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Shelby American Joins the S650 Mustang Battle with Dual Performance Tiers and Striking 2024 Super Snake Styling Overhaul
Shelby American, renowned for its prowess in enhancing iconic American muscle cars, has once again made headlines with the introduction of its newest iteration: the 2024 Shelby Super Snake. Revealed at the prestigious Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction, this beastly machine embodies the fusion of supercharged power and refined aesthetics, transforming America's last standing V-8 powered pony car into an 830-horsepower masterpiece. True to its legacy as Mustang's trusted ally and performance partner, Shelby American plans to commence production of the Super Snake in midsummer 2024, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire this high-performance marvel at select Shelby-authorized Ford dealerships.
Since the inception of the Ford Mustang in 1964, the enduring partnership between Shelby American and the iconic pony car has been nothing short of legendary. From their inaugural collaboration on the 1965 Shelby G.T. 350, the relationship burgeoned, birthing some of the automotive world's most revered creations. Among these, the Super Snake model stands tall, tracing its lineage back to Ford's triumph at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966—a venture championed by automotive luminary Carroll Shelby himself.
Fast forward nearly six decades, and the bond between Shelby American and Ford remains unyielding. Today, Shelby American continues to honor its storied history while pushing the boundaries of power, performance, and style with a diverse range of models. These offerings not only pay homage to the past but also cater to the discerning tastes of their loyal customers and fans, reaffirming Shelby's status as a true custodian of automotive legacy.
Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American, commended Ford for crafting a remarkable vehicle, noting its world-class caliber. Reflecting on the collaboration, Patterson emphasized the Ford team's invaluable assistance in facilitating a seamless transition to the S650 platform.
"Since the new chassis bore resemblance to the S550," Patterson elaborated, "our primary focus was on ensuring that every modification made by Shelby American served a functional purpose." Delving into the meticulous process, he highlighted the team's concerted efforts in optimizing aerodynamics and strategically reducing weight through the utilization of diverse materials.
The pinnacle of Shelby American's offerings is the formidable 830-horsepower Super Snake, a feat achieved through a strategic partnership with Whipple Superchargers. Pushing boundaries even further, the group bolstered performance by integrating a larger radiator and heat exchanger, ensuring optimal cooling for the Gen 4 Coyote 5.0-liter engine even in the most demanding driving conditions.
Under the hood, a Shelby-spec Borla exhaust system ensures efficient exhaust expulsion, while enhancements to the driveline include a one-piece driveshaft (exclusive to manual transmission models), performance halfshafts, and a short-throw shifter (also exclusive to manual transmission models). To harness this immense power, the Shelby suspension system delivers exceptional grip, complemented by 20-inch diameter wheels wrapped in massive tires.
Bringing this powerhouse to a halt with precision and control is an oversized brake system featuring Brembo calipers. For enthusiasts seeking a different driving experience, a naturally aspirated model boasting 480 horsepower is also available. Both iterations of the Super Snake offer the choice between manual or automatic transmission, catering to the diverse preferences of performance aficionados.
Over the years, the Super Snake line has garnered acclaim for its distinctive widebody stance, a tradition that the S650 iteration proudly upholds. Vince La Violette, Shelby American’s vice president of operations and senior designer, articulated the brand's ambitious vision for the 2024 Ford Mustang, aiming to create the most technologically advanced Shelby Super Snake to date.
La Violette explained, "We embarked on a mission to elevate the 2024 Ford Mustang into the pinnacle of Shelby Super Snake performance." Through meticulous engineering, the team achieved remarkable feats, including a significant power boost, while maintaining a balanced weight distribution. Key enhancements such as the new aluminum hood and carbon-fiber fenders not only contribute to weight reduction but also aid in redirecting airflow for enhanced cooling efficiency.
Furthermore, lightweight magnesium alloy wheels were strategically employed to reduce rotating mass, facilitating deeper cornering and quicker acceleration. To ensure optimal stability, a featherweight carbon-fiber tail wing was integrated, working in tandem with the retuned suspension to keep the vehicle firmly planted on the road, even during high-speed maneuvers.
Shelby American has outlined ambitious plans to produce 250 vehicles domestically in the United States, with select partners tasked with crafting a limited number of models for international distribution. While enthusiasts eagerly await the release of a comprehensive portfolio of Super Snake components, the company has confirmed that not all parts and pieces will be made available to the public. This deliberate decision aims to preserve the exclusivity and uniqueness of the production cars, ensuring that each vehicle remains a truly special and distinctive offering in the market.
Source: motortrend
