Hennessey’s 850-HP Mustang Dark Horse: Unleashing the Beast in Under 11 Seconds
Photo: Hennessey Performance
After previously tantalizing automotive enthusiasts with exhilarating dyno run footage of its supercharged H850 Mustang Dark Horse, Hennessey Performance has now officially revealed the mind-boggling performance data for its S650-based masterpiece. Designed to set new benchmarks, this upgraded pony car is ready to leave its rivals eating its dust, thanks to a supremely crafted blend of brute force and cutting-edge engineering.
Last summer, the introduction of the seventh-generation S650 Ford Mustang reinvigorated the American muscle car scene. Ford’s own lineup impressively ranges from the 315-hp EcoBoost to the ferocious $325k Mustang GTD. However, the passing of the Dodge Charger and Challenger, as well as Chevy’s sixth-generation Camaro, meant it was up to Mustang to carry the torch.
Famed for pushing the limits of performance, Hennessey Performance decided to make waves themselves with their H850 Dark Horse build, boasting 850 horsepower at the crank. The heart of this beast? Ford's legendary 5.0-liter supercharger">Coyote V8 engine supported by a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger. The first thing Hennessey did was strap it to a dyno, and the numbers are nothing short of jaw-dropping: 712hp at 7,490 RPM and 569 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 RPM at the wheels.
Aside from engine upgrades, Hennessey has also focused on perfecting the Mustang's exterior and aerodynamics, offering a comprehensive package that ensures the H850 is not just a straight-line warrior but a well-rounded performer. And the results speak for themselves: the H850 Mustang Dark Horse hits 60 mph in a blistering 3.2 seconds and tears through the quarter-mile in just 10.9 seconds at 133 mph.
These figures are phenomenal compared to the factory Dark Horse, which makes the sprint to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 12 seconds at over 118 mph. While these numbers are respectable, they pale in comparison to Hennessey's iteration. The H850 brings the Mustang Dark Horse into a league of its own.
Complementing the staggering power and speed, the H850 Mustang Dark Horse comes fitted with either a six-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic transmission, ensuring both driving purists and those preferring modern automatic shifting can harness the power to its fullest. Each H850 Mustang is covered by Hennessey’s three-year, 36,000-mile limited warranty, offering peace of mind that matches its thrilling performance.
For those who crave visual evidence, Hennessey has also released stunning debut videos that showcase the H850 conquering the dyno and asphalt alike. Whether you are inside the vehicle or watching from the sidelines, the roar of the engine as it reaches its peak performance is sure to send chills down your spine.
Hennessey’s H850 Mustang Dark Horse is a tribute to what happens when unparalleled engineering meets pure, unadulterated muscle. This is no mere Mustang; it’s a testament to the art of performance tuning, merging the old-school brute force with modern, precision engineering. It's not just a car; it's an experience, one quarter-mile at a time.