The 2026 Shelby Super Snake R Produces More Horsepower Than the Mustang GTD While Being $100,000 Cheaper.

The 2026 Shelby Super Snake R Produces More Horsepower Than the Mustang GTD While Being $100,000 Cheaper.

      Shelby

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      The new Ford Mustang GTD is anything but simple. With a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 producing 815 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, it also features an eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle, semi-active pushrod suspension, a drag reduction system inspired by F1, magnesium wheels, and carbon ceramic brakes... You get the idea. If you have to ask about the price, it starts at $325,000 and increases from there.

      However, if such specifications don’t impress you as much, and what you truly seek is enhanced power along with some upgrades that may not be as remarkable as those of the road-legal GT3 race car but are still quite capable, then the 2026 Shelby Super Snake R might be for you. It delivers 850 hp with a starting price of $224,995—nearly $100,000 less than the Mustang GTD.

      To be clear, the Super Snake R is well-equipped for track performance. Built on the Mustang Dark Horse, it includes fully adjustable coilover suspension, caster camber plates, front and rear sway bars, two-piece slotted brake rotors, and an extensive widebody aero kit. It represents a significant upgrade from a standard Mustang in both price and performance.

      All that power is derived from a supercharged version of the Mustang Dark Horse’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8. Additionally, unlike the GTD, the Super Snake R can still be equipped with a six-speed Tremec manual transmission. For those who prefer not to shift manually, a 10-speed automatic is also available.

      With its widebody, enhanced aerodynamics, and supercharger kit, the Super Snake R weighs 4,004 pounds. While this might seem heavy compared to lightweight European sports cars or high-end exotics, it’s only 116 pounds more than a standard Dark Horse. That weight increase is unlikely to be noticeable, especially since it boasts 350 more hp than the standard Ford.

      In true Shelby style, there are numerous plaques and special branding to highlight the uniqueness of the Super Snake R. While I may not be a fan of such embellishments, if you're investing Lamborghini-level money into a Mustang, you likely want others to recognize it's not just an ordinary model. The interior is also loaded with Alcantara, leather, and billet aluminum to enhance its appeal.

      This isn’t a direct competitor to the Mustang GTD, and Shelby American doesn’t position it as one. Replicating a complete factory endeavor like that is unattainable, even with Shelby’s rich history and expertise. But for those looking for more power out of a vehicle that will likely outpace their driving abilities, it certainly meets the demand.

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The 2026 Shelby Super Snake R Produces More Horsepower Than the Mustang GTD While Being $100,000 Cheaper. The 2026 Shelby Super Snake R Produces More Horsepower Than the Mustang GTD While Being $100,000 Cheaper. The 2026 Shelby Super Snake R Produces More Horsepower Than the Mustang GTD While Being $100,000 Cheaper. The 2026 Shelby Super Snake R Produces More Horsepower Than the Mustang GTD While Being $100,000 Cheaper. The 2026 Shelby Super Snake R Produces More Horsepower Than the Mustang GTD While Being $100,000 Cheaper. The 2026 Shelby Super Snake R Produces More Horsepower Than the Mustang GTD While Being $100,000 Cheaper. The 2026 Shelby Super Snake R Produces More Horsepower Than the Mustang GTD While Being $100,000 Cheaper. The 2026 Shelby Super Snake R Produces More Horsepower Than the Mustang GTD While Being $100,000 Cheaper. The 2026 Shelby Super Snake R Produces More Horsepower Than the Mustang GTD While Being $100,000 Cheaper. The 2026 Shelby Super Snake R Produces More Horsepower Than the Mustang GTD While Being $100,000 Cheaper.

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The 2026 Shelby Super Snake R Produces More Horsepower Than the Mustang GTD While Being $100,000 Cheaper.

While it's not a direct comparison, if power is your main concern, the Super Snake R is quite a good deal.