By Otsile Kadiege

The newly released seventh-generation Ford Mustang GT, which made its debut at this year’s Festival of Motoring, is now on sale in limited numbers. In a world where electrification is gradually taking over and almost every engine has some form of electrification, Ford Performance is sticking to their good ol’ recipe – a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine producing a decent peak power of 328kW and a torque output of 540Nm.

Shelby SA performance upgrades

However, for enthusiasts seeking even more performance and exclusivity, Shelby South Africa offers customers a list of performance upgrades that transform the standard Mustang into the most powerful Shelby Super Snake to date.  Once these Shelby components arrive in South Africa, they are delivered to the official Shelby Mod Shop in Malmesbury, Western Cape, for final assembly.  This also marks the first time that Shelby American is using the new S650 Ford Mustang as a base for their aftermarket enhancements.

The Shelby Super Snake is powered by a supercharged 5.0-litre V8, with 830+ horsepower (619kW+), offering supercar-like performance. Its suspension is tuned for sharper handling, the exhaust is optimised for improved airflow, and both the brakes and cooling systems have been enhanced to maximize the powertrain’s capabilities.

To deliver consistent performance and reliability, the Super Snake is equipped with the Shelby Extreme Cooling System, which includes a new radiator and heat exchanger. Accompanying the powerful performance is the signature growl of the Shelby by Borla exhaust system, designed to offer unrestricted airflow and an aggressive engine note.

In line with Shelby’s commitment to control and handling, the car comes with Shelby’s custom suspension system, providing superior cornering and stability. The Super Snake also features 20-inch forged magnesium wheels fitted with Shelby performance spec tyres. Shelby’s brake rotor upgrade, visible through the red brake callipers, ensures exceptional braking performance with enhanced cooling for endurance under extreme driving conditions.

Additional performance enhancements include upgraded performance half shafts, along with hardened extended wheel studs.

Exterior modifications

The most notable updates to the Mustang’s exterior for the 2025 Shelby Super Snake include the aluminium vented hood with hood pins and the carbon fibre Wide Body front fenders with vents. The upper, lower, and outboard grilles, along with front splitter supports, further optimize airflow and cooling.

Other functional and aesthetic enhancements include carbon fibre splitter wickers, a side rocker assembly with carbon fibre rocker wickers, and a rear ducktail spoiler. The carbon fibre Super Snake rear wing and carbon fibre rear lower diffuser work in tandem to improve downforce and airflow management at high speeds.

The Super Snake stripes and badges, along with deep tinted windows, provide the finishing touches, while optional Shelby badging and striping make the 2025 Super Snake a visually striking, high-performance machine.

Interior upgrades

The interior of the 2025 Shelby Super Snake is just as distinctive as its exterior, featuring a Shelby spec interior upgrade that elevates both comfort and style. Embroidered floor mats and Super Snake door sill plates greet passengers with subtle touches of exclusivity, while the Cobra puddle lamps project the iconic emblem when the doors open, adding a sense of occasion. Further enhancing the cabin are the serialized dash plaque and engine plaque, signifying each car’s unique build.

Pricing

Shelby South Africa has been allocated three conversion kits to transform the Mustang to Shelby Super Snakes, as part of the initial batch. The new Shelby Super Snake is currently priced at R3 640 000 incl. VAT.