Experience performance and design

THERE'S something deeply satisfying about starting up a naturally aspirated V8 petrol-fuelled engine.

- Willem van de Putte [e-mail]

It’s even more so when it’s slotted under the long bonnet of a Ford Mustang Dark Horse, which sounds grumpy even when in quiet mode.

I've had my fair share of exposure to the iconic American Pony Car over the years, including a first drive of the Dark Horse at the Charlotte Speedway in America, which is considered the home of Nascar.

It’s difficult to describe the feeling of climbing up the embankment of the famous oval with the side of the big sportscar only a foot or two away from the wall. It’s exhilarating and terrifying at the same time but without a doubt one of the highlights of my career.

Performance

I also love the fact that Ford has thrown its full weight behind almost every aspect of motor racing that includes WRC, Nascar, Le Mans, Pikes Peak hillclimb in an electric Mustang being the engine supplier for the Red Bull Racing F1 team next year.

I mean, when Ford CEO Jim Farley races in the inaugural Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational, you know it’s more than just lip service.

That’s what you get with a boss who has racing fuel in his veins and understands what exciting cars are about.

It's the same for Toyota with their range of GR products. Their chairperson, Akio Toyoda, actually races the products which explains a lot.

V8 engine

Which brings us back to the trackfocused Mustang Dark Horse in all its thunderous glory with its 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine with dual throttle body intake design that’s been modified with piston connecting rods pushing out 334kW and 540Nm.