The Cars-Talk About The Cars!Model-wise, Saleen's '03 Mustang lineup remains unchanged, comprising the naturally aspirated S281, the blown S281 SC, and the mind-blowing S281-E. But power is up across the board. The S281 gains 5 hp and 10 lb-ft of torque (to 290 hp, 330 lb-ft) thanks to recalibration of the Saleen PowerFlash processor and some exhaust tweaking. Last year's exhaust apparently necked down 2.25 inches at the mufflers, a situa-tion that has now been remedied with a system that is 2.5 inches throughout. The final change for the '03 S281-which is priced at $36,095 in coupe form and $40,114 for the convertible-is the addition of Saleen Sport seats to the standard-equipment list.
The blown SC also benefits from much the same exhaust and programming improvements as the S281, but its big news is a swap from last year's Roots-type supercharger to a Lysholm twin-screw unit. Though the boost level remains about the same, Saleen found the Lysholm to be more thermally efficient at that pressure, so that it exhales at a lower temperature, especially after shedding even more BTUs via a new, more efficient, fan-equipped, water-to-air intercooler (shared with the Extreme). This cooler, denser intake charge allows tuning for both better power and driveability. Air-inlet ducting has also been enlarged in support of the new blower. Now packing 375 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque (up 10 and 15, respectively, from last year), the S281-SC coupe carries a $42,788 list price, while the drop-top comes in at $46,807.
At the pinnacle of Saleen Mustang pecking order is the S281-E (known hereafter simply as the Extreme), back for its sophomore year with even more power and steeper gearing (3.55 versus 3.08). Exhaust and calibration revisions, along with a larger throttle body (75mm versus 65), have bumped horsepower up by 15, to 445, and torque by 20 lb-ft, to an even 450, making the E's upgraded short-block seem like a darn good idea. Perhaps in view of the additional power, the Extreme coupe, at $60,586, and the $64,504 convertible also receive 1-inch-larger, 14-inch slotted front rotors for 2003. And look for midyear introduction of a new pod housing boost and intake air temp gauges. Oh, and you can add the Speedster package-as our pair of convertible testers had-for $2,979.
Unfortunately, the weather was (accurately) forecast to be fairly sodden for our blitzkrieg through the Smoky Mountains, so we had to leave those Speedster tonneau covers in storage back at Road Atlanta and run buttoned up for much of the time. But the dreary weather did little to dampen our enthusiasm for the task at hand. My first stint was in the over-the-top S281-E. This Beryllium ragtop was, in fact, Steve Saleen's personal car, an '02 that has been fully updated to '03 specs. The Extreme certainly lives up to its billing, with power that is intoxicating, particularly when accompanied by the wicked exhaust note emanating from its center-exiting trumpets. A word of advice, however: If you want to go through life unnoticed, don't even think about getting behind the wheel of a Beryllium S281-E, a car that draws more envious stares than Dolly Parton in a nursery full of unfed newborns. Speaking of such major attractions, our route took us right past Dollywood, nestled amongst the scenic peaks of the Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. But we digress...
Having both '02 and '03 versions of the S281-SC on hand provided some interesting comparisons. Whether you'll be happy or disappointed to know that the new car's Lysholm-supplied screw-type supercharger operates in almost total silence will depend on how well you liked the patented "siren-call" of last year's Roots-style blower. Either way, you're unlikely to be disappointed with the '03's performance, which has a distinctly fatter feeling powerband than its predecessor-sort of like a .40-caliber S&W compared to a 9mm.
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