Saleen S281

Making its debut in 1996, the Saleen 281 utilized a naturally aspirated stock 4.6L 2V SOHC V8 engine rated at 220 horsepower (164 kW). This model also received Racecraft brand suspension upgrades as well as an aerodynamic body kit installed. The S-281 model was commonly based on a Mustang 4.6L GT and became the flagship model for Saleen with the largest production of all Saleen vehicles until 2009. When the New Edge Mustang first appeared in 1999, the horsepower rating increased to 285 (213 kW) due to various engine improvements. With the introduction of the Fifth-generation Ford Mustang, the designation was now recognized as S281-3V for the use of three valves per cylinder in the engine – now rated at 335 horsepower (250 kW).

The Supercharged version of the S-281 was first introduced as an option for the New Edge Mustang in 1999 with a horsepower rating of 350 (261 kW). Designated as Saleen 281 CID SuperCharged, this designation was widely recognized as a separate model in 2000 with more options becoming available by Saleen. Notable internal differences of an S-281SC introduced a dual gauge instrument cluster above the dashboard, while the only external difference was a Saleen Heat Extractor hood. With the introduction of the Fifth-generation Ford Mustang, the supercharger was now installed in an upside-down configuration to provide better performance and a higher horsepower rating of 465 (347 kW).

With the SVT Cobra now introduced with a 4.6L 4V DOHC V8 engine in 1996, Saleen introduced the Saleen 281 Cobra to customers to have purchase or receive their Cobra with Racecraft Suspension upgrades and the Saleen aerodynamic body kit, while the V8 engine itself was left unmodified (320 hp/239 kW). This option lasted until 2004, when the SVT Cobra was no longer in production. This designation continued to remain unmodified even with the introduction of the Supercharged Cobras between 2003 and 2004.

Making its debut in 2002, the Saleen 281 CID Extreme model now utilized a Saleen-built 4.6L 2V SOHC V8 Engine (Spark Ignition Configuration) which replaced the stock Ford 4.6L 2V SOHC V8 Engine. Notable external differences on the S-281E featured a rear fascia with center exhaust, an unintergrated large spoiler and replacement of the Ford Mustang fender logos with Saleen logos. With the new Fifth-generation Ford Mustangs introduced in 2005, a front splitter and rear diffuser were introduced below the front and rear fascias to improve vehicle aerodynamics. The 6-speed Tremec T-56 manual transmission used from the 2002-2009 era was originally in use for the short lived 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO. This model is used as the vehicle mode for Barricade in the 2007 film Transformers. This model was also used as a cover car for Midnight Club: Los Angeles.

Only introduced in the Fifth-Generation era, both the Saleen 281 CID Red Flag and the Saleen 281 CID American Flag models were Supercharged, but offered at a lower price than an S-281SC. Notable detail parts such as the SC vented hood, SC rear wing, quarter window trim, and standard S281 seating are omitted. The RF is available in Black or Alloy with standard red decals while the AF is available in Torch Red, Vista Blue, and White with Red, White, Blue exterior decals. Both models are equipped with manual transmissions and chrome wheels.

Introduced in June 2007 with a run of 100 vehicles, the Heritage 281 CID 3 Valve version was introduced. Sharing some bodywork features with the Parnelli Jones Limited Edition (S-302PJ), the H-281 3V was available in different colors. Key cosmetic differences from the Parnelli Jones Limited Edition include a smaller front air dam, omission of the chrome fascia trim, lack of a hood scoop, the addition of fender badges and a matte-black hood center. Production was limited, as only 60 models were produced: 49 Coupes & 11 Convertibles. Only 6 Grabber orange models were produced.

Only introduced in 2008, the Heritage 281 CID Supercharged Dan Gurney model was based on Dan Gurney's 1969 Boss 302 Mustang Trans-Am racer. Only a run of 300 (100 Blue, 100 Red, 100 White) were built.

Making its debut in July 2008, the Racecraft 420 Horsepower Supercharged model was introduced as a demonstration to steer away from the Saleen name and to also offer Mustang fans a cheaper, yet sportier version of a supercharged Saleen. Using the infamous suspension name recognized on Saleens, the Racecraft 420-S was a lightly modified Ford 4.6L 3V SOHC with a Saleen Twin-Screw Supercharger. The success of this car and product name, Racecraft, failed to gather the attention the promoters hoped for with only 89 units built as most true Saleen fans did not appreciate the infamous Saleen name to be replaced with another.

To celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Saleen in 1998, ten specially customized S281's were introduced. Officially designated as Saleen Anniversary of 15 Years, these ten vehicles were the first of the S281 series to be equipped with a Series 1 Eaton Blower Supercharger. These vehicles were exclusively offered through the Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club website and were only available as a Speedster/Convertible configuration.

To mark the 20th anniversary of Saleen in 2003, ten specially designed S-281SC's were built. Officially designated as Saleen Anniversary of 20 Years, these SA-20's now included a Saleen Series IV Screw Type Intercooled Supercharger and Saleen Powerflash performance calibration system. The most notable external difference on the SA-20's was the introduction of a new 20th Anniversary Cover with an integrated light-bar design, S-281E Spoiler Wing, and center exhaust. The SA-20 was introduced as a Speedster/Convertible only.