Shelby has already tuned the Mustang GT500

SEMA season is here, and on Ford’s stand at this week’s show will be these two – Shelby’s Mustang GT500 Dragon Snake and Super Snake Sport F-150.

Let’s start with the Mustang. Back in the Sixties 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 800bhp, so Shelby claims – modified suspension, a recalibrated DCT transmission and new bodywork and wheels. Should also be a bit lighter – Shelby’s 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 pick-up created as a “response to enthusiast’s requests for a scorching fast street truck”. Its supercharged V8 makes 755bhp, sent to the rear wheels via an automatic gearbox. The coilover suspension is all new – thankfully – it’s got bigger brakes and many new bits of bodywork.

Both the Super Snake and 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”.