The Ford Mustang is the only muscle car to be produced nonstop, being produced for every model year since 1964. The 60th model year is already under production, ready to hit the streets in the summer of 2023. Thanks to its popularity and ease of modification, many tuning shops like Shelby, Saleen, and Hennessy have taken over the high-performance Mustang market, along with some factory offerings from Ford and SVT.

So if you're a Ford fan looking for their next badass muscle car or just want to see some serious Ford performance, here are the 10 most badass modern Mustangs, ranked.

10 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra, front quarter view
Mecum Auctions

Nicknamed the "Terminator," the 2003 Mustang SVT Cobra will intimidate any Firebirds or Camaros at the stoplight drags. The Cobra badge and the sound of an Eaton supercharger let anyone know what was under the hood.

The Supercharged 4.6L V8 is good for 390 horsepower and powers this badass Mustang to a 60mph time of just 4.7 seconds. That's only 5-tenths slower than a 2022 Mustang GT!

9 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt

2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Edition In Green Front View
Ford

The Ford Mustang Bullitt returned after a 10-year absence in 2019, and its presence was felt immediately at drag strips and stop lights across the United States. The dark green paint and minimalist exterior give this S-550 a sense of beauty.

A 5.0L Coyote V8 making 480 horsepower powers the last Bullitt Mustang to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds. This badass Mustang will catch Dodge Chargers all day, just like the original did 55 years ago.

Related: Here's Why We'd Love To Own A 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Edition

8 2002 Saleen S281 S/C

Saleen S281
Mecum

Saleen is one of the most famous tuning shops, mostly known for its work with Ford. The S281 was Saleen's premier muscle car, built on the Mustang between 1996 and 2010.

A highly modified 4.6L Supercharged V8 making 370 horsepower powered the 2002 S281-E to a 0-60 mph time of just 4.4 seconds. Chrome wheels, modified hood scoop, and groundwork complete the badass SN-95.

7 2000 Ford Mustang Cobra R

2000 Ford Mustang Cobra R parked at a 3/4 view
Mecum Auctions

The Ford Mustang Cobra R was the fastest Mustang produced at the time, thanks to hard work from SVT. SVT installed a larger displacement engine, stiffened the handling, and an aero kit to make the Cobra R a badass muscle car meant for the track.

The 5.4L V8 (same as the SVT Lightning) produces 385 horsepower and brings the Cobra R to 60mph in just 4.4 seconds. Only 300 were produced, making the Cobra R one of the rarest Mustangs produced in the modern era.

Related: Why The 400-HP Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R Was Peak 90s Muscle Car

6 2007 Saleen S281 SC

2007 Saleen S281-1
via Mecum

Saleen warmed over their supercharged 4.6L V8 and gave the S197 body style its own spin. Chrome wheels, aggressive front fascia, and bigger wheels and tires give this modded Mustang the badass looks to match what's under the hood.

The new version of the supercharged 4.6L V8 produces a healthy 465 horsepower and brings the Saleen to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Who knew a small California tuning shop would set the performance benchmark for the Mustang over 15 years ago?

5 2011 Shelby GT500 Super Snake

2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Super Snake in a private collection
via BaT

The 2011 Shelby GT500 is the last GT500 the iconic Carroll Shelby signed off on before his death in 2012. The 2011 Shelby GT500 Super Snake represents everything the man stood for. Menacing looks, raw performance, and no creature comforts.

Related: These Are The 8 Best Super Snake Models Ever Tuned By Shelby American

4 2022 Shelby GT500

2022 Ford Shelby GT500 parked in front of a sunset
via BaT

The 2022 Shelby GT500 is the craziest GT500 to date. Shelby worked their usual magic. A stiff suspension and aggressive looks are to be expected. Unexpectedly, though, a leather interior with air conditioning and an infotainment system is standard; a far cry from the bare-bones interiors of vintage Shelby mustangs.

A 760 horsepower supercharged 5.2L V8 gives the GT500 ample power and makes plenty of noise. 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds is standard and can be enjoyed in comfort thanks to the aforementioned interior.

3 2022 Hennessy GT500 Venom 1200

Multi-Colored Hennessey Venom 1200 Mustang GT500 On Track
Hennessey 

The 2022 Hennessy GT500 Venom 1200 takes the GT500 to new heights, modifying the 5.2L V8 with an even bigger supercharger and airflow upgrades.

The 2022 GT500 Venom 1200 can make 1204 horsepower on E85. Hennessy has no official performance figures though, but it improves upon the already quick GT500. We have to say, the 1966 GT40 Daytona paint scheme is pretty badass though, and we hope the performance can match the hype.

Related: Here’s How The Hennessey Venom 1200 Mustang Shelby GT500 Hit The Magic Number On The Dyno

2 2018 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

2018 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 50th Editon
via Mecum

The Ford Mustang Cobra Jet is one of the most badass drag cars ever built; thanks to a 3.0L Supercharger strapped to a 5.2L Cobra Jet V8. Drag radials, a 9-inch rear end, and a 3.89 rear gear ratio get the power to the ground.

The Cobra Jet V8 makes anywhere between 700–1000 horsepower, no one is quite sure. The quarter-mile can be completed in around 8.5 seconds. Having no VIN number or emission equipment makes the Cobra Jet illegal for street use. So what could be more badass than a purpose-built drag car?

1 2014 Shelby 1000

2014 Shelby 1000 drag racing
via Shelby

The 2014 Shelby 1000 is the fastest factory Mustang ever produced, with a bored-out 5.8L Supercharged V8 making 1100 horsepower. Shelby didn't just build this beast for drag racing though; stiffening the suspension and reinforcing the chassis to handle the corners just as well as the quarter-mile.

The 1100 horsepower V8 powers the Shelby 1000 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, and completes the quarter-mile in just 10.9 seconds. The 1000 is also the last project signed off by Carroll Shelby. Nothing can top this badass Mustang that can handle the street and strip like no other.