Hennessey's 850-HP Mustang Dark Horse: The Ultimate Performance Beast Revealed
Last summer, Hennessey announced an audacious supercharger-kit-810hp-boost">performance upgrade for the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, promising to transform the already potent 500-hp machine into an 850-hp supercar. At the time, Ford hadn't delivered any examples of the Dark Horse, leaving enthusiasts eagerly awaiting real-world numbers.
Fast forward to today, and Hennessey's promise has materialized with the H850 upgrade. The Texan tuner's masterpiece is now in production, and the final, jaw-dropping numbers are in. With peak output hitting an astonishing 850 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, the H850 Mustang Dark Horse is nothing short of a road warrior.
What Makes the H850 Tick?
The heart of Hennessey's H850 upgrade is a supercharger bolted to the stock 5.0-liter V-8 engine. This isn't a mere bolt-on gadget; it's an intricately tuned system. Key modifications include a high-flow intake, upgraded fuel injectors, a new fuel pump, and Hennessey's proprietary engine management software ensuring everything operates in harmony.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels, with buyers having the choice between a 6-speed manual or a lightning-fast 10-speed automatic transmission. If you're all about speed, the automatic variant shows its prowess with staggering performance metrics. The Hennessey-tuned Dark Horse rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and rips through the quarter-mile in 10.9 seconds at 133 mph. For context, the stock Dark Horse figures are 3.7 seconds for 0-60 mph and 12 seconds at 118 mph for the quarter-mile.
The Price of Power
Such transformative power doesn't come cheap. When first announcing the H850 upgrade, Hennessey set a price tag of $49,950. Note that this is in addition to the cost of the donor Dark Horse, which starts at roughly $60,000. The package does, however, come with peace of mind in the form of a three-year, 36,000-mile limited warranty.
Enhancing the Aesthetic
For enthusiasts looking to match performance with eye-catching aesthetics, Hennessey offers an array of additional upgrades. An aerodynamic package that includes a front splitter, side skirts, and a rear spoiler—all crafted from carbon fiber—is available to further enhance the vehicle's performance and look. Not to be overlooked, a set of forged wheels and Hennessey's signature Heritage-style graphics can also be added to complete the machine's transformation.
A More Affordable Alternative?
For those seeking high horsepower without entirely breaking the bank, Ford offers an 810-hp supercharger upgrade for the Mustang GT and Mustang Dark Horse for just $9,995 (excluding installation). And if you're in Ohio, Lebanon Ford has a turnkey 810-hp Mustang package priced at $49,995, making high power more accessible than ever.
But for those with the need for supercar levels of performance, the Hennessey H850 package for the Mustang Dark Horse remains a tantalizing proposition. With powerful upgrades, sophisticated engineering, and luxury add-ons, Hennessey has firmly placed its H850 Mustang Dark Horse in a league of its own.