Tweaking an American favorite

Three versions of the 2005 Saleen S281 will be available to consumers: the standard S281, the S281-SC, and the S281-E. Each Saleen Mustang will have modified styling front and rear, boosts in power, suspension modifications, upgraded braking components, and unique interior trim. Prices are expected to start around $38,000 for the Saleen S281, with the Saleen S281-SC running about $45,000. The 2005 Saleen S281-E, the E standing for Extreme, has not been priced but is certain to run north of $50,000.

Styling is tweaked up front, with the chrome pony emblem and inboard driving lights of the Mustang GT removed in favor of a rather plain black Saleen-badged grille. Saleen has also restyled the lower air dam, creating twin-gill outboard inlets surrounding a larger air intake. Turn signal indicators have been moved to a location between the grille and headlight lens, and HID headlamps improve nighttime visibility.

Around back, the rear fascia wraps up and around the inset taillights and large gray license plate surround to tie the lower diffuser panel and its oval center-mounted exhaust outlets to the large rear decklid spoiler. Overall, the look is more subdued than Saleen Mustangs past, and not quite and stealthy as the SVT Mustang Cobra.