Ford has unveiled a convertible version of its highest-performance Mustang, the Dark Horse SC, pairing a 795-horsepower supercharged V8 with a retractable roof.
The new model joins the existing Dark Horse SC coupe, which was introduced earlier this year. Both share the same 5.2-liter cross-plane-crank V8, but Ford’s engineers tuned the convertible for street driving rather than track use.
Power and engineering differences
The Dark Horse SC’s engine produces 795 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque, routed through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Lower in the lineup, the standard Dark Horse and Dark Horse Premium use a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 with 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque.
The convertible’s structure borrows from the Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter convertible, reinforced with a magnesium tower-to-tower brace across the engine bay. It also features an updated version of Ford’s MagneRide suspension, which adjusts damping in real time using magnetic particles in the fluid.
“Both the Dark Horse SC coupe and convertible have been developed by our Ford Racing engineers,” said Arie Groeneveld, chief engineer for the Mustang Dark Horse SC. “But instead of prioritizing the convertible for setting lap times, we’ve engineered it to be the ultimate top-down grand touring machine.”
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Design and availability
The Dark Horse SC convertible will offer new color options, including Precision Purple exterior paint, unique brake caliper colors, and Black Onyx or Space Gray interiors.
Ford introduced the Dark Horse nameplate at the 2022 Detroit Auto Show, marking the first new Mustang sub-brand in over two decades. The lineup expanded this year with the Dark Horse SC, which shares a detuned version of the track-only Mustang GTD’s engine. The GTD itself produces up to 815 horsepower but is not street-legal in the U.S.
The convertible rounds out the range, targeting buyers who want both open-air driving and extreme power. Orders will open in fall 2026, with deliveries expected in spring 2027. Pricing hasn’t been announced, though the 2026 Dark Horse SC coupe starts at $142,415 in Canada.
This isn’t just another muscle car with a roof chopped off. The shift from track focus to grand touring suggests Ford sees a market for high-performance convertibles that don’t sacrifice daily usability—something rare in a segment where raw speed often overshadows refinement.
The timing aligns with a broader industry push toward more specialized variants, as automakers chase niche buyers willing to pay premiums for exclusivity. Whether that demand holds beyond early adopters remains an open question, but for now, the Dark Horse SC convertible offers a rare combination of power and open-air freedom.
