| Saleen S281s at a Glance |
| | S281 | Supercharged S281 |
| Acceleration |
| 0-30 mph | 1.89 sec | 2.07 sec |
| 0-60 mph | 5.26 sec | 4.99 sec |
| 0-100 mph | 14.16 sec | 11.88 sec |
| Quarter-mile | 13.92 at 100.04 mph | 13.48 at 107.19 mph |
| Braking |
| 60-0 mph | 122 ft | 122 ft |
| Slalom | 61.80 sec | 62.46 sec |
| Hard-core |
| Curb weight | 3,064 lbs | 3,064 lbs |
| Weight distribution | 56 front/44 rear | 56 front/44 rear |
| Fuel capacity | 15.7 gal | 15.7 gal |
| Wheelbase | 101.3 in | 101.3 in |
| Track | 59.7 in, front/61.5 in, rear | 59.7 in, front/61.5 in, rear |
| Width | 73.1 in | 73.1 in |
| Length | 183.2 in | 183.2 in |
| Height | 53.1 in | 53.1 in |
| Trunk space | 10.9 ci | 10.9 ci |
| Engine | 4.6 2V SOHC | 4.6 2V SOHC |
| | | Roots-style supercharger |
| Horsepower | 285 at 5,100 rpm | 365 at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 315 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm | 400 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm |
Saleen SR
Did you know that the upscale Saleen SR was wind tunnel-tested at Lockheed-Martin in Marietta, Georgia? This explains the SR's very slippery lines that make it a cut above the S281. The '01 Saleen SR takes street performance to its highest plateau with a mind-bending, supercharged 505 hp from more conventional Ford power: the fuel-injected 5.8L (351W) small-block.
"We've used our racing experience and adapted this technology into the engineering to make the SR the ultimate street-performance vehicle," Steve told us. He's not kidding either. The SR will crack 0-60 in considerably less time than the supercharged S281. Quarter-mile times will blow away most any '60s musclecar, including the 428 Cobra Jet Mustang.
What impresses us about the '01 SR is the use of the pushrod 351W small-block with time-proven snap-and-twist and a six-speed transmission. The six-speed offers us two overdrive ranges for better cruising. In back is a fully independent rear suspension with 3.55:1 gears inside the differential. Huge 14.4-inch front disc brakes give you stopping power compatible with the 351's power underhood. The SR has a complete rollcage and suspension reinforcement system. A refined Saleen Racecraft suspension sports independent, uneven double wishbones in back, along with Saleen N2 triple-adjustable shocks and adjustable sway bars.
Race-inspired bucket seats provide unending support for tired posteriors. A white-faced, 200-mph speedometer provides food for thought for those determined to court eternity. It may actually take an eternity to pay for the Saleen SR at $158,000 a copy.
For more information, contact Saleen, Inc., Dept. MM, 9 Whatney, Irvine, CA 92618; (949) 597-4900; fax, (949) 597-0301; or visit the Web site www.saleen.com.