Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Quick Spin: 2010 Saleen S281 is the real deal with the wrong engine... for now]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/10/2010-saleen-s281-quick-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/10/2010-saleen-s281-quick-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/10/2010-saleen-s281-quick-spin/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Saleen S281 - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the middle of the decade, Saleen was on a roll. The company had just launched its new S281 Mustang based on the S197 platform, the twin-turbo variation of the S7 was underway and Ford had contracted the specialty manufacturer to assemble its GT supercar. Business was good, and both of Saleen's assembly plants in Irvine and Detroit were at full capacity. The top of the mountain came in early 2007 when Saleen introduced the Parnelli Jones Mustang, still one of our favorite Mustangs of all time.

Unfortunately, it was all downhill from that point. Founder Steve Saleen announced his departure in the summer of 2007 and the investment firm with a controlling stake in the company declared that it was looking for a buyer in late 2008. Just a few months later, most of what was left of Saleen was sold to MJ Acquisitions, a Detroit-based company that owns various automotive manufacturing businesses.

Needless to say, we had our doubts about the future of Saleen. Would the new owner uphold the identity of the brand that was built over the past 25 years? Would they be able to keep their loyal base of customers without Steve at the helm? Most importantly, would a new Saleen have the resources and personnel to create an all-new product worthy of the brand? Saleen gave us the opportunity to drive one of its first production S281 Mustangs based on the the car's new-for-2010 body style, and we think we have the answer. Continued after the jump.


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2010 Saleen S281


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2010 Saleen S281 is the real deal with the wrong engine... for now

Quick Spin: 2010 Saleen S281 is the real deal with the wrong engine... for now originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford mustang2010 saleen mustang2010 saleen s2812010 saleen s281 mustang2010FordMustang2010SaleenMustang2010SaleenS2812010SaleenS281Mustangfeaturedfordford mustangFordMustangmustangquick spinQuickSpinsaleensaleen performance vehiclessaleen s281SaleenPerformanceVehiclesSaleenS281Mon, 10 May 2010 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19469957/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/10/2010-saleen-s281-quick-spin/19469957/article-detail.xml 19469957 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/08saleens281scqs2010opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/08saleens281scqs2010opt.jpg <![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Saleen officially unveils 2010 S281 Mustang]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/sema-2009-saleen-officially-unveils-2010-s281-mustang/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/sema-2009-saleen-officially-unveils-2010-s281-mustang/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/sema-2009-saleen-officially-unveils-2010-s281-mustang/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Saleen S281 Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery

After a few teasers photos via Flickr, Saleen Performance Vehicles has finally given us our first live view of its 2010 S281 Mustang. Those initial pictures showed lots of potential, and our positive first impressions were confirmed when we saw the car in person. To put it bluntly, Saleen has perfectly hit the mark with their new design. The modern design flows perfectly with the lines of the 2010 Mustang, even better than with the previous car.

We especially love the rear of the 2010 S281, which essentially fixes the awkward taillight design by extending the rear fenders and recessing the lights. Saleen has done well with the little details too, like the slick-looking shifter and the glowing Saleen emblem in the door panel that replaces the pony logo.

As far as performance goes, Saleen is sticking with what has worked in the past. They have affixed their Series VI supercharger system atop the 4.6L V8, which is good for 485 horsepower and 460 lb-ft torque. The S281 also gets a new Racecraft suspension system, 3.73:1 gears, and 20-inch wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires. Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect MSRP to come in around the mid $60,000 range. Follow the jump for the official press release from Saleen, and check out the official and live photos in the high-res galleries below.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: 2010 Saleen S281 Mustang


Gallery: 2010 Saleen S281 Mustang


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Saleen officially unveils 2010 S281 Mustang

SEMA 2009: Saleen officially unveils 2010 S281 Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Mustang2010 Saleen Mustang2010 Saleen S2812010 Saleen S281 Mustang2010FordMustang2010SaleenMustang2010SaleenS2812010SaleenS281MustangFordFord MustangFordMustangMustangSaleenSaleen MustangSaleen Performance VehiclesSaleen S281Saleen S281 MustangSaleenMustangSaleenPerformanceVehiclesSaleenS281SaleenS281MustangSEMASEMA 2009SEMA ShowSema2009SemaShowWed, 04 Nov 2009 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19221574/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/04/sema-2009-saleen-officially-unveils-2010-s281-mustang/19221574/article-detail.xml 19221574 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2010saleens281sema_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2010saleens281sema_lead.jpg <![CDATA[2010 Saleen S281 Mustang teased ahead of SEMA debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/2010-saleen-s281-mustang-teased-ahead-of-sema-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/2010-saleen-s281-mustang-teased-ahead-of-sema-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/2010-saleen-s281-mustang-teased-ahead-of-sema-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Saleen S281 Mustang Preview - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Newly formed Saleen Performance Vehicles released their first 2010-based Mustang, the 435S, this past summer, but the lack of any significant design upgrades left us wanting something a little more. We knew an S281 model was soon to follow, and thanks to Saleen's Flickr page, we now know the car will make its debut at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. The three photos posted on the site actually provide a decent look at the front and rear of the car, and we especially like what's been done to the 2010 Stang's controversial rear with the elongated tail and the diffuser-style rear valence. Check back for full details and plenty of photos when we cover the 2010 Saleen S281 Mustang's live unveiling early next month. Thanks for the tip, Brandon!


Gallery: 2010 Saleen S281 Mustang Preview



[Source: Flickr]

2010 Saleen S281 Mustang teased ahead of SEMA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Saleen Mustang2010 Saleen S2812010 Saleen S281 Mustang2010SaleenMustang2010SaleenS2812010SaleenS281MustangSaleenSaleen S281 MustangSaleenS281MustangSEMASEMA 2009Sema2009Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19188325/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/08/2010-saleen-s281-mustang-teased-ahead-of-sema-debut/19188325/article-detail.xml 19188325 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/2010saleens281preview_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/2010saleens281preview_lead.jpg -1 2