(Images: Drew Philips) It seems that the last time anybody looked at Saleen, they were circling the drain. Steve Saleen had bailed the company to start SMS Supercars, let another company take over Saleen, Inc. and things started to look really bleak. But for anybody who thought that the days of Saleen-tweaked Mustangs were over, the warning shot was just fired. Meet the Saleen 302 Black Label, the top-tier of Saleen’s new designation series. This isn’t a car for the timid: through the black magic that goes on in Saleen’s shop, the 5.0 Coyote has been hooked up to a twin-screw supercharger and it now pushes 730 horsepower and 600 ft/lbs of torque on 91 octane pump gas. Saleen’s techs haven’t left any part of the Mustang untouched, from the body, which has been massaged and slightly lengthened for better aerodynamics, to the suspension, to the fifteen-inch disc brakes at all four corners. In addition to the Saleen badging, a special Saleen VIN number is affixed to the car, and BASF has been called in for paint work.
You can read the laundry list of fun below in the press release, but for now, safe to say that the most capable S550 Mustang yet has just arrived.
Saleen combined the reliability and potency of the 5.0L Coyote motor with a twin-screw supercharger. The pair produces the most power from a production Mustang yet at 730 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque on 91 octane gas.
“From the beginning of this project, we have always known that we wanted to create the most powerful production Mustang we have ever built”, said Sven Etzelsberger, V.P. of Engineering. “I can happily say that we have accomplished this goal with great success.”
Suspension, Brakes, Wheels and Tires
The 2015 Saleen 302 Black Label not only outperforms every competitor in engine performance, but also outshines even previous generation Saleen Mustangs in handling. This is because the chassis consists of an independent suspension on all four corners. Outfitted with Saleen S4 springs, shocks, swaybars, and bushings, this setup offers complete performance and handling for both on and off the track.
A massive set of 15-inch dimpled rotors and multi-piston brakes bring the car back down from hyperspeed. “A brake setup of this caliber is perfectly fit on an ultra-high performance vehicle like the Black Label 302”, added Etzelsberger.
Keeping the Black Label planted to the road are 275/35R20 tires in the front and 275/40R20 tires in the rear. These are wrapped around a set of Saleen 20 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels that are available in multiple finishes.
Design
By far the most advanced design out of Saleen, the Black Label 302 combines the legacy that Saleen is known for with unconventional design elements and materials for a truly unique vehicle inside and out, top to bottom. This all-new Saleen vehicle started with finely tuned aerodynamic body components. As always, Saleen has spent considerable time optimizing lift over drag (L/D) and this vehicle is no exception. Lengthened an inch and a half in the front and almost two inches in the rear helps to increase the airfoil, thereby increasing downforce over the entire vehicle. A trademark Saleen rear wing balances the downforce created by the front air splitter. Carbon fiber body components help to lighten the overall weight of the vehicle.
The interior is a mix of luxury and styling with black leather and suede seats accented in contrasting chevrons. A high contrast gauge cluster provides key vitals to the driver at a glance. Harking back to Saleen’s racing heritage is a leather wrapped steering wheel with controls for audio and the center stack display between the gauges. Unique badging finishes off the interior that includes a dash plaque signifying year of manufacture and serial number of each vehicle.
A full set of Saleen 302 badging and graphics will also be included to complement any one of the standard or custom Saleen paint schemes available on all Saleen vehicles. To match the beauty and refinement of such a remarkable car, Saleen has developed a new paint coating with BASF to launch with this vehicle. California Sunset is a cross between a golden yellow and the hues of a setting sun to create a truly unique color that changes with the light. As with the rest of the Saleen lineup, the 2015 S302 Black Label will receive a Saleen serialization and unique Saleen VIN. Each car is also hand signed by Steve Saleen, ensuring it has gone through the rigorous post-production quality control process.
Maybe the coyote will finally catch the road runner? Box of acme should do the trick!
I think the deciding factor is whichever of the two masters the Rube Goldberg device involving dynamite, roller skates and magnets.
Surely it is priced less than Hellcat so the working class can get excited again.
OK Chevrolet, it’s your turn now.
Oh! They changed their fact sheet after the unveiling! See the screen shot I took on March 20th, 10 pm http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2015/03/saleen-302-blacklabel-mustang.html