Saleen S302 launched

Saleen Performance Vehicles of Tecumseh, Michigan, has unveiled the latest in its growing range of Ford Mustang-based vehicles.



The S302 is named for the capacity of its engine: 302 cubic inches, or 5.0 litres. Equipped with a Saleen Performance air filter and exhaust system, the normally-aspirated V8 develops 425 bhp (431 PS / 317 kW) and 536 Nm of torque. Sounds impressive, but it’s only a small increase over the standard 2011- spec Mustang, which has 412 bhp (418 PS / 307 kW) and 529 Nm.

However, it looks like the main focus has been on two other aspects of the car. The first is the chassis, which features revised suspension, front anti-roll bar and bushings all from Saleen Racecraft. Optionally available are specific-rate front and rear springs, nitrogen-pressurised shocks, adjustable damping and a strut brace.



Second is appearance. For starters, the 18” wheels of the standard car have been binned in favour of 20” Saleen items. Then there’s a new bonnet and front grille, as well as a body kit which looks great apart from the overly fussy side skirts. To complete the look, covers for the rear side windows can be selected from the options list. The interior features Saleen Design leather seats with ‘Ultrasuede’ inserts, leather door inserts, unique Saleen gauges and a piano black centre console.



No word on pricing yet, but the Saleen S302 will be available as either a coupe or convertible.

Mustang Saleen S7 Twin Turbo Design Sport Car

Mustang-Saleen-S7-Twin-Turbo-Design-Sport-Car

Saleen knows all about power. As in S281 Mustangs, N2O Focuses and the S7, America’s first (and still the only) mid-engine exotic supercar. When it went on sale in 2002, the S7 was the only street-legal car in the U.S. with more than 500 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The media and S7 owners have raved about the car since it first smoked the rear tires in anger. And it has been recognized by numerous automotive magazines as the fastest production car in the world. But during the past three years the automobile marketplace has witnessed an explosion of performance with models from manufacturers including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Chevrolet touting power numbers above the once magic 500 level.
Designed by Saleen engineers, the S7's engine and drivetrain incorporate the latest in modern racing technology. The new all-aluminum V8 engine casting was engineered and tooled by Saleen to displace seven liters. Redline is 6500 rpm. Space age materials and engineering are used throughout, including stainless steel valves, titanium retainers, beryllium exhaust valve seats, an aluminum throttle body, Saleen designed aluminum CNC-machined cylinder heads and stainless steel exhaust system. An exclusive Saleen-designed Front Engine Accessory Drive (FEAD) system results in an extremely compact engine, allowing for better packaging and overall weight distribution. The V8 incorporates a unique Saleen-designed side-mounted water pump, a belt-driven camshaft drive and a Saleen-engineered dry sump oil delivery system. The engine's mid-chassis placement optimizes weight distribution and center of gravity, making room for an unusually tall engine that allows for a very efficient induction system. Air enters a roof intake, passes through a 90-mm mass air meter and feeds into a carbon fiber plenum. From the plenum the air is routed to the twin ball bearing turbos, is pressurized to 5.5 psi max and then passes through an oval-bore throttle body into an aluminum intake manifold with eight individual runners.

Saleen Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang

Dan Gurney said that he only had one request before agreeing to endorse a special-edition Saleen Mustang designed in his honor: it had to be "faster than Parnelli's." Saleen was happy to comply, and the Dan Gurney Signature Edition was born. Like the Parnelli Jones Signature limited edition, the Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang features graphics inspired by classic Trans Am race series cars, an extremely limited production run and of course some serious performance parts.

The Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang is set apart by a special body kit, duckbill rear spoiler and a "stinger"style hood scoop. Inside, a signature plate is personally signed by Gurney, and the two-tone seats have blue or red Alcantara inserts that are color-matched to the exterior. Saleen will build 100 Dan Gurney Signature Editions in each available color: Torch Red, Performance White and Vista Blue. Like the Parnelli Jones edition, the racing stripes and number stickers will be available so owners can create a road-going race replica if they desire. It's a tasteful package that will appeal to fans of vintage racers without looking too garish.

To ensure that Gurney's performance wishes were fulfilled, Saleen installed a supercharged 465-horsepower 281 cubic-inch V8 under the hood and connected it to a short-throw shifter. A 3.73 limited-slip Max Grip rear end helps to get the power to the road. Handling is improved with a Racecraft suspension, a second-generation Watts-Link rear end and Pirelli Corsa tires. The suspension setup was approved by Gurney himself.

It's a cool package; all we can hope is that someone will arrange a track-day shootout of each Saleen special edition, with its namesake at the wheel.

Saleen AF S281 Dedicated to US Army Troops

Saleen Automotive, America's automotive manufacturer will salute the American military with the production of twenty-four limited edition AF (American Flag) supercharged S281 cars. This is part of the American themed promotion, Saleen will also implement a nationwide holiday incentive program for all active military personnel.

The supercharged AF S281 celebrates our American heritage with a patriotic color pallet (8 red, 8 white, 8 blue vehicles), unique graphics package, a 465 hp supercharged engine, tuned suspension and 20 inch wheels and tires starting at $49,995.

"We wanted to take time during the holiday season to honor the men and women that serve our country at home and abroad," said Marques McCammon, General Manager of Saleen Automotive. "Our armed forces represent the best of the American spirit and we want to honor that spirit in our vehicles."

The program was developed when Saleen began receiving emails from soldiers returning from Iraq stating that they had purchased a Saleen to reward themselves. In keeping with Saleen's strong American heritage, the American Flag vehicles will be dedicated to the men and women who fight for our country everyday.

The twenty-four limited edition supercharged AF S281 vehicles will begin hitting select Saleen certified dealerships nationwide the week of December 25.

In addition to the vehicle, Saleen is offering all active military personnel a holiday incentive. The program kicked off on Dec. 1 and continues through to Jan. 31, 2008. It consists of a $500 military "bonus bucks" cash rebate to be applied to any new and unused 2006 or 2007 Saleen car or truck currently in a Saleen certified dealer's inventory. It also includes a one day voucher to the Skip Barber Performance Driving School. This program is only available to active military personnel with a valid military ID and drivers license.

"We know that our gesture is no match for the sacrifice they make on our behalf, but we want to be sure that they know we appreciate and honor them," said Paul Wilbur, President CEO of Saleen.