Shelby Super Snake-R: Track Royalty, Reborn

If you thought the Shelby Super Snake had already reached its evolutionary peak, it’s time to realign your expectations. Shelby American has just unveiled its most ferocious creation yet: the Super Snake-R. This isn’t just another Mustang-based speed machine. It’s a purpose-built track weapon, engineered with obsessive focus on performance, balance, and unrelenting grip.

Making its debut at Monterey Car Week in California, the Super Snake-R was introduced as the most aggressive sports car in Shelby’s storied history. While it shares its platform with the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, the similarities all but end there. This model was conceived with one thing in mind—domination on the track—featuring a host of specialized upgrades that take it far beyond any previous Shelby road car.

At its core lies a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, paired with a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger. In collaboration with BlueTech Global, this powertrain has been tuned to produce more than 850 horsepower. That’s not just more than the standard Super Snake—it’s also significantly quicker to respond and dramatically sharper through corners.

Transmission options include a six-speed Tremec TR-3160 manual or a ten-speed automatic, both capable of translating all that raw power into precision on the asphalt. The fully adjustable suspension has been custom-tuned to deliver a firmer, yet balanced ride. Aerodynamic enhancements—from new side skirts and a larger rear wing to lighter body panels—serve one purpose: high-speed stability.

The wheels are forged from a single piece of magnesium, 20 inches in diameter and wrapped in wide 335 mm Michelin rubber. Behind them lurk high-performance braking systems that can bring this beast to a stop with composure and confidence. Carbon fiber body elements, an aluminum hood, and other lightweight materials help rein in the mass, though the final weight still tips the scales at 1,816 kilograms.

Inside, the purpose-driven philosophy continues. There’s no rear seat. Everything is trimmed for function. Seats embroidered with Super Snake-R logos, an Alcantara-heavy finish, stitched floor mats, and a bespoke shift knob create an ambiance of refined aggression. From every angle, this cabin exudes unwavering intent.

Shelby’s design chief Vince LaViolette called the development of the new suspension a breakthrough moment. He claims it’s the strongest and most balanced system ever fitted to a Super Snake, and that the entire car was engineered with weight reduction and ideal equilibrium at the forefront.

Ultimately, the Shelby Super Snake-R wasn’t built just to go fast. It was built to rule the circuit. This is a car that doesn’t ask for attention—it demands it. And once you're behind the wheel, there’s no mistaking it for anything but a true Shelby.