IRVINE, CA -- August 14, 2008 -- On the eve of a second Racecraft model launch and amidst a wave of rumors about the company's viability due to recent auctions at its California and Michigan, Saleen Inc. gives SOEC members a sneak peek at its 2009 Saleen lineup. This year includes fewer but more upscale offerings than in 2008, surely in part due to the abbreviated production year for 2009, a mere 8 or 9 months, as the 2010 Mustang is due out from Ford in March.

"The campaign for the year is titled 'the Pinnacle,' as we intend to solidify Saleen's position as the leader in exclusive performance vehicles," says Marques McCammon, General manager at Saleen Automotive. "My vision is to move the brand up with more exclusivity in every model, [with] fewer, more substantive offerings."

For 2009, Saleen introduces a new wheel, some new exterior details, and each model will have its own interior treatment; e.g., a 281 Supercharged will be visually different from a S302 Supercharged, and the S302E would be different still.

In addition to a offering a unique interior, the new S302 Supercharged will also be offering 580-horsepower in S-line dress.

A reduced number of H-line models for 2009 will be two special editions, including a continuation of the Gurney and a super Saleen that that is nicknamed the "WM" -- while we don't know yet what "WM" stands for, we're sure to find out soon enough.

More details on the 2009 Saleen lineup will be made available as each model is officially launched.

As part of Saleen's Woodward Dream Cruise festivities on August 15, expect to see a much-rumored RaceCraft Focus unveiled, to join the 420 S Mustang unveiled at Mustang Week in South Carolina last month. RaceCraft models, unlike their serial-numbered brethren, will be made available to all Ford dealers.

 

"Saleen that that is nicknamed the "WM" -- while we don't know yet what "WM" stands for, we're sure to find out soon enough."

I did a little searching... Figured they will continue their Legendary Racer Series...(Parnelli, Gurney) The Only WM initials would be Walter "Bud " Moore... I'm going out on a limb here!

http://www.budmoore.us/budmoore.htm

http://www.mustangmonthly.com/thehis...ngs/index.html

 

Not at all buddy! I think you may have hit the nail on the head buddy. Good guess.

 

It has been confirmed that "WM" stands for "Widow Maker." More details on that as the vehicle rolls-out.

Oh, and Topnotch, thanks for reprinting our story here... it was an oversight on my part.

We now have some additional photography of the S302 Supercharged, including the wheels and the grille, on our Saleen Enthusiast News page.

 

I like the new 7-spoke wheels. I figured I would just go ahead and carry over my current 7-spokers to my new, 2011+ Mustang (hopeful thinking), but now I see these...

 

Not feeling the chrome stripe on the grill at all. The new wheels and Saleen lettering look nice though.

 

 

WOW I LIKE THAT ALOT!!!

its really sexy in black..... and loving the new hood vents and chrome trip in the grille

 

Nice, those wheels are a big improvement.

 

I think I prefer the old one

 

What happened to the bumper number and side stripes?

 

some good, some not so good.

hood vents, wheels, interior - good

grill - not so good

 

Shift **** and seats are pretty nice too. Suede or alcantara?

 

I think that new Saleen is BUTT UGLY! Just my opinion.

 

a hood scoop would be nice

 

That is exactly what I was going to try to do on my interior (white stitching and all).
Now, I guess I will have to come up with something else.

I like the wheels a lot, but it looks naked without the side stripes.