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Ever since the seventh-generation Ford Mustang was launched, the carmaker has been steadily broadening its line-up of performance-focused pony cars. The circuit-oriented Dark Horse set things rolling for the 2024 model year, and the supercharged Dark Horse SC version followed in January this year. Now, on Friday, just ahead of this weekend’s Woodward Dream Cruise, Ford has revealed the all-new Dark Horse SC Convertible.

The Dark Horse SC Convertible is pretty much exactly what its name implies: a 5.2-litre Predator V-8-powered Mustang with no roof to mute that exhaust soundtrack. This launch also marks the first time since the S197.2-generation Shelby GT500 that Ford has offered one of its flagship Mustangs in open-top form, which is certainly a noteworthy moment. Crucially, the Dark Horse SC Convertible keeps the same full-strength 795 horsepower and 660 pound-foot output as the coupe. The downside is that a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic continues as the only transmission choice.

The Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible uses a chassis taken directly from the Mustang GT convertibles, although a new magnesium strut tower brace has been added to bring a bit more rigidity into the package. Beyond that, the Dark Horse SC Convertible is largely the same as its coupe counterpart. Both models share all of the suspension hardware, but the convertible gets model-specific tuning revisions intended to make the driving experience softer. Ford is not positioning this version as a track-focused weapon. Instead, the company says its engineers have developed it as the “ultimate top-down grand touring machine.”

“If the coupe is the race-bred side of our DNA, this convertible is the pure street cred part of the formula,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Racing. “It's just pure fun, fast, freedom.”

Ford has not disclosed exactly how much softer the suspension setup is in the convertible, but the difference is expected to be noticeable. In addition, buyers will not be able to choose the carbon wheels or carbon ceramic brakes offered on the coupe, as those items are not considered necessary for the role this model is meant to play.

The only other major change resulting from the removal of the roof is found in the aerodynamic package, which has been slightly revised because of the different balance created by the open-top layout. These updates include a new trailing edge at the rear of the bonnet scoop, along with a slightly altered rear wing design to suit the convertible decklid. Ford did confirm, however, that the profile of the wing surface itself remains unchanged.

The manufacturer also made it clear that it views the SC models as genuinely premium offerings, with the intention of taking on the best from Europe. During the briefing on the car, the Porsche 911 was even mentioned. That said, there is no confirmation on whether Ford’s engineers have actually spent time with the rear-engined model from Zuffenhausen.

What is confirmed is that the car will open for orders this autumn, although Ford is still not ready to announce pricing for the new Mustang. Even so, the coupe starts at around $108,000, so the convertible is expected to begin above that figure. It also does not appear likely to cross the $140,000 mark as easily as the coupe can when fitted with all of the track-focused options. Ford believes this machine can lure customers away from premium European convertibles, though it remains to be seen how persuasive it will be for buyers considering a 911 Carrera Cabriolet.