SEMA season is here, and on Ford’s stand at this week’s show are these two—Shelby’s Mustang GT500 Dragon Snake and Super Snake Sport F-150.
Let’s start with the Mustang. Back in the ’60s, Shelby sold a version of the Cobra called the ‘Dragonsnake,’ which was squarely aimed at drag racers. The new Dragon Snake, based on the 2020 Shelby GT500 we drove just last week, is therefore all about going very quickly in a straight line.
So, it has more power—over 800hp, so Shelby claims—modified suspension, a recalibrated dual-clutch transmission, and new bodywork and wheels. Should also be a bit lighter—Shelby has gone as far as fitting lighter, presumably thinner glass.
Vince LaViolette, Shelby American’s VP of operations and head of R&D, said: “The 2020 Shelby GT500 is truly amazing in stock configuration, but we wanted to explore its pure acceleration capabilities, so we worked closely with Ford Performance and other partners to create the ultimate ‘weapon of track destruction’ in the quarter mile.”
Shelby hasn’t disclosed any performance figures, but take it from us, the Dragon Snake is going to be fast.
As is the Super Snake F-150—a pickup created as a “response to enthusiast’s requests for a scorching fast street truck.” Its supercharged V8 makes 755hp, sent to the rear wheels via an automatic gearbox. The coilover suspension is all-new, thankfully, and the truck has bigger brakes and many new bits of bodywork.
Both the Super Snake and the Dragon Snake are just concepts for now. But they look ready, don’t you think? Shelby American boss Gary Patterson says the company is “seeking feedback from enthusiasts about the pair, including their thoughts on potential production.”
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
