Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible: 806 hp with the roof down

Ford has introduced the Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible, the most powerful open top Mustang ever built. Its supercharged 5.2 litre V8 produces around 806 hp and 895 Nm of torque. Orders open in the United States in autumn 2026.

An extreme Mustang, now open top

The Dark Horse SC Convertible is the first high performance open top Mustang Ford has introduced since 2013. It sits alongside the Dark Horse SC coupe, sharing its technical base and direct involvement from Ford Racing engineers.

The two body styles pursue different goals. The supercharged Dark Horse SC coupe is focused on track performance and lap times, while the Convertible shifts the emphasis toward road driving, fast touring and the acoustic experience of driving with the roof open.

The SC designation marks the performance jump over the standard Dark Horse, which uses a naturally aspirated 5.0 litre Coyote V8.

The supercharged engine and dual clutch transmission push the open top version into territory closer to that of supercars.

Supercharged 5.2 litre V8 producing around 806 hp

The engine is a supercharged 5.2 litre V8 with a cross plane crankshaft, producing around 806 hp and roughly 895 Nm of torque.

The supercharger delivers boost pressure without waiting for exhaust gas flow to build, unlike a turbocharger, giving immediate throttle response accompanied by the mechanical whine of the supercharger and the deep tone of the V8.

Ford describes this as the most powerful Mustang Convertible it has ever built.

Seven speed dual clutch transmission

Power is sent through a seven speed dual clutch transmission, replacing the traditional torque converter automatic used on many Mustang road versions.

The dual clutch design allows the next gear to be prepared while the current one is still engaged, reducing torque interruption during gear changes and helping manage the V8’s power delivery more effectively. The transmission also supports the Convertible’s grand tourer character, with an automatic mode reducing driver workload on longer journeys and a manual mode giving full control on driving routes.

MagneRide suspension tuned for the road

The Dark Horse SC Convertible is built on the stiffened chassis developed for Ford’s high performance Mustang family. Ford Racing engineers have adapted the latest generation of MagneRide suspension to the specific needs of the open body.

The dampers use a magnetorheological fluid that can rapidly change its resistance, allowing the system to vary damping based on driving mode, road surface and body movement.

The Convertible’s tuning prioritises smoothness and control on open roads, aiming to better absorb surface irregularities on a journey while maintaining stability when the driver makes use of the available 895 Nm. The setup also addresses the structural demands typical of a convertible, since the absence of a fixed roof changes the body’s torsional behaviour and requires specific work on reinforcements, springs, dampers and suspension mounting points.

Electric roof lets the V8 sound through

The roof opens using a single control and button. With the top down, the driver hears the supercharged V8 directly, along with the supercharger’s whine and the changes introduced by each gear shift, making the acoustic experience one of the model’s central features.

The design also has to balance aerodynamics with cabin comfort when open. Deflectors, the windscreen and the body’s profile are shaped to manage airflow, particularly at motorway speeds.

A new Precision Purple Metallic finish

Among the colour options is a new Precision Purple Metallic paint, which highlights the car’s sculpted body surfaces and sets the Convertible apart from more track focused configurations.

Ford also offers a specific brake caliper colour, creating visual contrast with the body and wheels and underlining the car’s performance character. The front end retains the Dark Horse SC’s signature look, with large openings for engine and mechanical cooling, while the rear keeps the three vertical lights per side that remain one of the Mustang’s defining details.

Two interior colour schemes

The cabin can be configured in Black Onyx or Space Gray. Black Onyx emphasises the car’s sporting character, while Space Gray creates a stronger contrast against a dark body and makes the seats more visible with the roof open.

The seats are designed to support the body during dynamic driving while maintaining a comfort level suited to longer trips, with more pronounced bolsters helping limit lateral movement in high speed corners.

Orders for the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible open in the United States in autumn 2026, with the first cars expected at US dealerships from spring 2027.

Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible specifications