FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Exotic S7 and New S281-E Mark Saleen’s 19th Production Year
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 20 – Inspired by the sales success of their popular S281 series sports cars and the multiple international motorsports championships earned by the potent S7R, Saleen Inc. has announced the expansion and refinement of their product line for the 2002 model year. Now in its 19th year of manufacturing premier performance automobiles, Saleen will offer driving enthusiasts the option of several exciting variations of their popular Mustang-based performance cars, as well as the first truly American supercar – the Saleen S7.
For 2002, Saleen Mustang enthusiasts can choose from a broad spectrum of Saleen S281 models ranging from the highly desirable S281 sports car to the S281 Supercharged version all the way up to the powerful new S281-E. Each of these sophisticated cars incorporate Saleen’s legendary balance of power, handling and good looks, and each comes in Coupe, Convertible or Speedster versions. Special Saleen suspensions, slick aerodynamics, interior refinement and Saleen-designed wheels and Pirelli tires are standard on all S281s, while customers can also choose from a limited but exciting list of options to personalize their new Saleen. These additions have been refined for the 2002 model year into more streamlined packages to better address the needs of the Saleen customer.
In addition, a colorful palette of colors is also available including Saleen S7 Silver, Speedlab Yellow, Lizstick Red, Pearl White, Black Metallic, Beryllium, Victory Blue and Bright Signature Red.
The S281 combines classic Saleen performance and appearance with outstanding value. Boasting a healthy 285 horsepower from its 4.6-liter (281 cid) SOHC V8, a new “X-Pipe” exhaust system boasts the car’s torque to 320 ft. lbs. at 4,100 rpm and a quarter mile time of 14.1 seconds at 98 miles an hour. Carrying a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of $32,999 for the Coupe and $36,999 for the Convertible, the S281 provides a level of power and sophistication found in cars costing twice as much.
Introduced in 1999, the S281 Supercharged addition was quickly accepted by Saleen customers as the benchmark in performance Mustangs. Manufactured with a sophisticated Saleen Series II Supercharger system and “PowerFlash” performance calibration system, the S281 Supercharged has already reached a sales level equal to its normally aspirated 8281 counterpart. Packing a neck-snapping 365 horsepower and 400 ft. lbs. of torque, the S281 Supercharged provides the driver a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds, with the quarter mile flashing by at only 13.2 seconds. Despite the industry-leading performance, the S281 Supercharged provides consumers a high level of value at a price of $39,299 for the Coupe and $43,299 for the Convertible.
The newest bullet in the Saleen performance holster for 2002 is the cutting- edge S281-E (“E” for Extreme). Manufactured with the latest in Saleen race-bred technology, the latest addition to the Saleen performance fraternity is the most powerful street Mustang available on today’s market. At the heart of the S281-E is a unique Saleen-manufactured 4.6-liter powerplant complete with the latest Saleen Series V “screw-type” supercharger system. Coupled with the company’s S281-E six-speed transmission, the new S281-E pumps out an impressive 425 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 440 ft.-lbs. of torque at 4,000 rpm. (Need we say more?). The Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the new S281-E will begin at $59,995, a true performance value considering the world-class power and refinement of the newest S281 offering.
The year 2002 will also see the first production deliveries of the exotic and highly-anticipated Saleen S7 American supercar. First introduced less than one year ago, the mid-engine Saleen S7 has garnered international recognition for its elegant, but aggressive, modern styling and the instant success its S7R sibling has enjoyed in the world’s most legendary sports car races. In only its first year of competition, the Saleen S7R has won championships in both the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and the Grand American Road Racing Association series; along with numerous race wins including the 2001 12 Hours of Sebring and a new GTS race record (and podium finish) at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In step with Saleen’s long-established linkage of product development through motorsports, the production S7 is expected to reflect some of the lesson’s learned in the world’s most challenging endurance races. The process of certifying the S7 for street use is well underway, with the first cars expected to reach Saleen dealer showrooms by early 2002. The 7.0-liter S7, which will provide its lucky owners with just over 550 horsepower, will carry a Manufacturer’s Suggest Retail Price (MSRP) of $395,000. Available only through an ever-expanding global network of Saleen-certified dealers, the S7 takes the Saleen tradition of putting “Power in the Hands of a Few” to its ultimate level.
Saleen facilities include total research and engineering, design and assembly capability. Since the company’s inception in 1984, Saleen has produced more than 8,000 vehicles, more than any other specialty manufacturer. The company’s divisions include Saleen Mustangs, Saleen S7 and S7R, the Saleen/Allen Speedlab, Saleen engineering and Saleen Performance Parts, the latter a complete line of performance and appearance products for Mustangs, Explorers and the new Ford Focus.
Contact: Jack Gerken 949-597-4900
76 Fairbanks
Irvine, CA 92618
t 949 597 4900
f 949 597 0201
www.saleen.com