Road Test: 2006 Saleen S281SC Convertible
Posted 9.4.2006 in Road Tests
When the S197 Mustang platform was introduced it offered an increase in power, better handling, and a high quality interior all wrapped in a striking new body. These changes benefited the aftermarket industry as well, who had a much better starting vehicle to work with. Perhaps the most anticipated version of the Mustang came from Saleen, who has been modifying and building production Mustangs for more than twenty years. The Saleen S281 was unveiled in 2005 at the California International Auto Show and was available in two flavors – the S281 3-valve and the S281 Supercharged.
The two models had a host of visual upgrades from the stock GT, with each getting a Saleen body kit featuring a custom front fascia, side skirts and door cladding, rear fascia, front grille, integrated front turn signals, rear center body panel, and rear spoiler. Like it or not, Saleen has created a trademark look for its Mustangs that gives it a unique appearance that is described by Saleen himself as “clean, distinctive, and aggressive.”
The S281 received an updated Saleen Racecraft suspension system with a new MacPherson strut design in the front and a three-link live rear axle with a Panhard rod at the rear. The suspension is matched with Saleen 20-inch wheels wrapped in Dunlop Sport tires 275/35ZR20 both front and rear. The braking system includes 12.4-inch ventilated front discs and 11.8-inch discs in the rear.
Inside the S281 received an upgraded interior with Saleen leather sport seats, 200 mph gauges, performance driving pedals, close ratio shifter, floor mats, and door sill plates. A serialized dash plaque lets you know that this is a genuine Saleen ‘Stang, as do the engine bay plaque and bumper number.
On the performance side, both S281 models receive Saleen power pulleys, performance air filter, and the Saleen “Powerflash” performance calibration to tune the engine for optimum horsepower. An all-new exhaust system features a unique twin-muffler design that allows for less noise at lower speed using vacuum-actuated valves that open at a specific back pressure. At this point the 3-valve model calls it quits, and the supercharged model takes over. The main attraction is the Saleen Series VI supercharger that features a new innovative design that integrates the intake manifold, twin-screw assembly, and intercooler into a single compact unit. The Series VI is also larger than the previous version, pushing 2300 cc of air per rotation compared to 1600 cc, so it can produce the same amount of power at slower speeds. Combined with the two-stage water-to-air intercooler, the new Saleen supercharger produces more power and less stress and heat. In addition to the supercharger, the more powerful S281 also features 3.55:1 gears, a twin gauge pod for boost and air temperature, and supercharged badges.
The results of the new supercharger can be seen in the numbers. The 2005 S281 Supercharged pumped out 400 horsepower and 420 lb-ft torque. For the 2006 model year, like our test car, the numbers have increased to 435 horsepower and 425 lb-ft torque. This is good for a mid 4-second 0-60 mph time, and you can expect to pass the 1/4 mile mark in just under 13 seconds. Additional changes for the 2006 model year include standard Saleen 14” brakes (previously only an option), new front aero ducting, and a Saleen shift knob. All of this comes at a starting MSRP of $51,102 for the coupe and $55,989 for the convertible, around twice the cost of a base Mustang GT. Do the upgrades from Saleen justify the cost? We drove a supercharged S281 convertible to find out.
Our particular test car was painted in Screaming Yellow and fitted with fitted with chrome 20” wheels over optional Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires. If that sounds like it attracts attention, you’d be right. The car received open-mouthed stairs from everyone who saw the car, and the sound of the exhaust elicited head turns from every direction. At least the celebrity status received from owning the car matches the price tag. The real test, however, is how the car performs compared to the stock version.
The Saleen Racecraft suspension system felt tighter and more capable than a stock Mustang’s, but didn’t handle as well in less than ideal circumstances. Undulations in the road left the car unsettled and jarred, and a partial loss of traction left the steering feeling numb. Part of this was probably due to more flex coming from the convertible frame, however, and we would still expect to see an improvement over the stock suspension on a track. Despite the initial unresponsive pedal feel, the now- slotted 14-inch brakes do a good job of stopping the car in short distances without fade.
On to the main event – how fast is this thing? Under normal driving, the supercharger hides its presence, but dipping into the throttle produces a powerful surge of extra thrust. The extra 135 ponies under the hood make themselves known as the supercharger sucks in the atmosphere around it and the deep exhaust note fills the air. The power delivery actually feels more like a turbocharged engine, with a sudden rush of torque coming on in the mid rpm range. The brutal acceleration is an adrenaline-pumping experience, and it becomes difficult to restrain from downshifting just to get the feeling again.
The S281 Supercharged is undoubtedly a better car than the stock Mustang GT in almost every way. It handles better, accelerates faster, brakes in shorter distances, looks more aggressive, and has a higher quality interior than its unmodified counterpart. The S281 is a true modern day muscle car. It’s big, powerful, fast, loud and aggressive. Does this make the S281 worth the extra $25,000? If it’s only straight line performance you are after, then you would be better off just purchasing the supercharger package from Saleen for less than $6,000. The result would be a much faster car, but most likely an unbalanced car as well with the suspension and brakes incapable of handling the extra power. To build a similarly balanced car would put you in the same price range as the S281, and if you like the body kit and interior upgrades to the car, you might as well get the real thing. In the end, the only thing that is a better bargain than the S281 is the stock Mustang GT itself.
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