Saleen Tesla Model S announced as tuner's first EV

[Mook]

Kind of want to see what they do

Saleen has made its name on building some of the meanest modern muscle cars around, which was why it was so surprising when it announced in December that its next project will go electric. Has the famed pony car modifier lost its mind? Or is it right in thinking the performance potential of the Tesla Model S is too big to ignore?

Details remain scant about the project, but Saleen promises to transform the Model S into an electric supercar. Power is getting a boost but exactly how much more than Tesla's own 416-horsepower Model S P85 is not known. Saleen has also not set a completion date for the car yet, but it promises that renderings and specs will be ready soon. The only real detail that Saleen gives about its version of the Model S is that it has "a revolutionary design all our own," so we're expecting some visual differentiation to go with its inevitable augmented power.

"I fully intend to produce one of the most compelling Tesla's to ever hit the roadway," said Steve Saleen, company founder and CEO.

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[Yaj Yak]

a trailer full of batteries with z rated tires

 

[rocket5979]

a trailer full of batteries with z rated tires

Like these...


Saleen's official power plan

 

[BrianG]

I am excite.

 

[bikrboy128]

I'm expecting a ricer wing/body kit with a few saleen badges. Yawn

 

[chry*bmb]

Hmmmm

 

[Intel]

Saleen still builds stuff? I figured they would have died when the sn95 was replaced.

 

[Mike K]

I would think the only downside to slapping in a larger motor is reduced range but if you beat the snot out of the P85 as it is you'll see reduced range. I think it's a mistake marketing this car as an all out performer because it's going to have to come with some tradeoffs.

I still want one but that interior, my lawd that interior. It's just bad. I still have an RSS feed that shows me every one in the country and when I see the interior pictures I'm just like "I'm out". Hopefully they have a mid-cycle refresh in the works that offers an interior that matches the exterior.

 

[RICH17]

I think the car is fast enough TBH. They just need to work on the handling and brakes, interior, and some exterior stuff that isnt gawdy

 

[Mike K]

I think the car is fast enough TBH. They just need to work on the handling and brakes, interior, and some exterior stuff that isnt gawdy

The handling and brakes? Have you driven one Rich? I wouldn't be surprised if it handled better than my BMW. They handle amazingly because they have a super low center of gravity.

 

[Mook]

Rich knows handling.

 

[RICH17]

The handling and brakes? Have you driven one Rich? I wouldn't be surprised if it handled better than my BMW. They handle amazingly because they have a super low center of gravity.

I remember reading that they handling like crap.....It was on the internet so I thought it was true

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

 

[RICH17]

I really want to drive one. Anyone know if theres a dealer in the area?

 

[Mook]

s00ls probably does.

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

There's one in Schaumburg.

 

[Dan00Hawk]

Saleen consulted with an expert to make sure they get it right:

 

[Mike K]

I remember reading that they handling like crap.....It was on the internet so I thought it was true

Yeah that was very wrong. They handle amazingly well with no compromise in ride quality either. Most don't complain about the interior either, just the people like me. It's a deal breaker for me. It looks cheap.

 

[RICH17]

Hmm I think [MENTION=653]BrianG[/MENTION] and I need to go check them out.

 

[P40E]

Will be fast . Wish they still made the Roadster for this .

 

[Xfirez51]

Sometimes peoples mouths write checks their bodies can't cash. Saleen just recently "introduced" a Heritage Series of Trans-Am cars starting w the George Follmer edition. Supposed to be doing a Swede Savage Challenger and Mark Donahue Camaro, but haven't seen any real examples of the Challenger or Camaro so far.

 

[VenomInside]

They just built one in Highland Park off of 41 and deerfield (roughly)

 

[smug]

Yea the interior looks a little bland and odd. Then the over sized iPad in the middle of the dash kills it for me. The outside look great in white and gray.

 

[Mook]

 

[l0wb00st]

I remember reading that they handling like crap.....It was on the internet so I thought it was true

When the roadsters first came out they handled like crap, but I think they've taken a lot more time with their suspension design and they handle pretty well now.