On November 4th, 2009, Saleen Performance Vehicles officially introduced the new 2010 S281 Mustang at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The car outputs an impressive 485 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque courtesy of its 4.6-liter V8 engine equipped with a Saleen Series VI.5 twin-screw supercharger and dual-stage intercooler.
In addition, it features a newly designed Saleen Racecraft suspension system, which includes specially tuned single-rate front and rear springs, nitrogen-pressurized front struts, and rear shocks with a wide range of damping adjustments. It is also equipped with a specially tuned front sway bar with performance pivot bushings.
“For more than 25 years the Saleen name has stood for excellence in design, engineering, and driving dynamics,” said Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles. “The new S281 is an excellent example of what those words mean when we craft concepts into real cars. Our team has done a terrific job; I’m proud of them and proud to be offering this car to our customers.”
On the inside you'll find custom leather sport seats with ultra-suede inserts, highlighted by chevron-like Ultra-Suede red tabs in the seatback bolsters. Special treatment has also been applied to the Mustang's gauges, steering wheel, center console, and shifter. The S281 features contrasting Saleen logos in the door panels, and Saleen logos in the door sill plates that, similar to the standard 2010 Mustang, illuminate when the door is opened. Other interior goodies include Saleen performance pedals, Saleen short-throw shifter with leather-wrapped comfort-grip aluminum shift knob, and a custom center console finish in Piano Black.
The car rides on 20-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso high-performance tires and is equipped with Saleen S281 Supercharged fender badging, making the car easily identifiable when out on the road. It is also equipped with a Saleen Performance Exhaust System featuring stainless steel chrome tips, Hi-flow inlet tube and air box cover, and Power-assisted, 4-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS and traction control.
The S281 Mustang is available in the following standard colors: Black, Performance White, Torch Red, Grabber Blue, Sterling Grey Metallic, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Kona Blue Metallic, Red Candy Metallic with tinted clearcoat (added cost), and Sunset Gold Metallic. Optional custom colors include Igniter Orange, Octane Red, Silver Shield , Motor City Blue , and Lights Outs Yellow.
No details were released regarding pricing or the number of vehicles to be offered. Additional info will likely become available in the coming months.
