Autoblog

UPDATE: Finally found a pic of the Shelby GT500 Super Snake, although we feel silly for waiting since Photoshop could've (and did) produce the same result. Note the identical pic of the Shelby GT500KR below. The only differences appear to be the center striping, all black side mirrors and a scoop in place of the previous C-pillar window.

click image to view a high-res version

We're starting to get the impression that the Mustang wants to challenge the F-150 as world's best-selling vehicle considering that special edition after special edition of this pony car continues to be introduced. The latest one is not the just announced Shelby GT500KR (shown above) that bowed at the New York Auto Show earlier this month. Rather, StangsUnleashed.com has published a press release that reveals Shelby Automobiles and FoMoCo will hook up yet again to produce a limited number of GT500 Super Snake coupes in late 2007.

The Shelby GT500 Super Snake coupe will come standard with a Ford Racing Supercharger on its 5.4L V8 that bumps the Mustang's already prodigious power numbers up to 600 horsepower. While that engine will come with a full factory-backed warranty, there will reportedly be other engine options that include a 725-horsepower motor that comes without the blessing of the factory (no warranty). Other mods include a Ford Racing Handling Pack that adds adjustable dampers, lower springs, bigger stabilizer bars and a front strut tower brace. The brakes are of course bigger and fit snuggly behind a set of Shelby-designed Alcoa 20-inch wheels.

Check out more info and the press release after the jump.

Thanks for the tip, Drew!

[Source: StangsUnleashed.com]

Finally, there's the special badging, which includes the "Shelby" and "Super Snake" names applied liberally across the hood, rear deck, fenders and stitched in the headrests and floor mats. Truthfully, you could probably build a Super Snake Mustang from your current GT500 by just raiding the Ford Racing catalogue like Shelby does. You'll have to forego that special badging and instant auction block cred, but do you want power or a pretty little collectible for your climate-controlled garage?

We have no pics of the Shelby GT500 Super Snake yet, but will keep our feelers out and pass them along when they're found.


SHELBY AUTOS AND FORD RACING TO BUILD 600+ HP STREET LEGAL SHELBY GT500 "SUPER SNAKES"

Las Vegas – April 27, 2007 – Shelby Automobiles will use newly-developed Ford Racing GT500 performance packs to help transform a limited number of 2007 and 2008 Ford Shelby GT500's into fire breathing "Super Snake" coupes. The Super Snake post-title package will include enhancements to the Ford Shelby GT500's handling, styling and power; tuning options will range from a warranted 600 HP V8 to over 725 HP (unwarranted). Only a limited number of Super Snakes will be built per model year at the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas beginning in late 2007.

"My team at Shelby Automobiles is always working on new ways to build better performing cars" said Carroll Shelby. "I told them that I wanted to build a vehicle that could blow the doors off of most anything on the planet. By partnering with Ford Racing, we're giving enthusiasts a Mustang with that level of performance."

Working together at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and in Dearborn, Ford Racing and Team Shelby developed the aggressive suspension and engine package specifically for the car.

"Mustang enthusiasts are demanding more from both Ford Racing and Shelby Autos" said Jamie Allison, Manager of Ford Racing Performance Group. "The GT500 Super Snake package, with its higher horsepower levels and balanced track-inspired tuning, satisfies those demands and then some ... in a uniquely Ford – Shelby way."

In 1967, Shelby American built one 427-powered GT500 "Super Snake" for Mel Burns Ford. Carroll Shelby drove it at the Goodyear test track for tire promotion film production. That car reached lap speeds of over 150 mph and a top speed of 170 mph. The new Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake will be equally potent.

"The name 'Super Snake' is legendary because the one that Shelby built was the pinnacle of muscle cars in 1967," added Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. "We're bringing that concept forward 40 years for customers who own a Ford Shelby GT500. We'll give their car amazing new capabilities."

Ford Racing and Team Shelby developed the GT500 Super Snake package which will include:

• Ford Racing Supercharger upgrade kit (SuperPack 600) producing over 600 horsepower and 590 ft.-lbs. of torque
• 6-speed manual transmission with 3.73:1 rear axle ratio
• Ford Racing performance exhaust system
• Ford Racing Handling Pack offering unique performance suspension tuning including Dynamic adjustable dampers, lowering springs, tuned stabilizer bars, and front strut tower brace
• Shelby-designed Alcoa 20-inch wheels
• Ford Racing short-throw shifter
• Baer 6 piston brakes with Shelby cast calipers and larger rotors
• Front brake cooling ducts
• Unique carbon composite hood featuring classic Shelby design
• 'Shelby' lettering across the front edge of hood and rear decklid
• 'Super Snake' vehicle badging
• Carroll Shelby signature embroidered headrests and floor mats, and other Shelby designed components
• Official Shelby CSM dash plate

In addition, while the full Super Snake package will be available exclusively through Shelby Automobiles, many of the products comprising the Super Snake package will be available from Shelby Automobiles and Ford Racing starting in June.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Aston Martin and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com. For more information regarding Ford Racing performance packs, visit www.fordracingparts.com.

About Shelby Automobiles, Inc.
Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby Automobiles, Inc., manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. The company manufactures authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA and 289 street car component vehicles. The company has partnered with Ford Motor Company to build the Shelby GT, Shelby GT500 and Shelby GT-H, which are based on the current Mustang. For more information about Shelby Automobiles, visit www.shelbyautos.com.