SHELBY MUSTANG SUPER SNAKE BEARS 800 HORSES

Carroll Shelby doesn’t give a hoot what Ford thinks. That the Blue Oval figures what it pulls out of the factory is enough for the power-hungry American is not on Shelby’s agenda at all. Hence the new Super Snake, a 2011 GT500-based brute that acts more like a stallion than a pony.

The engine has been tuned to produce a whopping 597kW (800bhp) at its peak.

For those looking for fewer thrills, there is a 559kW (750bhp), 800Nm (590 ft-lb) option, as well as an even tamer 492kW (660bhp), 800Nm (590 ft-lb) on the menu. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox which no doubt needs a little TLC if tyre smoke is to be avoided.

"Ford Motor Company did a marvellous job making the 2011 model year GT500 lighter and more powerful," said John Luft, president of Shelby American. "Our team applied its experience building Super Snakes over the past several years to offer a package that dramatically increases the new car's capabilities. And with the visual changes we've made, it will be a definite stand out on the road or track."

Only 1000 Super Snake kits will be made available.