Why some of Saleen vehicles(S281 and S302) are NOT mustangs?

Question by Saint: Why some of Saleen vehicles(S281 and S302) are NOT mustangs?
For some of you who don’t really know Saleen, Saleen is to Ford as RUF is to Porsche.

Saleen is a independent company and is not owned by Ford.

People look at the outside and (based on it’s appearance) automatically say “Its a Ford Mustang”.
However, the only thing the Saleen cars themselves has in common with the Ford Mustang is cosmetic parts. Underneath that
cosmetic façade is All Saleen performance parts. There are enough changes made by Saleen to merit the cars as it’s
own creation.

Besides most people obviously dont understand the legal system and who has registered rights to the corresponding vehicle.
Ford has nothing to do with the Saleens(such as the s281e,s302e, and sms), nor does Ford own the rights to the cars. The cars themselves may have started life as a Ford Mustang, however once Saleen is done replacing the vehicles OE mechanical and cosmetic parts, there is very little of Ford (if any) left in the car.

The Saleens is more than just a copycat Tuner version of the Mustang. Saleen itself is subject to the exact same federal regulations governing automotive design as GM, Chrysler LLC, Ford and various other manufactures. So as I said earlier, its not a Mustang.

The engines for the S281 Extreme and S302 Extreme are built in-house under the supervision of Saleen Chief Engineer Neil Hannermann and Engine Department Manager Bill Tally.

keep in mind that the S-Series(S302 and S281)are not mustangs, these cars did start life as mustangs but when Saleen gets a hold of these vehicles they replace ALL of Fords OE mechanical and cosmetic parts.

The life of the S-Series begins, like all Saleen production cars, on the floor of the company’s 131,000 square foot facility.

The new cars proceeds down Saleen’s assembly line. The car is completely gutted from nose to tail. ALL Ford parts are removed:
Ford OE Transmission and Transmission Assembly Gone. Ford OE Suspension and Chassis, Shocks, Springs, Control Arms Gone.
Ford OE Brakes and Brake Assembly Gone. Ford OE Wheels and Tires Gone. Ford OE Engine and Exhaust System Gone.
Ford OE Air Feed System Gone. Ford OE Front Clip Gone. Ford OE Rear Clip and Spoiler Gone. Ford OE Hood Gone.

Ford Factory Fit & Finish Gone. Even the factory Ford color is … Gone. All Saleens are painted in colors developed by BASF.

The Ford OE Computer Management System is snatched out and replaced by a Specially Programmed Saleen Computer System. Saleen calls it “PowerFlash”.
The engines for the S-Series are built in-house under the supervision of Saleen Chief Engineer Neil Hannermann and Engine Department Manager Bill Tally.

PLUS, Ford’s vin number is gone n replaced by Saleens own vin number.(regardless if the vehicle is still registeres as it’s former self)

Also, a FORD dealership cannot market, order, take delivery, sell, repair or perform schedule maintenance on a Saleen product unless Saleen “certifies” the dealership first. A Ford dealership that wants to market, sell, etc. a Saleen product must
contact Saleen directly to begin the Certification process. It should be noted that Certification is not easy, it is very demanding for a dealership. Not all Ford dealerships get certified

Best answer:

Answer by MARCUS N
1) this is not a question
2) “there is very little of Ford (if any) left in the car” you’re an idiot. The chassis, major body panels, block, and major interior parts are Ford. It’s like saying Shelby Mustangs aren’t Mustangs. Stupid. The Saleen S7 isn’t a Mustang. A Saleen Mustang IS a Mustang.

What do you think? Answer below!