Shelby American has released a pair of Super Snakes concepts at the tail end of last week, proving there is yet much to expect from the high-performance tuning firm as well as the demand for these American brutes. They come as derivatives on the Mustang GT Fastback and an F-150 pick-up (not the Raptor, mind you).
Let’s begin with the latter as it’s the most unexpected of the two. Shelby has already sunk their teeth into the Ford F-150 Raptor to create what they’ve named the Baja 700, but the Super Snake here is less about ultimate performance and more about muscle and intimidation.
They’ve taken a stock F-150 and endowed it with new suspension, brakes, tyres, 22-inch wheels, and a Borla exhaust system along with the requisite blue exterior with dual white stripes, new hood, rockers, spoilers, grill, rear bumper, and tonneau cover. Due to their close relationship, Shelby has co-developed the muscle truck with Ford Performance, particularly with regard to its new fully independent suspension.
Under the bonnet is a 5.0-litre Coyote V8 that should be familiar to Mustang lovers, though here it’s supercharged to over 560kW. It will be offered with a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive driveline. Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American, says: “Our new Shelby F-150 Super Snake is certainly worthy of the name. From the sharp handling suspension to the thundering 750 horses and pure American styling, it’s a remarkable vehicle. One of our goals was to offer the truck in limited numbers to preserve exclusivity and potential collectability.”
The development of the F-150 Super Snake (concept), particularly pertaining to its drivetrain, was informed by the Shelby Mustang Super Snake concept. It too produces over 560kW from that same 5.0-litre supercharged V8 but, like all Mustangs, sends that exclusively to the rear wheels.
Thankfully, it wears much wider rubber that’s barely contained by the wide body kit, which goes far in establishing its superiority on any road. Shelby decided to embark on this Super Snake’s development after the strong reception it received from its earlier 50th Anniversary Mustang Super Snake.
This year’s car includes an all-new fully adjustable coil over suspension system, beefier Brembo brakes, hardened wheel studs, stronger spindles and new rear lower control arms.
“Adding approximately four inches to the car’s rear track and two and half to the front, opened up new opportunities to maximise handling,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Vice President of Operations and Chief Test Driver.
“The fully adjustable coil over suspension and the enormous Brembo braking system, along with wider wheels and tires significantly change the car’s driving dynamics. This provides more grip for later braking and earlier acceleration out of corners. It will deliver more communication to the driver and better absorb track imperfections. The wide body Super Snake concept is every road racer’s dream.”
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