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This latest creation of the
Saleen engineering staff
delivers quantified function
near the limts of a supercar.
The vast catalog of modifications
to both chassis and
interior defy the selling price
that is more in line with a
good sports car than Saleen's
astonishingly fast and satisfying
machine.
A sonorous rumble starts your morning, softly satisfying and
full of expectations. A blip of the throttle lights your fire and
awakens the neighborhood. All pretense of Ford's friendly
commuter is gone. Select reverse and expose the Saleen
S-281 Extreme to the street. The wolf's robe hides no sheep.
Subtle graphics are tastefully accomplished, but Racecraft
suspension, giant wheels and downforce-control working at
both ends give it very serious air – so to speak. Select first
gear and try not to recolor the pavement on departure.
The neighborhood reaches for coffee, while you reach for
third, and top the entrance ramp at three digits. Fifteen-inch
rotors, six-piston calipers and ABS let you slip into traffic –
not unnoticed. Back to second gear, a 1500-rev rumble and
NPR. Civility is supported by unexpected compliance on the
broken concrete and swelled tarmac joints.
One hundred miles of a Saturday track day are only perceptible
on the odometer and diagonal tire wear. The S-281
Extreme leaves you comfortable with its two distinct personalities.
It remains a useful tool during the week, with a
screaming weekend racer just a half-inch of throttle away.
A day in a fantasy life made entirely possible with Steve
Saleen's latest Clark Kent/Superman creation. The Saleen
engineering staff's goal from the beginning has been to
create race cars, then power them with streetable, warranteed
drivetrains to allow them to function as daily drivers.
The idea is not new, but electronics have moved the bar
into the stratosphere.
In 1996 the first S-281 was the entry-level Saleen. It
used Ford's new 4.6-liter SOHC modular motor with nothing
more than better ignition wire, a less restrictive air
cleaner and a Borla exhaust. With only that little edge, it
still included Ford's powertrain warranty and service from
your local Ford dealer. But the chassis was all
Saleen/Racecraft with the interior and exterior detailed
much like the monster S-351.
Phil Frank has worked with Steve Saleen from the beginning
to create an almost elegant air control and graphics
package distinguishing Saleen Mustangs from the more
flamboyant body kits and graphics available from competitors
or over-the-counter. The track-day set of the Racecraft
suspension and 18-inch wheels underscored the effect.
Supercharging came early to Saleen development in the
form of a Vortech centrifugal blower. It produced useful
power and linear delivery through the revs. In 1998 Saleen's
chief engineer John Spruill managed to arrange an EO
(Executive Order) permit to install third generation Eaton
M-90 roots-type superchargers as an after-sale installation.
The paperwork was accomplished for ten Fifteenth
Anniversary Speedsters called the SA-15. The new blower
produced torque just off idle and included an intercooler in
the system.
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