—at least not this soon. The Dark Horse is essentially a
