Shelby’s 2026 Super Snake-R debuts with 850+ hp, widebody aero and magnesium wheels, blending daily drivability with track-focused engineering.
Shelby American has introduced the 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R, a widebody, track-focused evolution of Ford’s S650 Mustang Dark Horse that the company says delivers more than 850 horsepower and road-legal usability in one package.
The Super Snake-R (SSR) pairs a Gen 4 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 with a 3.2-liter Whipple supercharger, larger intakes on both sides of the bay and cooling revisions made possible by relocating underhood components. Power is routed through an aluminum driveshaft to 1,000-horsepower-rated axles, with 335-section rear tires and 305s up front mounted on magnesium wheels. Shelby says the wheels cut nearly 37 pounds of rotating mass compared with common alternatives, improving acceleration, braking and transient handling.
Suspension changes include fully adjustable coilovers, race-spec caster-camber plates and spherical bearings in place of factory rubber bushings across the front and rear, moves intended to sharpen response and durability during track use. “We gave you the transmission you’ve been asking for. We gave you all the track options you’ve been looking for,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American’s vice president of operations, describing the SSR as a full transformation rather than a parts package.
Aero components prioritize balance at speed: a larger front splitter works with an extended-pedestal carbon rear wing; an open rear diffuser integrates a differential cooler; and functional aero bars within the side skirts mirror the front-fender duct design. To mitigate paint damage from the widebody’s contact patch, tailored stone guards are fitted. Buyers can select either a bold performance stripe or classic Super Snake livery.
Inside, the rear seat is deleted in favor of a structural harness bar. Alcantara-trimmed front seats, a new shift ball and a serialized CSM dash plaque complete the cabin. Each car is entered into the official Shelby Registry. Shelby says the SSR is intended to be livable on the street while delivering repeatable performance at the track. “Everything has been set up for performance,” LaViolette said. “When you take it to the track, it outperforms everything that’s out there.”
Pricing starts at $224,995, including the base Dark Horse fastback. The car carries a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and will be distributed globally through authorized Shelby dealers.
