Ford Performance Vehicles: The Legacy of Blue Oval Excellence

When you hear the name Ford, you think of more than just vehicles. You think of racing victories at Le Mans. You remember the roar of Mustangs tearing down drag strips. You picture the dust clouds behind Raptors flying through desert terrain. For over a century, Ford has created some of the most thrilling vehicles on roads and racetracks worldwide.

The 2025 lineup brings this racing DNA directly to your driveway. Today, we take a look at these elite cars and trucks—performance machines engineered by people who love driving as much as you do.

What Makes a Ford Performance Vehicles?

A Ford Performance vehicle stands apart from standard models. The differences start under the hood with engines designed for power and excitement. Ford engineers tune these powertrains to deliver thrilling acceleration that pushes you back in your seat.

Horsepower tells only part of the story. These vehicles feature precision-tuned suspensions that keep you connected to the road. The steering responds instantly to your commands. The brakes slow you down with confidence. Everything works together to create a driving experience that makes you smile every time.

Let's take a closer look at these individual components:

• Engine: Ford's EcoBoost technology represents modern performance engineering at its best. There are also stronger options, such as the Coyote. These engines use turbocharging and direct injection to create impressive power.
• Sport-Tuned Suspensions: Transform how these vehicles handle curves and corners. Special shock absorbers, stiffer springs, and enhanced stabilizer bars keep the vehicle planted.
• Performance-grade brakes: When driving at high speeds, you need top-notch brakes to bring everything to a stop safely.

The design of these vehicles is stylish, no doubt, but it also brings function. The wider tires provide better grip, and the aerodynamic shapes help with stability at speed. You may also find special cooling systems like oil coolers, enlarged radiators, and performance-tuned fan systems.

Ford Peformance Lineup Overview

If you have your heart set on a Ford performance vehicle, the next step becomes deciding which one is right for you. Thankfully, there are plenty of options that vary in terms of body type and specs.

Here are the main models you can expect to find at our Ford dealership in Junction City, KS.

Mustang Performance Models

Raptor Trucks and SUVs

ST Trims

We begin with the first model that probably pops into your mind when you think of a Ford Performance vehicle. By now, most people on Earth know about the iconic Ford Mustang and what it represents. As the poster child for pony cars, the Ford Mustang is the heart of Ford Performance.

GT The Ford Mustang GT brings V8 power that sounds amazing and moves the car with authority. With a 5.0L Ti-VCT engine under the hood, it produces 480 hp paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and five selectable drive modes. What's unique about this performance model is that it can actually be a convertible vehicle. So, not only are you zooming down the race track, you're doing it with your hair in the wind.	Dark Horse Then, we have the Dark Horse edition, a higher trim level of the Mustang. It brings the most powerful naturally aspirated modified 5.0L V8 ever in a Mustang coupe. The 5.0L Coyote V8 commands 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque to go from 0-60 in as little as 3.7 seconds. It also adds track-ready components and distinctive styling.	GTD Finally, the first-ever Mustang GTD is what Ford calls "barely street-legal." This track-ready monster brings 815 horsepower to the table and has a top speed of 202 mph. It completed a lap of the grueling Nürburgring in 6 minutes and 52.072 seconds, a testament to its capabilities. With its 5.2L V8 and 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, this is the fastest non-track model of the lineup.

Performance doesn't always necessarily mean speed. Sometimes, brute strength may be what you need. If you're after a vehicle that not only moves fast but also has off-roading and towing capabilities, look no further than the Ford Raptor. Here is where the "Built Ford Tough" motto really comes into play.

F-150 As the best-selling pickup truck in North America, it's no surprise that the Ford F-150 Raptor makes this list. The legendary workhorse is powered by a high-output version of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. However, those who want peak performance can opt for the F-150 Raptor R. With a 5.2L Supercharged V8 and 37-inch All-Terrain Tires, it uses 720 horsepower to tackle any obstacle you throw at it.	Ranger The new Ranger Raptor brings capabilities similar to those of the mid-size truck segment. Its smaller reinforced frame handles jumps and rough terrain with ease. The specialized off-road Fox Live Valve Shocks and 10.7 inches of ground clearance mean you can take this truck anywhere you'd like. The Ranger Raptor 3L EcoBoost V6 gives you 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.	Bronco The Ford Bronco at Valor takes the SUV concept and flips it on its head to create a complete adventure package. Removable doors and roof, a high-tech interior, and all-terrain tires make this Raptor Bronco perfect for adventure. It's also one of the more stylish performance vehicles, with the option of choosing the Code Orange appearance package. Besides the exterior color changes, you'll find Code Orange seatbelts and Blue/Black Onyx upholstery inside the cabin.	Mach-E While not officially listed in the Performance Vehicles section of Ford's website, we'd be remiss not to include the new Mach-E. This all-electric SUV is not only a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick, but it also has the power to rival some supercars. The Rally trim level delivers 700 lb-ft of torque and 480 horsepower for a 0-60 time of only 3.4 seconds. That Mach-E GT does 600 lb-ft of torque and 480 horsepower for 0.4 seconds more on the 0-60.

Ford's ST models add performance to practical vehicles. These aren't compromises—they're vehicles that excel at daily driving and often come with a more attractive price tag. This year's ST model comes from the Ford Explorer. It delivers 400 hp through a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine and has a sports-tuned suspension for those off-road drives. It also makes a style statement with Red-Painted Performance brake calipers. Underneath all that power lies a traditional family SUV with features such as Tri-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control. The massive 12.3-inch infotainment screen works in tandem with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with a subwoofer.

Track Models

These models are reserved for the most dedicated driving enthusiasts. They are not bogged down by street-legal regulations and are free to push the envelope on what's possible. In effect, they are track-ready vehicles that can shave an impressive amount of time off your laps.

Dark Horse R GT3 GT4 GT Mk IV

	In the same family as the Dark Horse we saw earlier, the Mustang Dark Horse R is the official race car of the 2024 Mustang Challenge. Though it shares an engine with the other Dark Horse, upgrades like the Borla Racing Exhaust System improve its performance. It also comes with a RECARO FIA racing seat, 18-inch slick race tires, and Brembo front and rear brakes.

	Ford's Motorsport division developed a Coyote 5.4L naturally aspirated V8 especially for this vehicle. The Carbon Fiber Body Panels and unique Aero Package make sure that drag is reduced to a minimum. And the bespoke Short-Long Arm Suspension provides incredible control through corners.

	The Mustang GT4 continues Ford's racing legacy, designed for GT4 class racing worldwide. Based on the Dark Horse couple platform, the GT4 features Multimatic DSSV Dampers and Natural Fiber Body Panels. It also has paddle shifters with pneumatic actuators.

	This model looks more like an F1 car than a Mustang, a nod to the Le Mans winner back in 1967. In fact, only 67 of them were built, making the Mk IV an extremely rare find. The twin-turbo Ford EcoBoost engine under the hood pushes more than 800 horsepower. It also features Multimatic's Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) race suspension.

Benefits of Owning a Ford Performance Vehicle

There are many reasons one might want to drive off in a Ford Performance vehicle. The most obvious is that it delivers excitement every day.

With included perks like the FordPass app, your smartphone connects you directly with your vehicle. You can remotely start the engine, lock or unlock doors, and check fuel levels from your phone. Performance models include additional features like track apps that record acceleration times and G-forces.	These vehicles also maintain higher resale values than standard models. The specialized components and limited production numbers make them more desirable in the used market. Your investment holds its value better over time.	Finally, you get to join a community of like-minded individuals. For instance, Ford Performance offers exclusive driving schools for owners. These programs teach you how to safely enjoy your vehicle's capabilities with professional instruction at world-class facilities. The Ford Performance Club Connect program links you with other enthusiasts. Local chapters organize drives, car shows, and track days.

Why Buy At Valor Auto Group?

By now, you're probably searching for "Ford dealerships near me" to get your hands on one of these coveted Ford performance vehicles. At Valor Auto Group near Salina, we maintain an extensive inventory of Ford Performance vehicles.

We also have a certified Ford service department, so you can easily get an oil change in Junction City. Plus, our finance department can help you find the best rates to lease or buy. Whether you're looking for something new or one of our Junction City used cars, we'll make it fit your budget. Our selection of used trucks for sale is unmatched.

Being located near Manhattan means we understand the community. We speak your language and share your passion for exceptional Ford vehicles.

Experience the Ford Performance Difference Today

Ford Performance vehicles deliver excitement you can feel. They transform ordinary drives into lifelong experiences. Visit Valor Auto Group today to experience these remarkable vehicles for yourself. We are among the top-rated car dealerships in Junction City, KS.

The perfect Ford Performance vehicle is waiting for you. Come test drive one today to discover which one belongs in your garage.