Autoblog

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

Drew Phillips — Mon, 10 May 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Quick Spins

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

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.

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SEMA 2009: Saleen officially unveils 2010 S281 Mustang

Drew Phillips — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

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

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.

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Transformers "Barricade" Saleen Mustang sold at auction for $36,000

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Ford, Police/Emergency, Celebrities, Specialty

One of three "Barricade" Saleen Mustangs produced for Transformers - Click above for gallery

For better or worse, not all of us can be Sam Witwicky, swapping spit with Megan Fox and attempting to foil galactic evil robots taking the form of common automobiles. But then, there's nothing common about this particular automobile. It's the actual Saleen Mustang that played the part of Barricade from the first Transformers movie. And one lucky collector just got his hands on it.

One of only three made, this 2005 Mustang was built specially by Saleen and further outfitted by the props gurus at DreamWorks SKG for the film. The car started life as a Saleen S281 Extreme, with a 4.6-liter V8 and five-speed shifter, before being turned into the rolling Decepticon, for which the studio added a push bar, emergency light kit, white doors and decals aplenty. With only 4,550 miles on the odometer, minimal wear and tear, and unsurpassed bragging rights, bidding started on the Barricade Saleen at $1000 and the car sold at $36k - a far cry from the $100,000 - $300,000 declared estimated value, but still a fair few pennies more than the Bumblebee edition Camaro.

Gallery: Barricade Saleen Mustang from Transformers on iCollector.com

[Source: iCollector.com]

Transformers "Barricade" Saleen Mustang sold at auction for $36,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saleen may release S281 Heritage Edition

John Neff — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:35:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford

click above image to view more pics of the Saleen S281 Heritage Edition

Thanks to the Saleen Owners and Ethusiasts Club, we can show you these pics of a new Mustang soon to be released by Saleen (Yes, another special edition Mustang!). The car is called the S281 Heritage Edition, and while we have no official information on the car besides what can be gleaned from these pics, it's apparent Saleen has taken many cues from the wildly popular Parnelli Jones Edition Mustang. The S281 Heritage Edition, however, is dipped in white rather than the iconic Grabber Orange paint color. It appears that exterior differences are limited to the absence of the shaker scoop and tie down pins on the hood. The graphics treatment is different as well, with a large black stripe only on the hood and two-prong black stripes on the sides. Thankfully, the rear louvers are in tact. The wheels also appear to be unique five-spoke rims, whereas the Parnelli Jones Edition wears seven-spokers, though we're not sure if this new set is a Saleen design or not. Finally, out back we can see the Saleen name spread across the rear deck lid and, wait, what's that down there? That's right, quad exhaust outlets in place of the pair of oval tips on the Parnelli Jones Edition.

Again, since we have no official info yet, we can't say what's going on under the hood, but we wouldn't be surprised if the same enlarged 5.0L powerplant in the Parnelli Jones Edition is offered here, as well. Of course, it could also be offered with the variety of engines available in the S281 lineup, all the way up to the S281 Extreme's 550-hp mill. We'll let you know when we have more info, but for now you can feast on these images.

[Source: SOEC.org]

Gallery: Saleen S281 Heritage Edition

Gallery: Saleen Parnelli Jones Mustang

Saleen may release S281 Heritage Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: Saleen S281 Supercharged Mustang Convertible

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, In the Autoblog Garage, Convertible, Performance, Ford

click above image to view 69 high-resolution photos

When the new Mustang debuted in 2005, pony car enthusiasts were elated. After decades of rehashed Fox-platformed Mustangs that could barely get out of their own way, the new DEW98-derived DC2 'Stang promised so much more. At just over $25,000 for a 300hp GT, it delivered big time in the bang for the buck category. With such a low entrance fee, the platform really allows for things to be taken up a notch or two. Seems everybody and their mother are offering tuned Mustangs with body kits, wheel and tire packages, and enough underhood goodies to make that 300 hp look positively anemic.

We've already profiled several of these and have even had our grubby little hands wrapped around the steering wheel of a Roush 427R for a week. While we're still waiting for Ford's own super 'Stang, the GT500, to find its way into the AB garage, specialty manufacturer Saleen stepped up to offer us a sampling of their current lineup. Although our first choice Parnelli Jones limited edition was previously spoken for, we know that we will get one soon. In its place we were able to park a 2006 S281 Supercharged convertible. With 435 hp under its lightweight hood, we figured it might be an acceptable substitution.

And we weren't disappointed. This sucker is fast. And fun, if you can define fun as having dozens of strangers speed up to get a pic of you on the freeway, giving you thumbs up at a stop light, fielding questions from bright-eyed young ladies at every (frequent) gas stop, and being able to light up the tires at will in almost any gear at almost any speed. Those are a few ways we usually define fun, so it seems we have a winner here. But is living with one for a few days as much fun as it seems? Read on for the whole story.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: Saleen S281 Supercharged Mustang Convertible

In the Autoblog Garage: Saleen S281 Supercharged Mustang Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shop with Saleen!

Alex Nunez — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising

On July 29, Orange County, CA saw the grand opening of the first-ever Saleen Store at the Irvine Spectrum. Split into two distinct sections -- Lifestyle and Automotive Technology -- the store offers a full range of Saleen-branded goods, from simple gift items like keychains and pens to memorabilia and a full clothing line.

Visitors will find an S7 supercar and and S281 Mustang on display, and if they're interested in putting one in the garage, they can do that as well. Staffers are equipped to answer all vehicle-related questions and can help prospective buyers kick off the purchasing process via an onsite referral service that matches them up with their local Saleen dealer.

The Saleen Store also is also home to diversions such as a racing simulator that lets customers experience what it's like to pilot an S7R on the track, refreshments at the Saleen N20 Bar, and interesting exhibits like a bissected Saleen Mustang. You won't find that at Banana Republic.

For enthusiasts in Orange County, the presence of the Saleen Store should make routine shopping trips a whole lot more interesting. Autoblog superfan Frank Filipponio was on-hand at the grand opening and was kind enough to send us some pics along with a link to his own gallery full of even more shots.

[Source: Saleen]

Continue reading Shop with Saleen!

Shop with Saleen! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Jul 2006 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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