Ford Unleashes Its Most Powerful Mustang Convertible Yet: The Dark Horse SC
2027 Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible packs 795 hp from a supercharged 5.2-liter V8, with MagneRide suspension, a soft top and orders opening in fall 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The 2027 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible is the open-top version of the 795-hp Dark Horse SC and is the most powerful Mustang convertible Ford has announced.
- It uses a supercharged 5.2-liter cross-plane-crank V8 producing 795 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed Tremec dual-clutch transmission and rear-wheel drive.
- Ford has tuned the convertible more toward grand touring and street driving than the track-focused Dark Horse SC coupe.
- The convertible uses a specially calibrated MagneRide damping system and retains performance hardware including Brembo brakes, an active-valve exhaust and a carbon-fiber driveshaft.
- The Dark Horse SC Convertible has a power-operated soft top and a four-seat cabin with leather-trimmed sport seats, a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch center display.
- Unlike the Dark Horse SC coupe, the convertible is not offered with the coupe’s Track Pack, which includes track-oriented equipment such as carbon-fiber wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes.
- Ford plans to open orders in fall 2026, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in spring 2027.
- Ford has not announced the convertible’s official starting price.
What Is the 2027 Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible?
The 2027 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible is the open-top counterpart to the Mustang Dark Horse SC. It combines the Dark Horse SC’s supercharged V8 power with a retractable soft top and a chassis calibration intended to make the car better suited to road driving and long-distance cruising.
Ford unveiled the convertible at the Woodward Dream Cruise in August 2026. The model expands the Dark Horse SC range beyond the fastback and gives the Mustang its most powerful factory convertible configuration to date.
Ford’s official Mustang information confirms that the Dark Horse SC uses a supercharged 5.2-liter cross-plane-crank V8, a Tremec seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a specially calibrated MagneRide damping system. The convertible retains that powertrain while receiving chassis and aerodynamic changes associated with its open-top body style.
The result is not intended to be a direct substitute for the most aggressive track specification of the Dark Horse SC coupe. Instead, Ford has positioned the convertible as a high-performance grand touring Mustang that emphasizes open-air driving, comfort and high-speed road performance.
How Much Power Does the Dark Horse SC Convertible Have?
The Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible produces 795 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque from its supercharged 5.2-liter V8. Ford uses a cross-plane crankshaft for the engine, which is shared with the Mustang GTD’s powerplant.
The engine is paired exclusively with a seven-speed Tremec dual-clutch transmission. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 3.73:1 Torsen limited-slip differential.
Ford rates the Dark Horse SC’s output using premium fuel and the SAE J1349 standard. The 795-hp figure therefore represents the manufacturer’s rated maximum output rather than an independently measured dyno result.
At 795 hp, the convertible has 295 more horsepower than the 500-hp naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 in the regular Mustang Dark Horse. It also sits just below the 815-hp output available from the most powerful versions of the Mustang GTD, depending on specification and model year.
How Does the Convertible Differ From the Dark Horse SC Coupe?
The biggest difference is not the engine. The convertible retains the Dark Horse SC’s 795-hp V8 and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but Ford has adjusted the chassis and equipment to suit the open-top body.
The MagneRide suspension receives a calibration intended for street driving rather than the more aggressive setup used by the coupe with its available Track Pack. That gives the convertible a softer, more grand-touring-oriented character.
The convertible also does not offer the Dark Horse SC coupe’s Track Pack. That package is designed for circuit performance and can include carbon-fiber wheels, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, rear-seat deletion and other track-specific equipment.
Ford has also made aerodynamic changes for the convertible. Removing the fixed roof changes the way airflow moves around the car, so the convertible’s hood, rear deck and aerodynamic components are not simply carried over unchanged from the fastback.
Does the Dark Horse SC Convertible Have a Soft Top?
Yes. The Dark Horse SC Convertible uses a power-operated soft top, allowing the driver to open the roof for open-air driving while retaining a conventional convertible configuration.
The soft top also changes the character of the car compared with the fastback. With the roof lowered, occupants have a more direct connection to the engine and exhaust sound, while the car remains configured as a four-seat Mustang rather than a two-seat roadster.
Ford’s decision to use a soft top also avoids adding the weight and mechanical complexity associated with a retractable hardtop. The convertible nevertheless requires structural engineering to maintain the necessary rigidity without the fixed roof of the fastback.
How Does the Dark Horse SC Convertible Handle?
The convertible uses MagneRide adaptive dampers with a calibration developed specifically for its road-oriented character. The system continuously adjusts damping to help balance ride comfort and body control.
The car also retains the Dark Horse SC’s performance-oriented hardware, including Brembo brakes, an active-valve performance exhaust and a carbon-fiber driveshaft. A Torsen limited-slip differential helps distribute the V8’s output between the rear wheels.
Ford has not published a complete set of independent performance measurements for the convertible, such as an official 0-60-mph time or quarter-mile time. Those figures should therefore not be presented as confirmed specifications unless Ford subsequently releases them.
What Performance Features Does the Convertible Get?
Although the convertible is softer than the track-focused coupe, Ford has not turned it into a conventional luxury cruiser. It retains a substantial amount of the Dark Horse SC’s performance equipment.
- 795-hp supercharged V8: The 5.2-liter cross-plane-crank engine produces 795 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque.
- Seven-speed Tremec DCT: The dual-clutch transmission provides rapid automatic gear changes without requiring a manual clutch pedal.
- Torsen limited-slip differential: The 3.73:1 rear differential helps manage power delivery between the rear wheels.
- MagneRide damping: Adaptive dampers receive a convertible-specific calibration focused on street driving.
- Brembo brakes: The car retains high-performance Brembo braking hardware.
- Active-valve exhaust: The exhaust system allows the car’s sound character to be adjusted according to driving conditions and settings.
- Carbon-fiber driveshaft: The lightweight driveshaft is part of the Dark Horse SC powertrain package.
- Variable traction control: The Dark Horse SC’s electronic traction-control system provides multiple settings to manage the available power.
What Is Missing Compared With the Track-Focused Coupe?
The convertible’s more relaxed mission means it does not receive every performance option available on the Dark Horse SC fastback.
Most notably, Ford does not offer the coupe’s Track Pack on the convertible. That package includes hardware intended specifically for circuit driving, including carbon-fiber wheels, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires and rear-seat deletion.
This is an important distinction when comparing the two cars. The convertible has the same headline engine output as the coupe, but Ford has deliberately prioritized road use rather than maximizing track capability.
It is therefore inaccurate to describe the Dark Horse SC Convertible as simply a Dark Horse SC Track Pack with the roof removed. It is a distinct configuration with its own suspension and aerodynamic considerations.
What Is Inside the Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible?
The cabin follows the modern Mustang’s digital layout while adding premium materials and Dark Horse SC-specific details.
The car has a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch center touchscreen. A 12-speaker B&O audio system is available as part of the Mustang’s premium equipment, while the Dark Horse SC also features leather-trimmed heated and ventilated sport seats.
Ford offers interior themes including Black Onyx and Space Gray. The Space Gray configuration uses a Black Onyx base with contrasting Space Gray accents.
The cabin also features a flat-bottom steering wheel, magnesium paddle shifters and a rotary gear selector. These details emphasize the car’s performance character while retaining the equipment expected in a premium grand-touring Mustang.
What Colors Are Available?
The Dark Horse SC Convertible introduces a new exterior color called Precision Purple, which has a color-shifting appearance. Ford also offers the model in other Mustang colors, although final availability can vary by market and configuration.
For the interior, Ford identifies Black Onyx and Space Gray themes for the Dark Horse SC range. Buyers should consult Ford’s final order guide when the convertible’s order banks open because equipment, colors and combinations can change between the reveal and production.
When Can I Order the Dark Horse SC Convertible?
Ford plans to open order banks for the 2027 Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible in fall 2026. Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in spring 2027.
As of the vehicle’s reveal, Ford has not announced a final starting price for the convertible. The current 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC fastback has a Ford-listed starting price of $106,585, but that price should not be treated as the MSRP of the 2027 convertible.
The convertible is expected to cost more than the conventional Dark Horse SC because of its additional convertible hardware and distinct equipment, but Ford has not confirmed the amount. Until Ford publishes the official MSRP, any specific convertible price should be considered an estimate rather than a confirmed figure.
How Does the Dark Horse SC Convertible Compare With the Mustang GT Convertible?
| Specification | Dark Horse SC Convertible | Mustang GT Premium Convertible |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5.2-liter supercharged V8 | 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 |
| Horsepower | 795 hp | 486 hp with available active-valve performance exhaust |
| Torque | 660 lb-ft | 418 lb-ft with available active-valve performance exhaust |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Suspension | MagneRide with convertible-specific tuning | Available MagneRide depending on configuration |
| Body style | Convertible | Convertible |
The power difference is substantial. The Dark Horse SC Convertible produces 309 more horsepower than a 486-hp Mustang GT Premium Convertible equipped with the available active-valve performance exhaust.
The two cars also have different missions. The GT Convertible is a more conventional high-performance Mustang, while the Dark Horse SC Convertible combines the convertible body with the supercharged 5.2-liter engine and specialized chassis hardware of Ford’s top-level Dark Horse SC range.
Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2027 |
| Engine | 5.2-liter supercharged cross-plane-crank V8 |
| Horsepower | 795 hp |
| Torque | 660 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Tremec seven-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Differential | 3.73:1 Torsen limited-slip differential |
| Suspension | MagneRide adaptive damping with convertible-specific calibration |
| Brakes | Brembo performance brakes |
| Exhaust | Active-valve performance exhaust |
| Driveshaft | Carbon fiber |
| Roof | Power-operated soft top |
| Seating | Four |
| Instrument display | 12.4-inch digital cluster |
| Center display | 13.2-inch touchscreen |
| Audio | 12-speaker B&O system |
| Orders | Fall 2026 |
| Deliveries | Spring 2027 |
| Official starting price | Not announced |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 795 hp from a supercharged 5.2-liter V8
- 660 lb-ft of torque and rear-wheel drive
- Open-top driving without giving up the Dark Horse SC powertrain
- Convertible-specific MagneRide suspension tuning
- Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
- Brembo brakes, active exhaust and carbon-fiber driveshaft
- Four-seat cabin with premium technology and leather-trimmed sport seats
Cons
- Official convertible pricing has not been announced
- Customer deliveries are not scheduled until spring 2027
- The convertible does not get the coupe’s Track Pack
- It is less track-focused than the Dark Horse SC fastback
- Official acceleration and top-speed figures have not been released
- 795 hp is sent exclusively to the rear wheels, which places significant demands on the tires and traction systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible have?
The 2027 Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible produces 795 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque from a supercharged 5.2-liter cross-plane-crank V8.
What transmission does the Dark Horse SC Convertible use?
It uses a seven-speed Tremec dual-clutch automatic transmission. The transmission sends power to the rear wheels through a 3.73:1 Torsen limited-slip differential.
Is the Dark Horse SC Convertible faster than the coupe?
There is not enough official performance data to make that claim. Both versions use the same 795-hp engine, but the convertible is tuned more toward grand touring and street driving and does not offer the coupe’s Track Pack.
What is the difference between the Dark Horse SC Convertible and coupe?
The convertible has a power-operated soft top and a softer, street-focused MagneRide calibration. It also lacks the coupe’s Track Pack, which adds equipment such as carbon-fiber wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.
Does the Dark Horse SC Convertible have MagneRide?
Yes. The convertible uses MagneRide adaptive damping with calibration developed for its road-oriented character.
Does the Dark Horse SC Convertible have a manual transmission?
No. The Dark Horse SC Convertible is offered with a seven-speed Tremec dual-clutch automatic transmission. Ford does not list a manual transmission for this model.
How many seats does the Dark Horse SC Convertible have?
The Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible has four seats. Unlike the Dark Horse SC coupe with its available Track Pack, the convertible retains its rear seats.
How much will the Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible cost?
Ford has not announced the official starting price for the 2027 convertible. The 2026 Dark Horse SC fastback currently starts at $106,585 according to Ford, but that is not the confirmed price of the convertible.
When can I order the Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible?
Ford plans to open orders in fall 2026, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in spring 2027.
Is the Dark Horse SC Convertible the most powerful Mustang convertible?
Yes. With 795 hp, it is Ford’s most powerful Mustang convertible announced to date. Its 5.2-liter supercharged V8 is shared with the Mustang Dark Horse SC fastback and is closely related to the engine used in the Mustang GTD.
