Shelby American has unleashed its most track-focused Mustang ever, introducing the 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R during Monterey Car Week. This limited-edition widebody sports car, based on the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, packs 850+ horsepower, a sophisticated coil-over independent suspension, carbon fiber aero components, and a host of performance upgrades designed for one thing: absolute dominance on the circuit.
“The Shelby Super Snake’s roots come from a rich motorsport history as the first Shelby Super Snake in 1967 was built for high-speed runs on the racetrack,” said Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American. “However, the ‘R’ model designation has never been applied to a Shelby Super Snake. We can build a small number of the 2026 model car at a much higher level of performance, which earned it the special ‘R’ badge.”
Starting with the 500-horsepower Ford Mustang Dark Horse fastback, Shelby supercharges the 5.0-liter Coyote V8, unlocking 850+ dependable horsepower. Buyers can choose between a Tremec TR-3160 six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission.
“The 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R was optimized at every level using the best components available to create a dominating track star,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “We’re unlocking the reliable 5.0-liter Coyote’s great potential by supercharging it… Serious enthusiasts can drive a powerful sports car that is easy to keep in peak running condition.”
Key highlights include a widened stance, Shelby-specific chassis stiffening, metal spherical suspension bushings, a harness strut bar, and massive 335-section Michelin tires tucked under sculpted metallic widebody fenders. Carbon fiber and lightweight magnesium alloys are used extensively to keep weight to just 4,004 pounds – only 116 more than the base Dark Horse – despite 40% more power.
“The new suspension is a real game changer,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American vice president of operations and senior designer. “If you are ready to be a track king, your car has arrived.”
Priced from $224,995, including the base Mustang Dark Horse, the Shelby Super Snake-R will be offered through Shelby-authorized distributors in the U.S., with select international availability.
With its staggering power-to-weight ratio, aggressive widebody design, and uncompromising suspension tuning, the 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R signals Shelby American’s boldest intention yet: to redefine what a modern track-ready muscle car can be.
Source: Shelby American