Latest news with #FordMustangDarkHorse
TimesLIVE
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Why the Ford Mustang Dark Horse will have you fighting restraint
Before Jaguar decided to stage its polarising reinvention, there was a time when marketing suits embraced that caddish and villainous reputation the growler marque held. 'Good to be bad' was among a series of advertising taglines. At the time it had snarling V6 and V8 performers to back up all this hard talk, deployed under the hoods of fearsome saloons and striking sports cars that seemed to lend themselves to activities of wrongdoers on the silver screen. Not many automakers these days are so brazen as to trumpet their naughty sides. It got me thinking, hearing the Ford Mustang Dark Horse fire up in our office basement the other day (setting off a Chery's alarm in the process). This wild pony is designed to pander entirely to the part of your makeup Sigmund Freud referred to as the id. A well-adjusted ego mediates impulses and desires, prompting you to start your Mustang Dark Horse in the 'quiet mode' setting that Ford engineers have thoughtfully added to the menu. But the unchecked id will have you starting up the Horse in its loudest tune on a cold morning, just nje — to hell with the neighbours! The rear spoiler is intended for enhanced downforce, but owners will inadvertently use it as a handle to aid opening and closing of the boot. Image: Supplied Truly, this is a car that could bring out the wildest streak in a person. Like the old Jaguar spiel, sometimes it feels good to be bad. Late last year when Ford introduced the Dark Horse to the South African media, it took us to Lesotho's stunning twisties for an initial driving experience. The thundering coupé left Basotho ponies frightened and cowering, as it tore up the tiny country's spaghetti curves, through mountainous landscapes. We flew back across the border with a better understanding of why, at R1,508,000, the Dark Horse required a further R201,000 over its standard GT counterpart. First off, the extra money gets you a unique exterior dressing: a more purposeful body kit, including fang-like bumper inserts, trapezoidal nostrils, side skirts, a rear diffuser, 19-inch aluminium alloys and a rear wing. Eagle-eyed fans might even notice the forward-facing horse emblem, the first time such a depiction has been used on the Mustang (it had always been the galloping side profile). Aside from darker accents, a flat-bottomed, suede-trimmed steering wheel and a numbered build plate, the cabin remains as it is in the GT. That means full digitisation and a bounty of amenities; everything from a heated steering wheel to ventilated seats and integrated navigation. But the upgraded hardware under the skin is sure to be of more interest to those committed enthusiasts. At first they might have been disappointed to read that the local Dark Horse outputs do not match those of the US-market model (386kW/566Nm). Our car serves up 334kW from the famed Coyote V8, which is still 6kW more than the regular GT. The torque figure remains the same: 540Nm. Like its lesser sibling, the Dark Horse uses a 10-speed automatic, which feels a tad more responsive in the way it dispatches shifts. As alluded to earlier, it has a far more distinctive acoustic character, thanks to the fitment of a performance exhaust system with active valves and different sound profiles. The claimed 0-100km/h time is 4.4 seconds. When group motoring editor Denis Droppa strapped the testing equipment onto the Dark Horse at Gerotek, it registered a 5.2-second dash to 100km/h from standstill, not a poor show if we are keeping expectations managed. Yes, there are lighter, more efficient turbocharged rivals from German brands, but at the moment nothing competes with the soulful character of the blue oval muscle car. Amplified in Dark Horse guise. Image: Supplied The current GT marks a considerable leap over its predecessor where dynamic abilities are concerned. And the Dark Horse manages to tidy up those attributes further, with its Brembo discs and calipers, beefed-up front shock absorbers, stronger strut tower braces and meatier rear sway bars. Like the GT, it retains the Torsen limited-slip differential and MagneRide adaptive damping system. Of course, the firm ride quality leaves you feeling those varying road surfaces of Johannesburg, more an indictment on our infrastructure than a slight on the car. It is certainly a more cohesive handler than former Mustang iterations. Still, buyers who might have become desensitised by clinical Teutonic performance options with all-wheel drive layouts may need some time to fully acclimatise to just how brutish the Dark Horse can be. This is a powerful rear-wheel drive instrument after all, meaning you can find yourself facing the wrong way on Beyers Naudé Drive without much provocation. The Dark Horse keeps keen drivers alert, excitingly loose in the tail, with an addictive soundtrack goading them on. Driving it sedately (and quietly) is a challenge. Yet judging from the receptions of passers-by, the theatrics of the Dark Horse are welcomed, celebrated, with fellow road users often motioning to hear that V8 disturb the peace. Flooring it in neutral, the reverberations from the back-box had people on my community WhatsApp group wondering if the trigger-happy mourners at Westpark Cemetery were at it again. In reality, the standard GT is probably all the Mustang you really want. You'll need a strong resolve to overpower the id after driving the regular version back-to-back with the Dark Horse during the shopping process.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Harrison Burton Opens Up On WBR Relationship After NASCAR Cup Series Exit
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. NASCAR driver Harrison Burton has spoken about his relationship with Wood Brothers Racing following his exit from the team at the end of the 2024 season, insisting that he still has a strong connection with the team. The team announced in July 2024 that the 24-year-old driver would be replaced by Josh Berry in 2025, despite later clinching his first career Cup Series win at the Daytona summer race. As a result, Burton now competes full-time in the Xfinity Series with AM Racing, driving the No. 25 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Speaking about his relationship with Wood Brothers Racing following his exit, Burton explained on SpeedFreaks: "That's something that I think is one of my biggest strengths. Harrison Burton, driver of the #25 Dead On Tools/DEX Imaging Ford, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina. Harrison Burton, driver of the #25 Dead On Tools/DEX Imaging Ford, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina."I was so lucky to have a great relationship with everyone at the Wood Brothers that there was no bad feeling. They truly care about me. "I mean they still send me stuff — it's their 75th season — or Leonard Wood built me [a radio-controlled] car, as well. I just have a great relationship with that group, so it made it a way less bitter taste in my mouth." Effectively stepping down from the Cup to the Xfinity Series, Burton is using the opportunity to come back to the top series stronger. He added: "It was really to me about self-reflection and what I can do to be better, and I feel I'm doing those things to be better and it's starting to show in the AM Racing team. "We're turning that program around which I'm super excited about. We've got the right people over there. Obviously, for me, it's all been about moving forward and what's next. "That's been the biggest weapon of mine and I've raced the best drivers in the world for the past three years, so I've learned a lot and I feel I can take that with me to the future and hopefully when I get back to the Cup Series, I'll be ready to go again and understand and fire off with some pace."
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Zep® Launches Cherry Bomb Auto+ Degreaser & Cleaner in Walmart and Online, in Partnership with NASCAR Driver Noah Gragson
ATLANTA, June 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zep®, the go-to cleaning brand for professionals and auto enthusiasts, has introduced its newest high-performance solution: Zep Cherry Bomb Auto+ Degreaser & Cleaner, now available in Walmart locations nationwide and online at Designed to cut through oil, grease, grime, and dirt on a variety of surfaces, this ready-to-use degreaser features a bold cherry scent and is built for everything from garages and vehicles to tools and household equipment. The product launch aligns with Zep's partnership with NASCAR driver Noah Gragson and Front Row Motorsports (FRM). Zep will serve as a primary partner on the No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in two NASCAR Cup Series events this season, collaborating with FRM and Gragson to showcase their lineup of professional-grade cleaning products. "Cherry Bomb Auto+ is built for serious messes—whether you're working on your car, scrubbing down your grill, or cleaning up your shop tools," said Lauren Houser, Vice President of Marketing at Zep. "We're excited to bring this powerful, ready-to-use formula to Walmart shoppers and customers, and to work alongside Noah and Front Row Motorsports to show the product in action." Zep Cherry Bomb Auto+ Degreaser & Cleaner offers professional-grade power and versatility. Its biodegradable, phosphate-free formula works on fiberglass, painted metals, chrome, rubber, and finished concrete. It is also non-caustic, making it ideal for automotive, marine, and shop applications, as well as common household surfaces, including the outside of appliances and grills. "No matter how much you try to stay on top of the mess in the garage or workshop, it adds up fast," said Noah Gragson, driver of the No. 4 Ford Mustang for Front Row Motorsports. "This Cherry Bomb cleaner gets right to work on grease and grime and leaves the place smelling way better too. It's what I use in my own space." Offered in three sizes to accommodate different job scales, Zep Cherry Bomb Auto+ Degreaser & Cleaner is rolling out to over 2,500 Walmart stores nationwide this spring, with additional availability online at The product also complements Zep's fan-favorite Cherry Bomb Hand Cleaner, giving users a complete cleaning system with a signature scent. For more information on Cherry Bomb Auto+ Degreaser & Cleaner, or to find a retailer near you, visit About Zep, Inc. is a leading innovator, producer, and distributor of maintenance, cleaning, and sanitation solutions for industrial and institutional, retail, and food & beverage customers. Zep possesses a large portfolio of premium solutions built over an 85-year legacy of developing the most effective products trusted by professionals and consumers to get the job done right the first time. View source version on Contacts Jason Feldman - PR & Mediajason@ // (470) 626-1055 Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Zep® Launches Cherry Bomb Auto+ Degreaser & Cleaner in Walmart and Online, in Partnership with NASCAR Driver Noah Gragson
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Zep®, the go-to cleaning brand for professionals and auto enthusiasts, has introduced its newest high-performance solution: Zep Cherry Bomb Auto+ Degreaser & Cleaner, now available in Walmart locations nationwide and online at Designed to cut through oil, grease, grime, and dirt on a variety of surfaces, this ready-to-use degreaser features a bold cherry scent and is built for everything from garages and vehicles to tools and household equipment. 'Cherry Bomb Auto+ is built for serious messes—whether you're working on your car, scrubbing down your grill, or cleaning up your shop tools." Share The product launch aligns with Zep's partnership with NASCAR driver Noah Gragson and Front Row Motorsports (FRM). Zep will serve as a primary partner on the No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in two NASCAR Cup Series events this season, collaborating with FRM and Gragson to showcase their lineup of professional-grade cleaning products. 'Cherry Bomb Auto+ is built for serious messes—whether you're working on your car, scrubbing down your grill, or cleaning up your shop tools,' said Lauren Houser, Vice President of Marketing at Zep. 'We're excited to bring this powerful, ready-to-use formula to Walmart shoppers and customers, and to work alongside Noah and Front Row Motorsports to show the product in action.' Zep Cherry Bomb Auto+ Degreaser & Cleaner offers professional-grade power and versatility. Its biodegradable, phosphate-free formula works on fiberglass, painted metals, chrome, rubber, and finished concrete. It is also non-caustic, making it ideal for automotive, marine, and shop applications, as well as common household surfaces, including the outside of appliances and grills. 'No matter how much you try to stay on top of the mess in the garage or workshop, it adds up fast,' said Noah Gragson, driver of the No. 4 Ford Mustang for Front Row Motorsports. 'This Cherry Bomb cleaner gets right to work on grease and grime and leaves the place smelling way better too. It's what I use in my own space.' Offered in three sizes to accommodate different job scales, Zep Cherry Bomb Auto+ Degreaser & Cleaner is rolling out to over 2,500 Walmart stores nationwide this spring, with additional availability online at The product also complements Zep's fan-favorite Cherry Bomb Hand Cleaner, giving users a complete cleaning system with a signature scent. For more information on Cherry Bomb Auto+ Degreaser & Cleaner, or to find a retailer near you, visit About Zep, Inc. Zep, Inc. is a leading innovator, producer, and distributor of maintenance, cleaning, and sanitation solutions for industrial and institutional, retail, and food & beverage customers. Zep possesses a large portfolio of premium solutions built over an 85-year legacy of developing the most effective products trusted by professionals and consumers to get the job done right the first time.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What drivers said at Charlotte after the Coke 600 won by Ross Chastain
Ross Chastain — First: ""That's the dedication it takes from Trackhouse. There were people that had Saturdays off, and they came in for this Chevy. To drive on that final run and pass two cars that had been way better all night ... Holy cow, we just won the World 600!" William Byron — Second: "He was catching me, I was trying to just defend and was getting a little bit tight. Disappointning. Just to lead that many laps and such a great effort by our whole team, and I could have anticipated that last run better. Just sucks. We'll just keep going and keep trying to put races together like that." Advertisement Denny Hamlin — Third: ""You can't change the results, so you're going to have to live with it. They're the pros. I'm not a pit guy. I tried to do everything I could. We had a great car, fun battling up front. Heck of a battle there. Would have liked to have seen it through and unfortunately didn't get enough gas in it and had to come back in." Brad Keselowski — Fifth: "We had a really good car. We got mixed up in some of the different stuff in the midpoint of the race and just clawed our way out. I feel like if we could have got to the lead, we could have won the race. I wish it was a 700-mile race. You feel like you earned it. Some of these races you're like, 'I don't know if I earned it.' Today, we earned it. Just getting to the lead dictated so many things and we weren't able to get there, but I think we had the effort to do it. By the end of the night, I thought we were one of the best cars, if not the best. I just wish it was a 700-mile race. We've been really competitive the last few weeks and I feel like it just hasn't all come together and it still hasn't all come together, but this car has got the speed to win the race and I need to go get it. This car was good enough to win. We just weren't able to put all the dots together and some of that falls on me for sure.' Ryan Preece — Ninth: "Honestly, it felt like we were really good. We were really good compared to the competition the first 200, but I've got to figure out how to qualify better because we had a terrible pit selection with just the situation we were in. We kept going to 12th and then would drop to 28th and then drive forward again. Once we got there and the night cooled things off, I just got too loose for how good I was early and that was the difference. Ultimately, I'm happy with a ninth and we're going to continue on. Ford is really lucky to have a guy like Brad on his team, and I'm really lucky to have him as an owner, as a driver, as somebody that I can lean on. He's really been helpful, so it's been a lot of fun and certainly we want that position. We want to be in position to win these races, but today was one of those days where we grinded it out and got a ninth.' Noah Gragson — 10th: "I felt like we had a really good Ford Mustang Dark Horse, but at the end of Stage 3, I was too short in the pit box and screwed us as a team. We really ran up in the top eight pretty much all night. I felt like our car was pretty strong and got set back to start that fourth stage. We were the last car on the lead lap, so to drive back up through the field and finish in the top 10 feels really good.' Advertisement Cody Ware — 25th: 'I feel like today was a day where we can start building our momentum. It was a hard fought 600 miles but we were there at the end. I'm just thankful for the crew to build me such a fast Ford Mustang Dark Horse today and we'll be able to take this 25th place finish and hopefully get a better qualifying draw for Nashville and start to build some momentum. I'm really happy with it. I'm worn out and exhausted and ready to get some sleep and start prepping for Nashville.' Austin Cindric — 31st: 'It's a bit of a shame. I thought we had a solid run going, but I got a little too free and popped the fence. I was trying to be patient all night and still didn't quite get it. I thought we had enough speed to sneak a top 10 in there tonight, but overall it was a difficult evening and I'm proud of the hustle from the guys to be able to finish the race.' Ryan Blaney — 38th: 'It was three-wide and tight getting off the corner. I thought I was kind of high enough as I could go, and it seems like, I don't know if it was just a big squeeze, a couple of us bounced off each other – just tight off (Turn) 4. The first caution set us back and then finally got close to the top 10, but now we're gonna go home early. It's one of those things.' Zane Smith — 39th: 'We got a little behind on adjustments and were racing with guys that are just a little sketchier. Unfortunately, I just got tight and tried to slide up in front of (Shane van Gisbergen) and got a little free and then just got finished off by him. It's unfortunate because we had a really good car until our halfway break. All in all, we've been fast this year and we just need to keep it going." WILL BE UPDATED
