Shelby American Debuts 2026 Super Snake-R: A Widebody Track Weapon with 850+ Horsepower
Monterey, Calif. – August 13, 2026 — In a bold return to its racing roots, Shelby American has officially revealed the 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R — a widebody, track-focused evolution of the iconic muscle car, based on the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Introduced during Collector Car Week in Monterey, the Super Snake-R is a limited-production model boasting more than 850 horsepower, a purpose-built suspension system, and aggressive aerodynamic styling aimed squarely at performance enthusiasts.
For the first time in its history, the “Super Snake” receives the coveted “R” designation, marking a new chapter for the storied nameplate. According to company officials, the new R model is engineered to deliver race-ready dynamics while remaining serviceable through any Ford dealership.
“The original Super Snake was born for the track back in 1967,” said Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American. “This new R model builds on that legacy with a focus on maximum performance and modern reliability.”
Starting with Ford’s 500-horsepower Mustang Dark Horse, Shelby adds a supercharger to the 5.0L Coyote V8, boosting output to over 850 horsepower. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed Tremec manual gearbox or a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Shelby American President Gary Patterson emphasized the car’s real-world usability. “With this much power and performance, you might expect it to be temperamental,” Patterson said. “But we’ve created a high-performance machine that’s still easy to maintain — perfect for the serious driver who doesn’t want to compromise.”
Beyond sheer power, the Super Snake-R is distinguished by a host of chassis and aerodynamic upgrades. These include a fully adjustable coil-over independent suspension, Shelby-specific chassis bracing, metal spherical suspension bearings, and a strut bar that reinforces the rear shock towers. The car also features a dramatic widebody design that accommodates massive 335-section Michelin tires in the rear.
Vince LaViolette, Shelby American’s Vice President of Operations, called the R model “the best-handling Super Snake in history.”
“The improvements to suspension and grip are game-changing,” LaViolette said. “This is a car you can tailor to your own driving style — whether you’re gunning for lap records or just enjoying spirited weekend runs.”
Despite its wide fenders, track-grade cooling, carbon fiber aero components, and larger wheels and tires, the Super Snake-R remains surprisingly light. At 4,004 pounds, it weighs just 116 pounds more than the standard Mustang Dark Horse, thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber and lightweight magnesium alloy.
Design-wise, the Super Snake-R features flowing bodywork, a proprietary Shelby hood, and a bold optional graphics package for those who want to stand out even more at the track.
Shelby American will build the Super Snake-R in limited numbers, with pricing starting at $224,995 — including the cost of the donor Mustang. The cars will be available through Shelby’s authorized U.S. distributors, with select international mod shops also offering conversions. Every Super Snake-R will be recorded in the official Shelby Registry and covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, while the Ford powertrain warranty remains intact.
As Shelby’s third model built on the S650 Mustang platform, the Super Snake-R is a culmination of two years of development. The result is a street-legal track machine that combines brute force, finesse, and Shelby’s unmistakable design DNA.
“With the 2026 Super Snake-R, we’ve created the most aggressive and capable version of this car yet,” Patterson said. “It’s everything our enthusiasts have been asking for — and more.”
