Shelby celebrates anniversary with 552kW Ford Mustang

Famous American Mustang tuner, Shelby, has revealed an updated version of its Super Snake Mustang.

Called the 50th Anniversary, the new Mustang SS is actually based on the current Mustang and not the latest MY18 coupe and convertible range revealed last week.

That means it misses out on its pinch-face design, light exterior tweaks and overhauled cabin and crucially, its state-of-the-art 10-speed automatic transmission.

To help to make up and commemorate 50 years of the Super Snake, the latest version gets a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 that produces a monumental 493kW in 'standard' tune and a mightier-still Dodge Hellcat-bashing 552kW if you tick the box for the further engine upgrades.

With the more powerful engine, Shelby claims its latest SS will reach 100km/h, from standstill, in just 3.5sec.

To cope with the power the tuner says it teamed up with Ford Performance, the Blue Oval's official high performance division, to enhance the regular coupe.

The changes over a standard 306kW Mustang GT are best described as comprehensive. There's new springs, dampers, bushes and anti-roll bars, plus huge six-piston brake callipers.

To help with cooling and aerodynamics there's also a new bonnet, front wing, grilles, splitter, large rear diffuser and rear spoiler.

Available with either a manual or automatic transmission, Shelby says it will make just 500 50th Anniversary models, with each car coming with a specific unique plaque signed by each of the team who helped build the Super Snake at the tuner's HQ in Las Vegas.

In the US, Shelby says pricing for the most extreme Mustang its ever built will begin at $69,995 (A$92,500).