Saleen · 1996–2010
Saleen S281
The Saleen S281 is a variant introduced between the 4th and 5th generations of Ford Mustang 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. 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.
Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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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 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 designation was now recognized as S281-3V for the use of three valves per cylinder in the engine – now rated at 335 hp (250 kW). S-281SC. The supercharged version of the S-281 was first introduced as an option for the New Edge Mustang in 1999, with a horsepower rating of 350 hp (261 kW). Designated as Saleen 281 CID SuperCharged, this designation was widely recognized as a separate model in 2000 with more options becoming ava
Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.
Specifications
- name
- Saleen S-281
- Manufacturer
- Saleen, Incorporated
- Production
- 1996 - 2010
- Predecessor
- Saleen Mustang
- Successor
- SMS 460/SMS 460X (2010)
- Transmission
- 4 or 5-Speed automatic, 5 or 6-Speed manual
- Assembly
- Irvine, California & Troy, Michigan
- Related
- Ford Mustang
- Class
- Sports car , Muscle car
- Layout
- FR layout
- Body style
- 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
- Engine
- 4.6 L V8, 320 hp to 550 hp
- Length
- 189 in
- Width
- 74 in
- Height
- 56 in
- Wheelbase
- 107.1 in
- Kerb weight
- 3550 lb
- Designer
- Phil Frank
Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.
More photos
Sources
- Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6135119CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saleen_S281CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1377828915 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Saleen_S281_supercharged.jpgCC BY-SA 3.0 de · Photo: Thomas Wydra at de.wikipedia · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.