Photo: Mustangs Daily

Everyone has been stepping it up in the high performance market and the stakes have been pretty high with Shelby American and ROUSH releasing their latest factory monster creations. Recently Steve Saleen took back his name brand and jumped right back in the game.

With a lot of things buzzing at the Los Angeles Auto show this year, the announcement of a 2013 Saleen 351 production model is definitely one of them. It has only been thirteen years since the last production Saleen featured 351 V8 engine. While the cubic inches may be the same as over a decade ago, the technology and design are definitely very different.

“Since regaining the Saleen brand, I really want to bring it all together with the heritage that Saleen is known for”, said Steve Saleen. “With the current Saleen [302] Mustang model it provides all the right features to bring back and update the S351 model.”

This new S351 will be capable of 700 hp and 655 ft-lb of torque. The eight cylinder 351 is connected to a Saleen 296 supercharger, giving it serious gains. Of course other things are factored in such as a six-speed transmission with one of Saleen’s high-performance clutch systems, 3.73 gears, and a beef up rearend to throw the power right where it belongs, under the tires.

While it seems like everyone is going 302 under the Mustang hood, the Vice President of Engineering, Al Wagner, said, “If the 302 mustang is using the Coyote engine, the 351 is definitely the gray wolf of the class.”

Other modifications to the new Saleen production vehicle include the Saleen S4 suspension kit with Saleen 15-inch brakes with multi-piston brake calipers to help stop the high powered vehicle. Covering the massive brakes are staggered alloy Saleen 5-spoke wheels and performance tires.

The design has some cues from the Saleen 302 but there are a few differences. A Red Butterfly functional center ram induction hood will cover the 351 stuffed inside the engine bay. The front includes a lot of carbon fiber complete with side splitters and a rear diffuser featuring F-1 style tail lights. Of course it will represent the Saleen 351 name with graphics and badges.

We can’t wait to see the finished product!