Ford's Muscle Car, the Shelby Super Snake-R, Cranks Up the Handling Performance of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse to Previously Unseen Heights
The 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R is a limited-edition muscle car that promises to deliver exceptional performance on the track. Built on the Ford Mustang Dark Horse platform, this vehicle boasts over 850 horsepower, making it a force to be reckoned with.
Key Upgrades and Specifications
The Super Snake-R's powertrain is powered by a supercharged 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote V8 engine, paired with either a Tremec TR-3160 manual 6-speed or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine is boosted by a Shelby/Whipple supercharger, and the exhaust system is a cat-back exhaust by Shelby/Borla, ensuring both power and an aggressive sound.
The chassis and suspension have been significantly upgraded with a fully adjustable coil-over independent suspension, metal spherical suspension bearings, and a rear harness strut bar. These features aim to enhance rigidity and handling precision. The vehicle also boasts two-piece slotted brake rotors and lightweight forged magnesium wheels: 20x11 inches front, 20x13 inches rear, with massive 335 mm wide rear Michelin performance tires.
To minimise weight and improve cooling and aerodynamic efficiency, the Super Snake-R features extensive use of carbon fiber components, including the front splitter, widebody fenders, hood extractors, side rocker panels, rear pedestal wing, lower rear diffuser, and brake ducts. This results in a total curb weight of around 4,004 lbs, only 116 pounds heavier than the factory Dark Horse despite the power and widebody upgrades.
The cooling system has been upgraded with a performance radiator and heat exchanger to ensure consistent cooling during extended track runs. Other enhancements include hardened wheel studs and axles to handle power beyond 1,000 HP levels, ensuring durability and reliability on track.
Design and Interior
The Super Snake-R's design is aggressive and track-focused, with wide metallic fenders that enhance the stance and stability at speed. The interior features a Shelby-spec upgrade, including a rear seat delete, full leather and Alcantara upholstery, embroidered floor mats, a Shelby billet shifter ball, and serialized plaques for exclusivity.
Availability and Pricing
The Super Snake-R is intended for "track kings," with only 100 units produced. It will be offered through Shelby's authorized distributors and will carry a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, with the Ford powertrain warranty staying intact. The vehicle will start at around $224,995, including the base Mustang Dark Horse.
An invitation has been received to pilot the 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R around a track to test its performance. With its dominating track-focused design, superior handling dynamics, and excellent power-to-weight ratio, the Super Snake-R is set to become a dominating force on the track.
[1] Shelby American Official Website [2] Ford Mustang Dark Horse Official Website [3] Shelby Super Snake-R Press Release [4] Hemmings Shelby Super Snake-R Article [5] Motor Trend Shelby Super Snake-R Article
- With over 850 horsepower, the 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R, a limited-edition muscle car, boasts a supercharged 5.0L engine paired with either a manual or automatic transmission.
- The Super Snake-R's powertrain is bolstered by a Shelby/Whipple supercharger and a Shelby/Borla cat-back exhaust, guaranteeing both power and an aggressive sound.
- The vehicle's chassis and suspension have been upgraded for enhanced rigidity and handling precision, featuring components like adjustable coil-overs and metal spherical suspension bearings.
- The Super Snake-R's braking system includes two-piece slotted brake rotors and lightweight forged magnesium wheels, providing superior stopping power.
- To reduce weight and improve aerodynamic efficiency, carbon fiber components are extensively used in the Super Snake-R's design, resulting in a streamlined and lightweight vehicle.
- The cooling system has been upgraded with a performance radiator and heat exchanger to ensure cooling consistency during extended track runs.
- The Super Snake-R's design is aggressive and track-focused, showcasing wide metallic fenders and a Shelby-spec interior with upholstery, a billet shifter ball, and serialized plaques for exclusivity.
- Only 100 units of the Super Snake-R will be produced, making it an exclusive offering for track enthusiasts.
- Priced around $224,995, the Super Snake-R will carry a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and come with the Ford powertrain warranty intact.
- In a review by Motor Trend, automotive experts compare the Super Snake-R's performance to other EVs and conventional sports cars, highlighting its unique blend of power, handling, and design.
- Modern gadgets and smartphone integration, such as hanging smartphones and a wireless charging dock, have been integrated into the Super Snake-R's interior, catering to the tech-savvy driver.
- When maintaining your Super Snake-R, it's essential to consult the car-maintenance guidelines provided by Shelby American to ensure the vehicle remains in peak condition for optimal performance on the track and on the street.
