The Shelby Super Snake-R Is Here… And It Wants To Eat Z06s For Breakfast

Shelby American has just made history with the debut of the 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R, the first “R” model in the iconic Super Snake lineup. Unveiled today at Monterey’s Collector Car Week, this limited-edition performance machine is built for drivers who demand the ultimate in speed, handling, and precision.

With more than 850 horsepower under the hood, aggressive widebody styling, and the most advanced suspension system Shelby has ever put into a street-legal car, the Super Snake-R is the most capable track-focused Shelby Mustang ever to leave the factory.

The First “R” Model in Super Snake History

“The Shelby Super Snake’s roots come from a rich motorsport history as the first Shelby Super Snake in 1967 was built for high speed runs on the racetrack,” said Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American. “However, the ‘R’ model designation has never been applied to a Shelby Super Snake. We can build a small number of the 2026 model car at a much higher level of performance, which earned it the special ‘R’ badge.”

Starting with the already potent 500-horsepower Ford Mustang Dark Horse fastback, Shelby pairs the 5.0L Coyote V8 with a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger to deliver 850+ dependable horsepower. Buyers can choose between a Tremec TR-3160 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring there’s a perfect match for both purists and modern performance fans.

Engineered for the Track

“The 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R was optimized at every level using the best components available to create a dominating track star,” said Gary Patterson, President of Shelby American. “We’re unlocking the reliable 5.0 liter Coyote’s great potential by supercharging it, making well over 850 horsepower in a vehicle effortlessly maintained at any Ford dealership. Serious enthusiasts can drive a powerful sports car that is easy to keep in peak running condition.”

While its raw power grabs attention, the Super Snake-R’s engineering goes far deeper. Shelby equipped it with a fully adjustable coil-over suspension, wider stance, chassis stiffening system, and massive 335/35/20 Michelin tires — all designed to maximize grip, balance, and driver confidence.

Shelby’s Best-Handling Super Snake Ever

“The 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R simply has the best handling prowess that we’ve ever offered in the history of the car,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Vice President of Operations and Senior Designer. “From the fully adjustable coil overs to replacing rubber bushings with metal spherical bearings and a harness strut bar that ties together the rear shock towers, this advanced suspension is very impressive. We tuck everything underneath a gorgeous wide body package that allows us to fit massive tires on the car to maximize traction.”

According to LaViolette, “The new suspension is a real game changer. The R is far more solid, more connected and more poised than any other Super Snake we’ve built. And it is so adjustable that an experienced driver can easily tailor it to their taste. If you are ready to be a track king, your car has arrived.”

Lightweight, Powerful, and Aggressive

Even with all the performance upgrades, the Super Snake-R weighs only 4,004 pounds, just 116 more than the Mustang Dark Horse it’s based on. That’s thanks to Shelby’s liberal use of carbon fiber and lightweight magnesium alloy throughout the build.

“We were obsessive in our efforts to reduce weight and improve the car’s balance,” said LaViolette. “From our proprietary hood to the splitter and other key components, we used carbon fiber components to minimize weight and redirect the wind for better cooling. The power to weight ratio of the Shelby Super Snake-R is staggering.”

A bold optional graphics package is also available for those who want the car’s appearance to be just as commanding as its performance.

Limited Production and Collector Appeal

“We carefully listened to our customers, who asked us for an R version of the Super Snake with greater capabilities, and delivered using proven components like the 5.0 V8,” said Patterson. “The 2026 widebody R is the most aggressive Shelby Super Snake ever offered.”

Starting at $224,995 (including the base Mustang Dark Horse), the Shelby Super Snake-R will be produced in very limited numbers. Each will be recorded in the official Shelby Registry and comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, along with Ford’s powertrain coverage.

Only a select number will be built in the US, with a handful possible through international Shelby mod shops.

What do you think of the Shelby Super Snake-R?