The Saleen S281 is a
variant
Variant may refer to:
In arts and entertainment
* ''Variant'' (magazine), a former British cultural magazine
* Variant cover, an issue of comic books with varying cover art
* ''Variant'' (novel), a novel by Robison Wells
* " The Variant", 2021 e ...
introduced between the
4th and
5th generations of
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is a series of American automobiles manufactured by Ford. In continuous production since 1964, the Mustang is currently the longest-produced Ford car nameplate. Currently in its sixth generation, it is the fifth-best selli ...
which was produced by the American manufacturer
Saleen, Inc. By 2005, Saleen departed from being a company of modifying existing Ford Mustangs as well as various other Ford automobiles, and became an
Original equipment manufacturer
An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is generally perceived as a company that produces non-aftermarket parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. It is a common industry term recognized and used by many professional or ...
. This was easily distinguishable with the
bodywork designed by Phil Frank on the S-281's as well as the various other models offered by Saleen.
Previously referred to as ''Saleen Mustang'', Saleen now introduced a model designation based on the Cubic Inch Displacement (CID) of the engine, now referring the car as Saleen 281 CID, or simply S-281. Any distinguishable options purchased by the customer is indicated with a suffix added after the 281, designating its difference.
Variants
From its first introduction in 1996 until 2009, the S-281 has been introduced in several variations:
Several models were introduced:
*S-281/S-281 3V: Naturally aspirated Coupe/Convertible Model
*S-281SC: Supercharged Model
*S-281C: Saleen variation of the SVT Cobra first introduced in 1996.
*S-281E: Supercharged Extreme Model (supplied Saleen engine)
*S-281RF/S-281AF: Supercharged American Flag AF model sold to veterans. Supercharged Red Flag RF Model
*H-281 3V: Naturally aspirated 3-Valve Heritage Model
*H-281DG: Supercharged Heritage Dan Gurney Model
*Racecraft 420-S: Lighter, Sportier version of the S281 with minimal modifications, also known as the S-281SC Sport
*SA-15: 15th Anniversary Production Model (1998)
*SA-20: 20th Anniversary Production Model (2003)
S-281
Making its debut in 1996, the Saleen 281 utilized a naturally aspirated stock 4.6L 2V SOHC V8 engine rated at 220 horsepower (164 kW). This model also received
Racecraft
''Racecraft: The Soul of Inequality in American Life'' is a 2012 anthology book co-authored by sociologist Karen Fields and her sister, historian Barbara J. Fields. The book examines the origins and production of race and racism in the Unit ...
brand suspension upgrades as well as an aerodynamic body kit installed. The S-281 model was commonly based on a Mustang 4.6L GT and became the flagship model for Saleen with the largest production of all Saleen vehicles until 2009. When the
New Edge Mustang first appeared in 1999, the horsepower rating increased to 285 (213 kW) due to various engine improvements. With the introduction of the
Fifth-generation Ford Mustang
The fifth-generation Ford Mustang (S197) is a pony car that was manufactured by Ford Motor Company, Ford from 2004 until 2014, at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. The fifth generation began with the 2005 model year, and rec ...
, the designation was now recognized as S281-3V for the use of three valves per cylinder in the engine – now rated at 335 horsepower (250 kW).
S-281SC
The
Supercharged
In an internal combustion engine, a supercharger compresses the intake gas, forcing more air into the engine in order to produce more power for a given displacement.
The current categorisation is that a supercharger is a form of forced induct ...
version of the S-281 was first introduced as an option for the
New Edge Mustang in 1999 with a horsepower rating of 350 (261 kW). Designated as Saleen 281 CID SuperCharged, this designation was widely recognized as a separate model in 2000 with more options becoming available by Saleen. Notable internal differences of an S-281SC introduced a dual gauge instrument cluster above the dashboard, while the only external difference was a Saleen Heat Extractor hood. With the introduction of the
Fifth-generation Ford Mustang
The fifth-generation Ford Mustang (S197) is a pony car that was manufactured by Ford Motor Company, Ford from 2004 until 2014, at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. The fifth generation began with the 2005 model year, and rec ...
, the supercharger was now installed in an upside-down configuration to provide better performance and a higher horsepower rating of 465 (347 kW).
S-281 Cobra
With the
SVT Cobra
The Ford SVT Mustang Cobra (also known as SVT Mustang Cobra, SVT Cobra, or simply as Cobra) is a muscle car/pony car model that was built in model years 1993 through 2004 by Ford Motor Company's Special Vehicle Team division (or SVT).
The SVT C ...
now introduced with a 4.6L 4V DOHC V8 engine in 1996, Saleen introduced the Saleen 281 Cobra to customers to have purchase or receive their Cobra with
Racecraft
''Racecraft: The Soul of Inequality in American Life'' is a 2012 anthology book co-authored by sociologist Karen Fields and her sister, historian Barbara J. Fields. The book examines the origins and production of race and racism in the Unit ...
Suspension upgrades and the Saleen aerodynamic body kit, while the V8 engine itself was left unmodified (320 hp/239 kW). This option lasted until 2004, when the SVT Cobra was no longer in production. This designation continued to remain unmodified even with the introduction of the Supercharged Cobras between 2003 and 2004.
S-281E
Making its debut in 2002, the Saleen 281 CID Extreme model now utilized a Saleen-built 4.6L 2V SOHC V8 Engine (Spark Ignition Configuration) which replaced the stock Ford 4.6L 2V SOHC V8 Engine. Notable external differences on the S-281E featured a rear fascia with center exhaust, an unintergrated large spoiler and replacement of the Ford Mustang fender logos with Saleen logos. With the new
Fifth-generation Ford Mustangs introduced in 2005, a front splitter and rear diffuser were introduced below the front and rear fascias to improve vehicle aerodynamics. The 6-speed
Tremec
TREMEC (Transmisiones y Equipos Mecánicos SA de CV, formerly Transmission Technology Corporation, TTC) is a manufacturer of automobile transmissions and drivetrain components based in Querétaro, Mexico.
Company
Torque transfer solutions from ...
T-56 manual transmission used from the 2002-2009 era was originally in use for the short lived 2004-2006
Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO is an automobile that was manufactured by American automaker Pontiac from 1963 to 1974 for the 1964 to 1974 model years, and by GM's subsidiary Holden in Australia for the 2004 to 2006 model years.
The first generation of the G ...
. This model is used as the vehicle mode for
Barricade
Barricade (from the French ''barrique'' - 'barrel') is any object or structure that creates a barrier or obstacle to control, block passage or force the flow of traffic in the desired direction. Adopted as a military term, a barricade denot ...
in the 2007 film
Transformers
''Transformers'' is a media franchise produced by American toy company Hasbro and Japanese toy company Takara Tomy. It primarily follows the Autobots and the Decepticons, two alien robot factions at war that can transform into other forms, suc ...
. This model was also used as a cover car for
Midnight Club: Los Angeles.
S-281RF/S-281AF
Only introduced in the Fifth-Generation era, both the Saleen 281 CID Red Flag and the Saleen 281 CID American Flag models were Supercharged, but offered at a lower price than an S-281SC. Notable detail parts such as the SC vented hood, SC rear wing, quarter window trim, and standard S281 seating are omitted. The RF is available in Black or Alloy with standard red decals while the AF is available in Torch Red, Vista Blue, and White with Red, White, Blue exterior decals. Both models are equipped with manual transmissions and chrome wheels.
H-281 3V
Introduced in June 2007 with a run of 100 vehicles, the Heritage 281 CID 3 Valve version was introduced. Sharing some bodywork features with the
Parnelli Jones
Rufus Parnell Jones (born August 12, 1933) is an American former professional racing driver and racing team owner. He is notable for his accomplishments while competing in the Indianapolis 500 and the Baja 1000 desert race. In 1962, he became the ...
Limited Edition (S-302PJ), the H-281 3V was available in different colors. Key cosmetic differences from the
Parnelli Jones
Rufus Parnell Jones (born August 12, 1933) is an American former professional racing driver and racing team owner. He is notable for his accomplishments while competing in the Indianapolis 500 and the Baja 1000 desert race. In 1962, he became the ...
Limited Edition include a smaller front air dam, omission of the chrome fascia trim, lack of a hood scoop, the addition of fender badges and a matte-black hood center. Production was limited, as only 60 models were produced: 49 Coupes & 11 Convertibles. Only 6 Grabber orange models were produced.
H-281DG
Only introduced in 2008, the Heritage 281 CID Supercharged Dan Gurney model was based on Dan Gurney's 1969
Boss 302 Mustang
The Mustang Boss 302 is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang originally produced by Ford in 1969 and 1970, alongside its more powerful sibling the Boss 429 Mustang. Ford revived the name for another two year production run in 2012 and ...
Trans-Am racer. Only a run of 300 (100 Blue, 100 Red, 100 White) were built.
Racecraft 420-S
Making its debut in July 2008, the Racecraft 420 Horsepower Supercharged model was introduced as a demonstration to steer away from the Saleen name and to also offer Mustang fans a cheaper, yet sportier version of a supercharged Saleen. Using the infamous suspension name recognized on Saleens, the ''Racecraft'' 420-S was a lightly modified Ford 4.6L 3V SOHC with a Saleen Twin-Screw Supercharger. The success of this car and product name, Racecraft, failed to gather the attention the promoters hoped for with only 89 units built as most true Saleen fans did not appreciate the infamous Saleen name to be replaced with another.
SA-15
To celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Saleen in 1998, ten specially customized S281's were introduced. Officially designated as Saleen Anniversary of 15 Years, these ten vehicles were the first of the S281 series to be equipped with a Series 1
Eaton Blower Supercharger. These vehicles were exclusively offered through the Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club website and were only available as a Speedster/Convertible configuration.
SA-20
To mark the 20th anniversary of Saleen in 2003, ten specially designed S-281SC's were built. Officially designated as Saleen Anniversary of 20 Years, these SA-20's now included a Saleen Series IV Screw Type Intercooled Supercharger and Saleen Powerflash performance calibration system. The most notable external difference on the SA-20's was the introduction of a new 20th Anniversary Cover with an integrated light-bar design, S-281E Spoiler Wing, and center exhaust. The SA-20 was introduced as a Speedster/Convertible only.
See also
*
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is a series of American automobiles manufactured by Ford. In continuous production since 1964, the Mustang is currently the longest-produced Ford car nameplate. Currently in its sixth generation, it is the fifth-best selli ...
*
Shelby Mustang
The Shelby Mustang is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang built by Shelby American from 1965 to 1967 and by the Ford Motor Company from 1968 to 1970.
In 2005, Ford revived the Shelby nameplate for a high-performance model of the fi ...
References
{{Reflist
Saleen Colour Production
Saleen Mustang Production
Saleen Mustang History
Saleen S281 Specifications
2000 Ford Mustang
2003 Ford Mustang
External links
Saleen Models
Rear-wheel-drive vehicles
2000s cars
S281