When Steve Saleen officially regained his namesake brand, you knew it would only be a matter of time before his company would debut its first project car. That time, apparently, was at the LA Auto Show when Saleen->ke76 introduced its return to the auto industry with the Saleen 351 Mustang.

"Since regaining the Saleen brand, I really want to bring it all together with the heritage that Saleen is known for," Saleen said. "With the current Saleen Mustang model it provides all the right features to bring back and update the S351 model."

Based on the 2013 Ford Mustang, the car’s name comes from the engine used under the hood, which is a 351-cubic-inch V-8 engine tricked to deliver way more than a base Mustang.

Next to that, Saleen is offering numerous other updates to the interior and the exterior, but also an updated suspension and braking system - all made to transform the Mustang into a real beast.

Updated 07/05/2013: The new Saleen 351 is now officially into production, so the tuner has unveiled tons of new details on its first Mustang-based package since Steve Saleen regained control.

Click past the jump to read more about the new Saleen 351.

2014 Saleen 351 Mustang

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Saleen 351 Mustang
  • Horsepower: 700
  • Torque: 655
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

On the exterior, the 351 Mustang receives an aerodynamic kit entirely made from carbon fiber, including: front and side splitters, and a new rear diffuser that houses the F1->ke662-style taillight. The Saleen 351 Mustang is also equipped with its famous Butterfly Center Ram Air Induction system, which includes a Red Butterfly hood that allows cold air to flow through the butterfly scoop design as they open under throttle.

The new 351 is also distinguished by a series of "Saleen" banners and emblems, and model-specific fender and hood chevrons. As an option, Saleen is also offering a front brightwork trim package.

Interior

For the interior, Saleen installed new performance seats wrapped in a two-tone leather and Alcantara. There is also a new steering wheel wrapped in a combination of leather and Alcantara, and a new shift knob and shift boot covered in leather.

On the dashboard, you will notice a "Steve Saleen" authentication signature, while numerous "Saleen" emblems can be found on the door sill plates, the floor mats and the steering wheel.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, Saleen tricked the Mustang's standard V-8 to deliver a total of 700 horsepower and 655 pound-feet of torque. To do so, the tuner installed a supercharger and intercooler, calibrated the engine and installed new fuel injectors.

The work continues by adding new performance air filters, new aluminum pistons and cylinder heads, new valve springs, forged-steel crankshaft and connecting rods, aggressive camshafts, aluminum cylinder heads, and a polished stainless-steel exhaust with performance mufflers.

This monstrous engine hooks up to a six-speed manual transmission with a Saleen close-ratio shifter. The transmission features a high-performance clutch for superior bite and a lightweight flywheel gives the clutch positive engagement to the engine without excessive weight.

Suspensions and brakes

The new 351 sits on a set of 20-inch alloy wheels in five-spoke design wrapped in high-performance tires, sized 275/35ZR20 up front and 275/40ZR20 on the rear.

A new brake system featuring 14-inch ABS cross drilled front rotors and four-piston, powder-coated calipers help bring this beast to a halt quickly.

The suspension was also replaced with S4-specific front and rear springs, plus S4 front and rear sway bars with high-durometer pivot bushings.

Prices

The new Saleen 351 will be priced from $82,634 and comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty.

Competition

Ford Mustang RS V6 by Roush

Saleen is not the only tuner to offer an upgrade kit for the Mustang lineup. Roush is also doing a pretty amazing job and its latest kit is the RS V6. It is offered in three different stages of upgrades, with the most powerful one delivering a total of 675 horsepower from the Mustang's V-6 engine.

Along with the potent upgrades, Roush also offers numerous other exterior and interior upgrades, in order to make the Mustang looking better than ever.

Conclusion

The new Saleen 351 is a great car, you shouldn't be surprised, given Saleen has been one of the top Mustang tuners since the 1984.

It might be a little expensive though, but you know, it always worth to buy something cool.