Every year, Saleen heads over to Las Vegas to bring a new custom modded Mustang to the SEMA Auto Show. A few years ago, they bought the S281 Mustang. Last year, it was a custom S302 Mustang with custom colors and plenty of carbon fiber. This year, Saleen has prepared a custom 302 Speedster for the biggest aftermarket auto show in the world, marking the first time the 302 Speedster was accessorized with a number of options.
This particular model was definitely dressed to impress, thanks to a new Matte Black paint finish, complimented by the prevalent use of carbon fiber rocker panels. The subtle look of the S302 Speedster can be substituted for something a little more gregarious if customers feel like it. In place of the Matte Black finish, other can choose from Igniter Orange, Octane Red, Silver Shield, and Motor City Blue. Rounding out the modifications done on the S302 Speedster include a new carbon fiber chin splitter, a carbon fiber rear wing, and a new set of 7-spoke wheels.
We love ourselves some Ford Mustangs, especially if they come in a special edition trim. While a lot of people can scoop up a Mustang if they so please, it says something if you’re driving on the road with a piece of special edition American Ford muscle.
Now, you’ll still get your fair share of choices with some being more readily available than others. But if you’re looking for the newest special edition Mustang off the block, you might want to give the boys over at SMS Supercars.
SMS Supercars is the baby of one Steve Saleen. Yeah, you might remember him for his past forays as the founder of Saleen Inc, the very same company that built one of the fastest American supercars on the planet, the S7.
Recently, Saleen and his crew over at SMS have turned their attention towards special edition Mustangs, specifically three new editions of the just launched Mustang Boss 302: the White Label, the Yellow Label, and the Black Label.
Whereas the White Label is the entry-level version and the Black Label is the top-of-the-line version, the Yellow Label slots right in the middle. It comes with the same specs as that of the White Label, including a reprogrammed PCM, a new sport suspension system, a new exhaust system, a new body kit, and some interior upgrades. More than these add-ons, the Yellow Label also comes with a new SMS supercharger kit that bumps up the engine’s output from 440 horsepower to 545 horsepower. On top of that, SMS also dressed up this version with a set of 19” wheels, giving it a sportier and more aggressive look to complement its muscularity.
Interested in the Mustang SMS 302 Yellow Label? Well, you better be prepared to shell out $45,540 for the chance to go home with one.
Photo is of the Mustang SMS 302
When talking about customized Ford Mustangs, you can name five of the best the business has to offer in a heartbeat and chances are, one of those names would be SMS Supercars.
Founded by the legendary Steve Saleen, the same man that founded Saleen Inc. that gave way to the Saleen S7 supercar, SMS Supercars is considered as a go-to-shop for Mustangs of varying versions, including the Mustang Boss 302.
Recently, SMS proudly unveiled three new editions of the Boss 302: the White Label, the Yellow Label, and the Black Label.
The top-end of the three versions is the Black Label, which bears some similarities to the Saleen S281E of the past. This particular version features more advanced aerodynamic body components than the White and Yellow Label editions, including the company’s very own S4 suspension system, a custom SMS leather interior and an engine modification that took the Mustang Boss 302’s 5.0-liter V8 engine from a standard output of 440 horsepower all the way up to 575 ponies.
And as is the case with most of his models, the SMS Mustang 302 Black Label will be available in a number of unique custom paint colors that only SMS Supercars can provide. According to SMS, the car retails for $48,000 for the naturally aspirated model of the car and $58,000 for the supercharged version.
Bad news for all Saleen fans out there! Revstone Industries, the company that builds models for Saleen, has announced that by the end of 2011 they will no longer produce vehicles for Saleen. The main reason for their decision is "the confusion and controversy with Steve Saleen’s company, SMS Supercars."
In an official letter sent to dealers, Saleen said: "Over the past several years, we have witnessed a lot of confusion around the Saleen brand, due to a number of financial ups and downs and accompanying changes in ownership. The name itself has become the center of countless conversations and debates, detracting from the cars themselves, and from the culture of performance that they both embody and serve."
"Through our conversations with Ford Motor Company and one another, we have come to feel that those things have become overshadowed by questions surrounding the name. So we want to wipe the slate clean, and usher in a new era of American Muscle. We are confident that, in time, you will agree this was the right decision."
Plan to see the same type of American muscle, but under a different brand that has yet to be determined.
We will continue our list of ultra-expensive Christmas gifts with a special vehicle: a street legal Saleen Competition S7 supercar available for sale for an impressive $499,000.
When unveiled in 2000, the Saleen S7 was powered by a naturally aspirated V8 engine with 550 HP. With the introduction of the Competition package, Saleen added a few updates, including 100 HP engine upgrades, a big Le Mans style race wing, winglets up front, and red/black 4pt
harness seats. With the new updates, the car was capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and hitting a top speed of more than 200 mph. This was just a step closer to the impressive Twin-Turbo version that was capable of a top speed of 248 mph.
The S7 on sale is the number 27 model, which was the first one offered with the competition package, and the first one that featured the red exterior paint.
However crazy the $499,000 price tag may sound, at least it’s less expensive than the $1.17 million dollar sticker on the Zenvo ST1 supercar. Which one would you like to see in your garage on Christmas morning?
