Super Snake R, Limited Edition Shelby with 850 Horsepower

Shelby Super Snake-R. (Photo: Shelby)

JAKARTA - Founded by Carroll Shelby on August 17, 1962, in Venice, California, Shelby American initially focused on developing sports cars by combining European chassis with American V8 engines, resulting in legendary icons like the AC Cobra.

Shelby American is also known for its collaboration with Ford, producing cars like the Shelby Mustang GT350 and GT500, and playing a key role in the development of the Ford GT40, which won the 1966 Le Mans race.

Now, at the ongoing Monterey Car Week in the United States, Shelby American is once again cementing its place as an American muscle car legend with the launch of the new Shelby Super Snake-R.

Based on the manufacturer's website and a CarBuzz report on Thursday, August 14, this limited-edition widebody sports car is built on the Ford Mustang Dark Horse platform and produces over 850 hp thanks to a supercharged 5.0L V8 engine, mated to a Tremec TR-3160 6-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic.

Designed for true performance enthusiasts, the Super Snake R features a fully adjustable coil-over suspension, metal spherical bearings, and a rear harness strut bar for unmatched handling precision.

Its appearance is further enhanced by metallic-painted widebody fenders, massive tires, and a series of carbon fiber body components, including a large front splitter, pedestal rear wing, and an aggressive rear diffuser. Shelby American's engineering team crafted balanced performance by combining lightweight magnesium alloy wheels with Shelby-exclusive carbon fiber elements.

The result is a car that is not only incredibly fast, but also stable and fully adaptable to a variety of track conditions. Inside, signature Shelby touches include a rear seat delete, serial number plates, and luxurious finishes that demonstrate Shelby's commitment to performance, heritage, and world-class craftsmanship.

Visually, the Super Snake-R is instantly recognizable by its aggressive wide-body design, with flared front fenders, a new front splitter, and a hydraulically controlled active rear wing. Shelby used carbon fiber throughout the bodywork to reduce weight, although the car still weighs approximately 1,816 kg.

With a starting price of US$224,995 (equivalent to IDR 3.6 billion), the Super Snake-R positions itself as a serious competitor to premium sports cars like the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X and Porsche 911 GT3.

Production of the Super Snake-R will be strictly limited, with sales set to begin next year. This 2026 model also marks the first time an 'R' variant of the Super Snake has been produced since the name was introduced in 1967. A fitting tribute to a car that promises an exceptional track driving experience.