Throwback Thursday: Riverside PD Got a 730 HP Saleen
Police vehicles are known to be fast, but the Riverside Police Department just took it to the next level with its newest memorial car.
Riverside, California
California has some of the most beautiful weather in the world, but don't even think about outrunning the police in the Golden State, because the Crown Victoria will no longer be your biggest challenge. The Riverside Police Department just added one police car to their fleet, and this one is a Special Edition Ford Mustang Saleen that develops a breath-stealing 730-horsepower.
Steve Saleen
This unique car was modified and built specifically for the police department by Steve Saleen, CEO of Saleen, Inc. He personally wanted to build a line of special edition vehicles to serve as Duty Death Memorial vehicles for the police department. Steve even went as far as delivering the car himself to show his dedication to the cause. The idea has been floating around since 2016, and it's finally a reality thanks to Saleen and the numerous local business around the police department.
The Donor Car
Under this craziness is a run of the mill Ford Mustang acquired from Fritts Ford dealership in Riverside. The stock Mustang with a 5.0-liter V8 engine was capable of producing only 435-horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers were nothing to balk at and most owners would be more than happy to own a car capable of that kind of performance but Steve Saleen wanted more for the Riverside law enforcement agency.
From Stock to Monster
Thanks to the Saleen's staff's efforts, they turned the base Mustang into an absolute monster. Now, this police Mustang has a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that develops 730-horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. So if you're thinking about running from the police in Riverside, think again.
Record-Breaking Mustang
Before handing the keys to the Riverside Police Department, they had the exterior outfitted with all of the right equipment that's needed for duty. Things like decals, and as a courtesy of West Coast Lights and Sirens, they installed all of the emergency lights and sirens on the vehicle. To keep any funds allocated away from the car, all of the parts were donated by Federal Signal.
Steve Saleen said that this is one of the fastest police vehicles in the world. He also said, "if you are attempting to elude the police in Riverside Department jurisdiction, beware; your chances of getting away are quite slim."
For help with service and mods on your Mustang, visit the how-to section of our sister site MustangForums.com