Tag Archives: White Label

AUTOMOBILE: 2019 SALEEN S302 WHITE LABEL REVIEW

SALEEN’S S302 WHITE LABEL FORD MUSTANG IS A MORE DIALED-IN GT
More muscle, more moxie, and getting back on track for Saleen’s 35th anniversary.

BY: ED TAHANEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ED TAHANEY on SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
Original Article: AUTOMOBILEMAG.COM

Back in 1984, Steve Saleen upgraded a Fox Body Mustang with a sweet body kit, added a Racecraft suspension, larger wheels and tires, and a big-ass wing, among other cool bits. It was an instant hit and won races at the track and on the streets. If you grew up on the East Coast, it was the type of car usually driven by guys named Tony and gals named Tina. They’d do donuts next to Coney Island’s Wonder Wheel and cruise up and down the Jersey Shore all summer long.

Fast forward 35 years and despite plenty of business-related twists, turns, and detours along the way, Saleen is still kicking and still cranking out some seriously modded Mustangs. The latest Ford Mustang GT is already one hell of a car, and Saleen’s S302 White Label treatment makes it even better—despite a name that reminds us of a new line of perfume or a special batch of homegrown hooch.

2019 Saleen S302 White Label
2019 Saleen S302 White Label

The S302 White Label is the tamest pony in the Corona, California–based tuner’s present day corral, checking in with 15 more horses than the base GT at 475 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The increase is thanks to a few minor enhancements, but mainly its performance exhaust system. The V-8 is mated to a six-speed manual transmission fitted with a fun-to-operate short-throw shifter. Mash the pedal, listen to the engine roar, drop it into gear, and away you go in a cloud of smoke.

While it’s not a supercharged beast like Saleen’s higher-spec Yellow and Black Label Mustangs—read our recent review of the 800-HP Black Label here—the ride and handling of the 35th Anniversary Edition S302 White Label has been dialed up dynamically thanks to a unique Saleen strut tower brace and a specially tuned Racecraft suspension.

Visually, the Saleen package screams, “Hey, look at me!” and you’ll get plenty of stares and thumps up while racing from stop light to stop light thanks to a Saleen-specific front fascia; a rear wing; and distinct, 20-inch five-spoke wheels that sit over bright-yellow four-piston calipers. It’s a look that was nicely complemented by our test car’s Oxford White paint and would be right at home in towns from Bakerfield to Bensonhurst, where this pumped-up pony car would be welcomed with open arms. The SALEEN windshield sticker and custom grille with a thin red accent will further announce the car’s specialness, as will that throaty growl emanating from the custom exhaust and mufflers. It was certainly sweet music to our ears.

2019 Saleen S302 White Label
2019 Saleen S302 White Label

If you’re the massive-horsepower type, you can always step up to Saleen’s aforementioned supercharged Yellow Label with 715 horsepower or the super-duper-charged 800-hp Black Label. We had a chance to sample the White and Black Labels back-to-back, and while we appreciate the latter’s extra ponies, the White Label version is more tractable and feels just right. Don’t get us wrong, the Black Label is wicked fun, but is more akin to a race horse with anger-management issues—exhilarating to ride but difficult to tame.

Inside, the White Label looks a lot like a similarly priced 2019 Mustang GT Coupe Premium trim model minus the leather-trimmed seats. Our Saleen test car came with black cloth seats instead, albeit with Saleen-branded headrests. It also featured a sporty Saleen steering wheel in leather and suede, white face gauges, a billet shifter, Saleen quarter window covers, and B-pillar trim. The limited-production car also sports a serialized dash plaque and embroidered floor mats to let any passengers who happened to completely overlook the exterior cosmetics know this isn’t your garden-variety Mustang.

The Saleen 302 White Label also comes with a three-year/36,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. Even better, the test model we drove checked in at a relatively affordable $47,195. If you’re looking for a somewhat unique Mustang that can roam at the front of the pack with the best stock GTs, look no further. Now excuse us—we need to drive this beast to Nathan’s for some clams.

2019 Saleen S302 White Label Specifications
ON SALE Now
PRICE $47,195 (base)
ENGINE 5.0L 32-valve DOHC V-8; 475 hp @ 7,000 rpm, 430 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm
TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual
LAYOUT 2-door, 4-passenger, front-engine, RWD coupe
EPA MILEAGE N/A
L x W x H 188.5 x 75.9 x 54.2 in
WHEELBASE 107.1 in
WEIGHT 3,750 lb (est)
0–60 MPH 4.2 sec (est)/td>
TOP SPEED 155 mph (est)

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

FORD AUTHORITY: DRIVING THE SALEEN S302 WHITE LABEL, PART 1

Driving The Saleen S302 White Label: The Exterior

By: ALEX LUFT on SEPTEMBER 6, 2019
Original Article: FORDAUTHORITY.COM

One look. That’s all it takes to realize that the 2019 Saleen S302 White Label is no ordinary Mustang. And that’s because it is anything but ordinary. We spent the past two weeks with this beauty, and enjoyed every minute of it. First things first, let’s get a good gander at this breathtaking exterior.

2019 Ford Mustang Saleen White Label Exterior Ford Authority Front Three Quarters
2019 Ford Mustang Saleen White Label Exterior Ford Authority Front Three Quarters

The S302 White Label serves as the entry-level model in the Saleen model hierarchy. It starts out as the Mustang GT with Ford’s naturally-breathing 5.0L V8 Coyote engine, which receives a 15 horsepower bump at the hands of Saleen. From there, California-based firm makes a host of very tasteful and appropriate improvements and customizations to deliver a very unique package. Our tester was coated in Oxford White in the base (non-Premium) trim level and had black cloth seats.

2019 Saleen S302 White Label Vitals
Exterior Interior Mechanical
Saleen front fascia Saleen white face gauges 5.0L Coyote V8 tuned to 475 HP
Saleen rear wing Saleen billeft shift knob 6-speed manual transmission
Saleen 20-inch white wheels Saleen embroidered floor mats Saleen performance exhaust
Saleen white B-pillar trim Saleen signature steering wheel Saleen RaceCraft suspension & strut tower brace
Serialized limited production

Now, about that exterior: the Saleen Mustang White Label is one great-looking machine. The front end features a unique front fascia with a unique black billet-style grille with a red accent, along with an aggressive lower fascia. The modifications fix the sad and frumpy appearance introduced by the facelifted 2018 Mustang, giving the pony the more aggressive look it deserves.

2019 Ford Mustang Saleen White Label Exterior Ford Authority Frond End And Grille
2019 Ford Mustang Saleen White Label Exterior Ford Authority Frond End And Grille

The 001 ahead of the driver’s-side headlight denotes that this is the first Saleen S302 White Label for the 2019 model year. That number also appears on the serialized plaque inside the pony as well as under the hood.

A neat-looking 302 decal on the front fender denotes the engine size in cubic inches, tactfully letting others know that this is no ordinary Mustang. Slightly below that signage sit two more badges – one denoting the Four Valve configuration of the 5.0 Coyote engine and another denoting Saleen tuning. The B-pillar features white trim with Saleen script.

But the arguable piece de resistance of the Saleen S302 White Label are the wheels: a set of white-painted 20-inch wheels (9.5 inch in the front, 10.5 in the rear) make the coupe truly stand out on the road. Yellow brake calipers in the front make things pop.

2019 Ford Mustang Saleen White Label Exterior Ford Authority Side Profile
2019 Ford Mustang Saleen White Label Exterior Ford Authority Side Profile

Out back, a large rear wing complements the Mustang’s fastback proportions, while also providing functional downforce at higher speeds. Saleen script on the black decklid insert and Saleen dual exhaust with a diffuser round out the package.

2019 Ford Mustang Saleen White Label Exterior Ford Authority Rear Three Quarters
2019 Ford Mustang Saleen White Label Exterior Ford Authority Rear Three Quarters

During our two full weeks with this pony, not a day went by that someone did not come up to us to ask or talk about it, or give us a thumbs up. Observing fellow motorists in traffic was also fun, as Saleen’s pony turned heads when rolling up to a stop light or passing other vehicles. But none of that can truly describe how this car looks, and it looks absolutely stunning.

Walking up to the Saleen S302 put a smile on my face. Every. Single. Time. And I often caught myself looking out the window of my office on purpose just to catch a glimpse of this white knight. Having caught that glimpse, in turn, made me want to go out and drive it.

Anecdotally, a guy pulled up next to me in downtown Miami to ask what spacers the car was running, at which point I explained that there are no spacers, just really wide wheels. He was impressed. But the icing on the cake was walking out to the car after a gym session and seeing a group of teenagers taking selfies with the pony. It commands attention at every turn – it’s just that kind of car.

2019 Ford Mustang Saleen White Label Exterior Ford Authority Front Wheel
2019 Ford Mustang Saleen White Label Exterior Ford Authority Front Wheel

Indeed, the Saleen S032 White Label is no ordinary Mustang, and it shows. The entire package is very well thought-out and tastefully done. After two weeks with the car, I did not look forward to giving it back.

We’ll have much more about this gorgeous steed, including driving impressions, in the days ahead, so be sure to stay tuned and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Mustang news and around-the-clock Ford news coverage.

[Source: Ford Authority]

TRIPLE THREAT HEADING TO GREENWOOD FORD LINCOLN IN KENTUCKY

From our friends at Saleen Automotive.

Triple threat of 2017 S302’s heading to Greenwood Ford Lincoln in Kentucky. Pick Your Poison!!!

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: Saleen Automotive]

PAIR OF S302 WL (17-0016 & 17-0017) HEAD TO GOSCH FORD

From our friends at Saleen Automotive.

Gosch Ford of Temecula got their first set of White Labels. This is one of our Premier Saleen Authorized Dealers servicing Southern California.

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: Saleen Automotive]

PAIR OF S302 WL (17-0011 & 17-0012) HEAD TO BILL PIERRE FORD

From our friends at Saleen Automotive.

I raise you a pair of Saleens. 2017 S302 White Labels heading off to Bill Pierre Ford in Seattle.

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: Saleen Automotive]