Today’s the final day of The SEMA Show, there’s still time to stop by and see our amazing displays. Come by our main booth 60001, the TAG booth 35039 for some amazing accessories, or space V591 to see the Sunoco S1 Cup car.
Attending The SEMA Show? There’s more than just the main booth to see our vehicles! Visit the Truck Accessory group to see one of their new concept racks on a SportruckXR at booth 35039. #SEMA
How do you tune an electric car? The American car manufacturer Saleen has found a way. Based in Corona, California, Saleen is most famous for their performance-upgraded Mustangs and Camaros. The decision to give the “Saleen treatment” to an all-electric car is certainly an interesting one.
The company starts with a Tesla Model S sedan and adds custom front and rear bumpers, which will set you apart from the thousands of other Teslas on the road. It’s not just aesthetics, the larger front grille allows for more airflow to help the car’s cooling system. There’s also an aero hood, side skirts, rear diffuser, and a high-downforce rear spoiler.
Whereas the OEM Tesla Model S has seating for 5 adults, plus an optional 3rd row seat for kids, the Saleen GTX uses a 2+2 layout. The interior has also been upgraded with premium leather and suede materials.
The Saleen GTX is not just a Tesla with some new clothing; there are some serious performance upgrades going on as well. From the Saleen website:
“Propelling the new GTX is the 3-phase, four pole AC induction motor and copper rotor with the upgraded Saleen drivetrain including an all-new 11.39:1 final gear ratio for quicker acceleration. Also new for the GTX is a Saleen specific MAXGRIP locking differential that allows each wheel to efficiently apply rotational force and maximize traction and grip in performance environments.” The company uses proprietary programming to give the car a “High Performance Calibration,” though details about that are scarce.
Besides the drivetrain upgrades, there are larger 14″ vented disc brakes, 21″ or 22″ wheels with high-performance tires, and a Saleen S4 suspension that includes anti-sway bars, specific rate springs, and Saleen shocks and struts. As a finishing touch, Saleen upgraded cooling system with a larger volume radiator, a high-flow water pump, and upsampled cooling fans. The combination of all these mods results in a car that looks and performs better than when it left the factory.
As with any car (and particularly with electric cars), it all comes down to the numbers. How does this compare to a Tesla Model S?
Well, a fully optioned-out P90D will run you $134,250 and puts out 463 hp (532 hp in Ludicrous mode). The Saleen GTX weighs in at $165,000 according to Automobile Mag for the 691 hp version. To be fair, the P90D price is the actual cash price, not counting any Federal Tax Credits or gas savings.
I think the idea of performance tuning electric cars is one that will continue to grow in popularity as a growing number of people begin to make the switch to EVs.
Body and Exterior
Redesigned Front Fascia for Improved Airflow
Functional V-Shape Aero Hood
Functional Rear Diffuser
Side Skirts with Carbon Fiber Trim
High Downforce Spoiler
Performance
11.39:1 Final Gear Ratio
MAXGRIP Locking Differential
Saleen High Performance Calibration
Larger Volume Radiator
High Flow Water Pump
Upsampled Cooling Fans
Wheels and Brakes
21″ or 22″ wheels
High performance ZR tires
14″ vented disc brakes or carbon ceramic brakes
Suspension and Handling
Upgraded “S4” Suspension
Anti-Sway Bars
Saleen Shocks and Struts
Specific Rate Springs
Interior
2+2 layout
Premium leather and Alcantara suede materials
About Trevor Freeman Trevor is a real gearhead who loves everything from classic American muscle cars to high-performance exotics. When he’s not reading about cars or taking photos at a car show, he’s probably out cruising around. He is currently working on restoring a 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo coupe with his friends.
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cooper Tire is showcasing its ultra-high performance Zeon RS3-S tire on a 2016 Saleen® 302 Black Label Mustang in booth #43019 (South Hall) at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show now through November 6.
“Our RS3-S tires meet the exacting standards of Saleen, while also meeting the demands of everyday performance enthusiasts.”
Saleen is an iconic American name in motorsports, synonymous with superb quality and unparalleled performance, and now comes standard with Cooper Zeon RS3-S tires.
“We are excited to work with Saleen, whose maximum performance vehicles give us an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities and state-of-the-art technology engineered into our high performance products,” said Scott Jamieson, Cooper’s Director of Product Management. “Our RS3-S tires meet the exacting standards of Saleen, while also meeting the demands of everyday performance enthusiasts.”
The race-inspired RS3-S is an ultra-high performance tire that delivers world-class dry road traction, increased handling and exceptional cornering. The tire’s tread compounds are specifically formulated to combine dry and wet traction with crisp handling and high speed capabilities. The RS3-S also features a 20,000-mile treadwear protection warranty and a 45-day road test guarantee.
For more information on Cooper and the SEMA show, visit www.coopertire.com and www.semashow.com. Also connect with Cooper on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, together with its subsidiaries, is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative, great-performing tires that people depend on for all of life’s road trips, whether on city streets, off-road adventures or high-speed tracks. In fact, Cooper is proud to sponsor and race in all three levels of the Mazda Road to Indy development program within the IndyCar racing series. Cooper tires can also be seen on the track as a sponsor of the IMSA Prototype Lites Series, and competing in the short course off-road TORC Series. Headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, Cooper, together with its subsidiaries, has manufacturing, sales, distribution, technical and design operations in more than one dozen countries around the world. This year, as we head into our second century in the tire industry, Cooper is looking toward a future where innovation will continue to drive our products and our products will continue to drive the world. To connect with Cooper, visit www.coopertire.com, www.facebook.com/coopertire or www.twitter.com/teamcoopertire.
About Saleen Automotive, Inc.
Saleen is an American specialty manufacturer of high performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. Founder Steve Saleen has continually set the bar for automotive design and performance engineering in both street and racing applications. Saleen plans to utilize its existing strategic partnerships and dealer network to refine its design and engineering prowess, continue development of emerging automotive technologies, and expand its presence nationwide with a combination of automotive retail services, aftermarket parts and new vehicle sales to build significant long-term value. Learn more at www.saleenautomotive.com.
Contacts: Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Michelle Rehbein, 419-423-1321 mrrehbein@coopertire.com