Car of the Day - 2010 Saleen S281 Mustang
Saleen introduced their new 2010 S281 Mustang at the 2009 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas The S281 follows the 435S introduced in August as the first cars under the new management. In a boom period for US Muscle and Pony cars with a plethora of customised Camaros, Challengers and Mustangs by many of the best after market suppliers and tuners in the country, a Saleen with always stand above most of the crowd, even after the machinations regarding ownership, management and lawsuits.
The S281 has received quite significant but subtle design changes especially at the rear. Saleen have extended rear fascia and trunk lid which has recessed the taillights and combines into a very cohesive design. A small wing is integrated into the extended panels. The front gets a new treatment as well with a balanced grille and front fascia that is distinctive but not over the top. The whole external refinement of the design is so well executed it does not look like an after-market production - then again Saleen has been more than an after-market customiser for quite some time.
The interior gets a similar treatment of making the changes look factory original but raising the bar. The leather seats get Ultra-Suede inserts featuring chevron-like red tabs in the seatback bolsters. The dash gauges, steering wheel, center console and gear-shift all get the Saleen touch.
The 4.6-liter V8 features the Saleen Series VI.5 twin-screw supercharger with dual-stage intercooler and produces 485 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque. The five-speed manual transmission with short throw change. Suspension sees a new Saleen Racecraft layout that includes single-rate front and rear springs; nitrogen-pressurized front struts and rear shocks with multiple damping adjustments and a new front sway bar.
Finishing the package are unique 20-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires plus of course Saleen badging .... everywhere.
Rod Halligan
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