2013 Shelby Super Snake to debut at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas auction

Shelby American is following up its 950- and 1,100-hp anniversary edition Super Snake models with something a little tamer for 2013. Two new versions of the Super Snake are now being offered, one with 662 hp and one with an upgraded supercharger and an output of 850 hp. And, for the first time, a wide-body kit for the pony car will be offered.

The new Shelby GT500 Super Snake—set to debut at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas auction Sept. 20-22—starts with a base 2013 Ford Mustang GT500. Shelby American adds a short-throw shifter with an optional 3.73:1 rear-axle ratio, an upgraded suspension and Shelby-designed 20-inch wheels. Underneath, the Snake gains a Borla exhaust system; Wilwood brakes with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers; and a new cooling package, including a new radiator, heat exchanger and aluminum cooling tanks.

A fiberglass hood is installed—with the Shelby Super Snake design—to reduce weight. Super Snake stripes are available in satin black, gloss white, silver or blue. Super Snake badges with a Shelby registry number are added, while the headrests and floor mats are embroidered with the Super Snake logo.

The full wide-body kit costs $17,995; the rear alone costs $11,995. Both include 14-inch-wide wheels and tires. The kit includes front brake cooling ducts behind the door side scoops.

Optional boxes to check include the Ford Racing/Whipple supercharger, which bumps output to 850 hp, an Eibach coil-over suspension and sway bar kit, premium Shelby interior and special delivery of the car at the Shelby Museum in Las Vegas.

The base package costs $28,995 for 662 hp. The 850-hp package jumps to $39,995. The post-title packages do not include the price of a GT500 donor car, which currently stickers at $54,995.

Check out www.ShelbyAmerican.com or call (702) 942-7325.

By Jake Lingeman