Review: 2010 S281 Saleen Mustang

The 2010 Mustang S281 Saleen is a monster of a machine that packs all the goodies with a serious punch. Body styling to the front fascia and rear bumper have been revised for a much rowdier muscle look. The rear of the car is accented by the Saleen logo between the two tail lights and looking toward the lower portion of the rear bumper you'll notice four rectangular exhaust pipes (two on each side) that give off a mean exhaust note with the hint of a cam, nothing sounds better than a blown modular mustang especially one with an upgraded exhaust system such as the Saleen S281 has. The Saleen S281 is powered by a three valve per cylinder 281 cubic inch V8 with a custom Saleen series 6 twin screw supercharger, with the addition of a dual stage water to air intercooler, larger 39lb fuel injectors, high flow intake, and that beautiful custom mandrel bent exhaust system the Saleen S281's engine churns out 485 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 460ftlbs of torque at 4250 rpm; this kind of power with such a short wheel base certainly makes for a fish tailing shark on the streets.

Power from the blown Saleen S281 V8 is transferred through the input of an ultra short throw shift via a five speed manual transmission which in turn transfers power to the 8.8 inch limited slip rear end with a 3.73:1 final drive ratio (another 3.73 rear locking Maxgrip ring and pinion is an option). Keeping the Saleen S281 on the road is no short order which requires utilizing very upgraded suspension components to harness the 485 horsepower. The S281 uses custom non progressive race springs in the front and rear as well as Saleen Racecraft struts and shocks with a wide range of adjustability; also in place is a Saleen Racecraft front sway bar with performance bushings. Stopping the shark is done by the very capable ABS system which utilizes four wheel slotted brake rotors with four piston calipers which works well in conjunction with the S281 Saleen's traction control system. Larger 15 inch rotors with six piston calipers and 11.8 inch rear brakes are an upgradable option. Ultimately power is put to the ground on the S281 via 20 inch seven spoke Speed Star silver Saleen wheels which are 20x9 in the front and 20x10 in the rear wrapped in Pirelli P-zero Rosso tires (275/35zr20 front, 275/40zr20 rear). There is also an in cockpit tire pressure monitoring system to keep things on the up and up.

The S281 Saleen's interior is looking very slick and retro this year offering leather sport seats with suede inserts with the Saleen logo embroidered on the middle of the seat and to it's left and right are trendy red tabs sewn into the leather. There are also contrasting red Saleen logos on the interior door panels. Saleen logo's on the door sill plates illuminate when the door is open, these improvements only accent the Saleen etched logo steering wheel, aluminum racing pedals, and a custom gauge cluster.