Shelby American has officially unveiled its most potent track-focused Mustang to date, the 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R. This highly anticipated model was developed in response to customer demand for even greater performance and razor-sharp handling beyond what Ford offers or what the Shelby GT350 and GT350R provide. MotorTrend was granted an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous build process of this track-ready beast at Shelby’s Las Vegas facility.

The ‘R’ designation, a first for a Shelby Super Snake, signifies a vehicle built to an even higher echelon of performance, reflecting the original 1967 Super Snake’s legacy as a high-speed track machine. The 2026 Super Snake-R is a limited edition model, meticulously based on the formidable Ford Mustang Dark Horse platform. This foundation already provides excellent capabilities, including the robust Tremec TR-3160 six-speed manual transmission, but Shelby sought to elevate both handling and power to unprecedented levels.

Under the hood, the Mustang Dark Horse’s 500-horsepower 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engine receives a significant upgrade with a supercharger, boosting its output to over 850 horsepower when running on 93-octane fuel. This immense power can be channeled through either the six-speed Tremec manual gearbox or Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission. All Super Snake-R models are offered exclusively as coupes, emphasizing their track-focused design.

To create a dominating track star, the Super Snake-R incorporates a comprehensive suite of enhancements. A new coil-over independent suspension system, widened stance, and larger tires are fundamental. A key innovation is the adoption of spherical bushings at all suspension points, providing zero deflection—a technology typically seen in racing for world-class handling. Further chassis stiffness is achieved through urethane cradle mounts and a harness bar system that interconnects the cradle mounting points, incorporating integrated jack lifting points. The suspension also features fully adjustable coil-overs, a strut bar, front and rear sway bars, and caster camber plates.

The vehicle rides on massive 20x11-inch front and 20x13-inch rear one-piece forged magnesium wheels, wrapped in Michelin tires, with 13-inch wide rear tires. Braking performance is enhanced with lighter components and two-piece slotted brake rotors. Aerodynamic improvements are extensive, utilizing carbon fiber for the hood (with hood pins, rain trays, and extractors), a larger front splitter with aluminum supports, splitter wickers, side rocker assembly with carbon fiber wickers, a ducktail spoiler, a substantial Super Snake rear wing, and a rear lower diffuser. Metallic front and rear wide body panels are incorporated, with carbon fiber front fenders and metal rear widebody quarters.

To manage the increased power, the Super Snake-R includes a Shelby extreme cooling system with a larger volume radiator and heat exchanger, alongside a Shelby by Borla cat-back exhaust system for optimal noise and performance. Interior upgrades feature a Shelby-spec treatment, embroidered floor mats, optional puddle lamps, full leather embroidered seat covers, a Shelby billet shifter ball for manual models, push-button start, Super Snake door sill plates, and serialized dash and engine plaques. The rear seats are deleted to save weight, and the engine bay is adorned with an engine cap set and a carbon fiber radiator cover.

Despite the addition of a heavy supercharger system, harness bar, and reworked suspension, Shelby's meticulous weight-saving measures—including extensive use of carbon fiber for key aerodynamic components—result in a vehicle weighing only 4,004 pounds, a mere 79 pounds more than the lightest Ford Mustang Dark Horse weighed. Shelby American president Gary Patterson emphasized that the Super Snake-R unlocks the reliable 5.0-liter Coyote’s potential, making it a powerful sports car that is easily maintained at any Ford dealership. According to Vince LaViolette, Shelby American vice president of operations and senior designer, the new suspension is a