Electric Cars

Ford is poised to unleash an exciting new version of its Mustang Dark Horse, known as the 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC. This latest model was recently showcased in a captivating YouTube video featuring four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen. The preview indicates that the new Dark Horse SC will boast a more assertive design and is anticipated to deliver impressive performance, continuing the legacy of its predecessors. While full specifications remain under wraps, the glimpse provided suggests a significant evolution for this iconic muscle car.

The debut of the 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC in Red Bull's YouTube video, where Verstappen and other drivers commemorate over a century of automotive racing, has ignited considerable anticipation among car enthusiasts. The car, visible approximately 12 minutes into the nearly 24-minute feature, immediately stands out with its bold aesthetic modifications. These include a noticeably larger vent on the hood, a distinctive rear wing, and fenders that appear wider than those of the standard Dark Horse model, all contributing to a more aggressive and race-ready appearance.

Beyond its striking visuals, the video also strongly hints at the continuation of a powerful V-8 engine, with its unmistakable roar clearly audible from the SC’s exhaust. This acoustic confirmation suggests that Ford is committed to maintaining the high-performance heritage associated with the Mustang line. Although specific details regarding the engine's output and other technical aspects are yet to be released, the presence of the V-8 growl reassures fans that the Dark Horse SC will live up to expectations.

While official details from Ford regarding the Dark Horse SC's specifications are scarce, industry observers are speculating that this new variant could serve as a spiritual successor to the revered Shelby GT500. The previous GT500 was celebrated for its supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 Predator engine, which produced a formidable 760 horsepower. It is widely expected that Ford aims for the Dark Horse SC to meet or exceed this impressive benchmark, potentially placing it at the pinnacle of the Mustang performance hierarchy.

The decision by Ford to unveil the 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC without any camouflage suggests that a full reveal is imminent. This transparent approach, allowing a clear view of the car's updated design, has intensified excitement and indicates that enthusiasts will not have to wait long to discover all the intricate details and performance capabilities of this promising new addition to the Mustang family.

This advanced iteration of the Mustang Dark Horse, designated as the SC variant for the 2026 model year, marks a significant development since the initial introduction of the Dark Horse line over three years ago. The reveal, orchestrated through a high-profile video featuring Max Verstappen, has successfully showcased its enhanced physical attributes and robust engine sound. As Ford prepares for a comprehensive launch, the automotive world eagerly awaits the full specifications and official performance figures for what promises to be a thrilling new chapter for the Mustang.

The Dodge Hornet, a compact SUV introduced just three years ago, has officially been retired from production. Despite launching with aspirations to compete with popular models like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the Hornet struggled to gain significant market traction. This decision follows a period of low sales performance and a production halt last summer, which was attributed to new tariff policies.

Dodge Hornet's Brief Journey Concludes in Italy

In a significant development for the automotive industry, Dodge has ceased manufacturing of its Hornet SUV. The vehicle, which made its debut in August 2022, was a compact crossover designed to enter a highly competitive segment. Produced in Italy alongside its platform-mate, the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Hornet was equipped with a choice of powertrains: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 265 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, or a 1.3-liter hybrid four-cylinder variant generating 285 horsepower and 383 pound-feet. Despite these offerings, the Hornet's sales performance remained modest throughout its short lifespan. In 2023, Dodge sold 9,336 units, followed by its strongest year in 2024 with 20,559 units, and 9,365 units in 2025. Cumulatively, fewer than 40,000 Hornets were sold in the U.S. market since its launch. This figure pales in comparison to rivals, with Toyota selling approximately twelve times as many RAV4s in 2025 alone. The production was initially paused in July of the previous year in response to evolving tariff environments, raising questions about its continuity. While Dodge has confirmed the discontinuation of the Hornet, Stellantis, its parent company, stated that customer support, service, warranty coverage, and parts supply for existing Hornet owners would be maintained. Notably, the Alfa Romeo Tonale, sharing much of its mechanical foundation with the Hornet, is expected to continue its production run.

The discontinuation of the Dodge Hornet highlights the fierce competition and challenging economic factors within the compact SUV market. It serves as a reminder that even with competitive specifications and a recognizable brand name, success is not guaranteed without strong market acceptance and favorable trade policies. For consumers, this situation underscores the importance of a vehicle's long-term market viability and manufacturer commitment, particularly when considering new models in saturated segments. The contrast with the Alfa Romeo Tonale's continued production suggests strategic differentiation within the Stellantis portfolio, where a more premium positioning might offer greater resilience against market pressures and tariffs.