This is a Ford F-150 with manufacturer plates and a Dark Horse badge on the tailgate. Normally, we may let an image like this go without much discussion. However, this is a Ford manufacturer vehicle that is driving near the Ford world-wide headquarters with a throaty V8 growl and a Dark Horse badge that normally belongs on a performance version of a Ford Mustang GT? Is this for real or is it a cruel joke? Let’s dig in!
Ford currently sells a desirable Mustang Dark Horse. It has modified version of the gen-4 5.0L Coyote V8 that produces 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. This is 100 horsepower per liter of displacement from a naturally aspirated V8 engine. This engine can be had with either a TREMEC 6-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Would it make sense for Ford to produce and sell a street-focused high-performance F-150 Dark Horse? Let us know what you think in the comment section below. We always read it.
Yes, it would make sense. There are rumors of Ford producing a Raptor version of the Ford Mustang. Why not go the other way and make a high-performance street truck with a powerful V8 engine?
Take a look at these images that TFLtruck viewer captured near Detroit, Michigan today. Big thanks to Frank C. for sending these to us.
Something does not make sense here. This Ford F-150 is a 2021-2023 model (judging by the tail lamps). It has a dual exhaust system and a rear hitch / recovery points from an F-150 Tremor off-road truck. It has a 4×4 ride height and a FX4 off-road model decal on the side.
Frank tells us that this manufacturer-plated F-150 had a healthy V8 growl that may have been louder than a standard production F-150 V8. The current 2025 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 produces 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Providing this engine with a performance air intake, performance exhaust, and a new calibration could increase its power to 420 hp or so. What if you also gave it a 1.5/2.5-inch suspension lowering kit and kept the 4-Auto/4×4 transfer case? Would you buy an F-150 Dark Horse?
The license plate on this truck ends in a “666”, so it may just be a devilish cruel joke.
Here is a close look at the new 2024 Ford F-150 lineup.
