Beware the Super Snake: Ford reveals Shelby Signature package for 5th-gen Mustang

By Andrew Hard December 22, 2014

Shelby GT500 Super Snake — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The automotive world may have shifted its focus to the sixth-generation Ford Mustang, but the previous breed is still going strong.

Shelby has just announced the Signature Edition GT500 Super Snake, a rip-roaring tribute to the Mustang’s fifth generation. Running from 2007 to 2014, it was an era that featured a ton of standouts.

The Dark Highland Green ‘Bullitt’ Mustang from 2008 is always a favorite, as is the 540-horsepower ‘King of the Road’ GT500KR from the same year. For those with a stronger craving for speed, there was the non-street-legal Mustang Cobra Jet of 2012, a pure drag racer with a quarter-mile time of less than eight seconds.

And now we have the champion, the final boss of the lot: the Shelby Super Snake.

Based on the GT500 Mustang, the Signature Edition post-title program includes a ton of trick styling add-ons, including Super Snake badging, Forged Weld Wheels, and exclusive striping options.

As far as the car’s performance, it’s, well, super.

The 5.4-liter V8 is equipped with a 3.6 Kenne Bell Supercharger that produces up to 850 galloping ponies. On top of that, there’s upgraded brakes, tightened suspension, and a new cooling system that includes aluminum cooling tanks.

Shelby American CEO Joe Conway had some choice words for the car. More importantly, though, is what the car represents.

“With production of the current generation GT500 ending, we wanted to commemorate the sunset of an important era,” he said. “This Shelby truly changed the automotive landscape and inspired the performance competition that continues today. It’s a car worthy of being honored with a very special limited edition Shelby.”

The Signature Edition Shelby GT500 Super Snake package is available for $44,995, not including the cost of the base car.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Ford

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Cars

One version of the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E is already sold out

Ford Mustang Mach E front view

Ford ruffled more than a few feathers when it decided to call its first purpose-designed electric car the Mustang Mach-E. While some argue it's not worthy of wearing the hallowed Mustang nameplate, its target audience doesn't seem to mind one bit, and one of the five Mach-E variants announced during the model's unveiling is already sold out.

The trim-level hierarchy include five models named Select, Premium, California Route 1, First Edition, and GT, respectively. The Blue Oval's official website notes that every First Edition model has already been spoken for. It sounds like a limited-edition model, and it might be, but Ford chose not to disclose how many units of the model it will make. It might cap production after manufacturing a predetermined number of First Edition variants, or it might build the model for a certain amount of time. We've reached out to the company to learn more, and we'll update this story if we hear back.

Cars

Rumor has it that Ford will build a tuned Shelby edition of the new Mach-E

White Ford Mustang Mach-E driving in the snow.

The new Ford Mustang Mach-E has been one of the more polarizing announcements to come out of Detroit in some time. Purists are so adamantly against a four-door Mustang that there is a petition being circulated to ask Ford to change the name. Others are happy to have an iconic name like Mustang brought into the electric vehicle (EV) world, even if it is not a two-door pony car. Now, rumors have spread that applying the Shelby badge might be in the works.

Ed Krenz, Ford Performance chief program engineer, is rumored to have said he was looking forward to applying Shelby characteristics to the Mach-E. Ford is neither confirming or denying the rumor, but it brings about several interesting questions. First, would the late Carroll Shelby approve of his brand on an electric car? Second, would a Shelby version of the Mach-E help quell some of the critical comments regarding calling a non-pony car a Mustang? Third, is the technology out there to make for a complete day at the racetrack without running out of juice before lunch? Krenz apparently has some work cut out for himself and his team.

Cars

Ford Mustang vs. Ford Mustang Mach E

The Ford Mustang takes on the electric crossover it inspired

2020 ford mustang vs 2021 mach e family photo

Whether you like it or not, Ford has started the process of turning the Mustang into a full family of models to capitalize on the nameplate's decades-old popularity. Called Mustang Mach E, the first off-shoot is an electric, four-door family-hauler that slots into the crossover segment. We're taking a look at how it stacks up against the coupe that inspired it.
Design and tech

The Mach E is Mustang-inspired, not Mustang-based, and the two models share no parts whatsoever. While the Mustang has historically been offered only as a coupe and as a convertible, the Mach E arrives as a tall, four-door crossover. The two models share a handful of styling cues such as swept-back headlights, a long hood, and triple-bar rear lights, but no one will ever mistake a Mustang for a Mach E, or vice versa. Nameplate aside, each model as its own identity.