Already, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse is no slouch with its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 pushing 500 horsepower. It makes for a serious muscle car that can sprint to 60 mph in about four seconds. But for Shelby American, “serious” isn’t enough. That’s where the new 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R comes in, revealed during Monterey Car Week as the most extreme evolution of the Dark Horse yet.

Under the hood, Ford’s Coyote V8 gains a supercharger, lifting output to over 850 horsepower. That’s 20 more ponies than the current Super Snake and more than enough to make the rear-wheel-drive coupe a ferocious track-day machine. Buyers can pair the engine with either a Tremec six-speed manual for pure driver engagement or a 10-speed automatic for lightning-quick shifts.

The performance upgrades extend far beyond raw power. Fully adjustable coilovers help fine-tune handling, while wider Michelin performance tires improve grip. Lightweight alloy wheels reduce unsprung mass, and two-piece slotted brake rotors bring serious stopping power. A large rear spoiler isn’t just for show—it’s designed to generate real downforce at speed.

Visually, the Super Snake-R stands apart with aggressive front and rear bumper designs, carbon-fiber body panels, and a stance that looks ready to pounce. Shelby offers it in five paint colors: Carbonized Gray Metallic, Grabber Blue Metallic, Oxford White, Race Red, and Shadow Black.

Inside, the cabin receives a track-focused treatment. Shelby-branded bucket seats come trimmed in a mix of Alcantara and leather for grip and comfort, while manual models get a custom billet shift knob. Each car is uniquely serialized, with plaques on the dashboard, floor mats, and sill plates reminding occupants they’re in something rare and special.

Despite its upgrades, the Super Snake-R tips the scales at just 4,004 pounds—only 116 pounds heavier than the standard Dark Horse. With more than 850 horsepower at your disposal, that slight weight gain is unlikely to slow it down.

Pricing starts at $225,995, which includes the base Mustang Dark Horse. While that’s not pocket change, it undercuts Ford’s own Mustang GTD by nearly $100,000, making the Super Snake-R a tempting choice for those who want extreme performance without going the so-called ‘exotic’ path of the GTD.