2025 Shelby Super Snake Review: Is This 830-HP Mustang the Ultimate Performance Car?

This should come as no surprise—Shelby American is turning America’s last standing V-8 powered pony car into its latest Super Snake model by combining supercharged power with a refined appearance. The specialty vehicle manufacturer unveiled its latest creation during Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach auction. The 830-hp 2024 Shelby Super Snake is the kind of thing we’ve come to expect from Mustang’s longtime ally and performance partner. Production is planned for midsummer 2024 and the Super Snake can be purchased at select Shelby-authorized Ford dealers.

The Shelby American relationship with the Ford Mustang began shortly after the car launched in 1964; their first collaboration was the 1965 Shelby G.T. 350 and things only grew from there, with some of the most iconic cars of all time being developed. The Super Snake model has its roots in Ford’s dominance during the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966, a project spearheaded by the company’s founder, automotive legend Carroll Shelby. Nearly 60 years later, that relationship continues with the Shelby company, which offers many different models that pay homage to the past but provide the power, performance, and style that their customers and fans expect from the legacy builders.

“Ford has built a fantastic car that is certainly world-class. The Ford team was very helpful, sharing information so we could to make the transition to the S650 very straightforward,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. He continued, “Since the new chassis was similar to the S550, we focused primarily on ensuring that everything Shelby American changed was functional. We worked really hard on aerodynamics and took every reasonable opportunity to cut weight by using various materials.”

The top model offered is the 830-hp Super Snake, a power level that is achieved by partnering with Whipple Superchargers. The group went one step further by adding a larger radiator and heat exchanger to keep the Gen 4 Coyote 5.0-liter running cool, even under the harshest driving scenarios. The exhaust is expelled by a Shelby-spec Borla exhaust system and the driveline is enhanced by a one-piece driveshaft (manual only), performance halfshafts, and a short-throw shifter (manual only). The Shelby suspension system applies grip to the massive tires, which are mounted on 20-inch diameter wheels. Dumping speed while heading into a corner is handled by oversized brake rotors and Brembo calipers. A naturally aspirated model is also available, carrying a 480-hp rating. Both Super Snakes have the option of either a manual or automatic transmission.

Over the years the Super Snakes have become known for their widebody stance and the S650 version carries that same theme. “We set out to make the 2024 Ford Mustang the most technically sophisticated Shelby Super Snake in history,” said Vince La Violette, Shelby American’s vice president of operations and senior designer. “Through careful engineering, we were able to add much more power while working to keep the weight more balanced with a new aluminum hood and carbon-fiber fenders that also redirect the wind for ultimate cooling. Our lightweight magnesium alloy wheels cut pounds off the rotating mass so you can run deeper into and accelerate faster out of the corner. The featherweight carbon-fiber tail wing keeps the retuned suspension firmly planted.”

Shelby American plans to build 250 vehicles in the United States, along with certain partners creating a limited number of models to be sold internationally. Enthusiasts can expect a portfolio of Super Snake components to be released, but not all the parts and pieces will be available to ensure the production cars remain special and unique.