Shelby American has unleashed its most potent track-focused Mustang to date, the 2026Shelby Super Snake-R.Developed to satisfy customers demanding even greater, razor-sharp handling and power, this limited-edition model builds upon the formidable Ford Mustang Dark Horse platform, taking its capabilities to unprecedented levels. The "R" designation, a first for aShelby Super Snake, signifies a higher echelon of performance.

Under the hood, the Mustang Dark Horse's 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engine receives a significant upgrade. It's fitted with a supercharger that boosts output to an astonishing 850+ horsepower when running on 93-octane fuel. This immense power can be channeled through either the excellent Tremec TR-3160 six-speed manual transmission or Ford's 10-speed automatic, with all models exclusively available as coupes. Shelby American emphasizes the engine's reliable potential, ensuring it remains easily maintainable at any Ford dealership.

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The Super Snake-R's chassis and handling have been meticulously re-engineered for dominating track performance. It features a new coil-over independent suspension system and a widened stance. A key innovation is the adoption of spherical bushings at all suspension points, providing zero deflection for world-class handling, a technology commonly seen in racing. Further chassis stiffness is achieved through urethane cradle mounts and a harness bar system that ties the cradle mounting points together, incorporating integrated jack lifting points. Other suspension enhancements include fully adjustable coil-overs, a strut bar, and front and rear sway bars with caster camber plates.

Weight saving was paramount in the Super Snake-R's development, especially given the addition of heavier components like the supercharger and reinforced suspension. Extensive use of carbon fiber is evident throughout, including the hood, front splitter, side rocker assembly with wickers, larger carbon fiber grilles, and front and rear rocker wings. Aerodynamic elements also include a carbon fiber ducktail spoiler, a massive carbon fiber Super Snake rear wing, and a carbon fiber rear lower diffuser. Despite adding approximately 40 percent more power and a highly advanced suspension, the Super Snake-R manages to weigh 4,004 pounds, only 79 pounds more than the lightest Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

The car rides on massive 20x11-inch front and 20x13-inch rear one-piece forged magnesium wheels, wrapped in specialized Michelin tires. Braking performance is enhanced with two-piece slotted brake rotors and carbon fiber brake ducts. Additional performance features include a Shelby extreme cooling system with a larger volume radiator and heat exchanger, a Shelby by Borla cat-back exhaust system for maximum noise, performance half shafts, a short-throw shifter, and a one-piece drive shaft (for manual models), along with hardened extended wheel studs.

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Inside, the Super Snake-R boasts a Shelby-spec interior upgrade, complete with embroidered floor mats, full leather embroidered seat covers, a Shelby billet shifter ball (for manual variants), and unique push-button start. The rear seats are deleted for weight savings and track focus. Each vehicle features serialized dash and engine plaques, Super Snake door sill plates, and an engine cap set. Exterior styling is completed with an aluminum vented hood with hood pins and carbon fiber hood extractors, metallic front and rear wide body panels, wide body front fascia, deep tinted windows, and Super Snake R stripes and badges.

The 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R will start at $224,995, a price that includes the underlying Ford Mustang Dark Horse. It will be offered through Shelby’s authorized distributors and comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, with the Ford powertrain warranty remaining intact. This limited-edition machine is designed for serious performance enthusiasts, promising unparalleled track capability and a driving experience tailored for ultimate control and power.