Shelby American has introduced its most potent track-focused Mustang to date, the 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R. This limited-edition vehicle, designed for serious performance enthusiasts, was revealed following an exclusive look at its build facility in Las Vegas, showcasing the meticulous process behind its creation.

Shelby’s legacy includes a range of performance vehicles, from the GT350 and GT350R to the Super Snake, each offering increased capabilities over Ford's factory models. However, customer demand for even more razor-sharp handling and extreme performance led to the development of the 'R' model designation, a first for the Super Snake line. According to Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American, the 'R' badge signifies a much higher level of performance, harking back to the original 1967 Super Snake built for high-speed track runs. Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American, affirmed that the 2026 Super Snake-R was optimized at every level using the best available components to create a dominating track star.

Based on the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, the Super Snake-R leverages the robust capabilities of its platform, including the excellent Tremec TR-3160 six-speed manual transmission. Shelby's enhancements take the handling and power to unprecedented levels. Key upgrades include a new coil-over independent suspension, a widened stance, larger tires, a comprehensive suite of aerodynamic carbon fiber parts, and significant cooling system improvements. Powering the Super Snake-R is the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engine from the Mustang Dark Horse, now fitted with a supercharger that boosts output to over 850 horsepower on 93-octane fuel. This immense power can be channeled through either the six-speed Tremec manual or Ford's 10-speed automatic gearbox. All Super Snake-R models are offered exclusively as coupes.

A critical innovation in the Super Snake-R's chassis is the adoption of spherical bushings at all suspension points. Unlike traditional rubber or polyurethane, metal spherical bushings offer zero deflection, delivering world-class handling performance typically seen in racing applications. Further enhancing chassis stiffness are urethane cradle mounts and a harness bar system that ties the cradle mounting points together, incorporating integrated jack lifting points. The vehicle also features a strut bar, fully adjustable coil-overs, and massive one-piece forged magnesium wheels measuring 20x11 inches in the front and 20x13 inches in the rear, wrapped in Michelin tires. Front fenders are crafted from lightweight carbon fiber, while the rear widebody quarters are metal. Vince LaViolette, Shelby American vice president of operations and senior designer, hailed the new suspension as a