Mustang with the Most Horses.
Although I cannot quite put my finger on it, something about the shape of the S302 Extreme seems familiar. Seriously, though, Saleen’s extreme modifications have rendered the Ford Mustang almost unrecognizable. Saleen’s 620 hp supercharged V-8 (the second most potent engine in this group, next to the Lamborghini’s) overpowers even Carroll Shelby’s new, 540 hp version of the Mustang, called King of the Road. Saleen retained the windshield, interior panels, and little else from Ford’s adaptable blueprint; the engine, suspension, transmission, brakes, wheels, and most of the body are new. Turn off the traction control, and the high-performance Pirelli tires will leave twin streaks of black rubber all over the pavement, while the car itself leaves Dodge Vipers in the dust. —Gregory Anderson
Manageable Muscle
Although nobody is mentioning it, this car began life as a made-by-the-million Ford Mustang. And painted black with an ebony interior that evokes the evil look of Orgodemir, this is a car that could be a death wish on wheels. However, despite its 620 supercharged horsepower, the Extreme is relatively gentle and even predictable. Yes, it visibly quivers at rest, and if you stomp on the gas pedal while turning sharply, the world will revolve around you. But if you are prepared to maneuver the car without startling it, you can enjoy a ton of controllable power, a suspension system that rides taut without being unruly, brakes capable of handling all that muscle, and steering that is more responsive than reins. The Saleen is definitely a good ol’ boy muscle car. Yet it also is a finely engineered piece of machinery that trots as well as it lopes and gallops. —Paul Dean
Tricked-Out Pony
The Saleen Extreme—essentially an extremely tricked-out Mustang—fails to stir the soul. Sure, with 620 hp, you will slaughter everyone at your local stoplight. But the car suffers from a variety of maladies, ranging from so-so build quality to handling that can be frightening. A muscle car diehard will enjoy this car, but if you prefer vehicles more flush with technology and sophistication, this field offers better choices. —Marco R. della Cava
Saleen, www.saleen.com
LAYOUT
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
ENGINE
5-liter, supercharged V-8
TRANSMISSION
6-speed manual
POWER
620 hp, 600 ft lbs
ZERO-TO-60
4 seconds
TOP SPEED
155 mph
BASE PRICE: $84,149
PRICE AS TESTED: $84,149
ROBB REPORT RATING: 54.7
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