Saleen 302 Black Label Hellcat Hunter Revealed
Saleen have developed 3 new levels of performance 2015 Mustangs with names that sound more like something that comes in a bottle from a distillery in Scotland. Johnnie, I mean Steve Saleen announced the new Black label 2015 Saleen Mustang at recent press unveiling in Los Angeles.
I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not exactly sure how Saleen pulled off building this car. Last we heard back in November, the company was down to $7,200 in their bank accounts with bills and creditors knocking on their doors for back payment of millions of dollars, Steve seems to have more lives than a cat.
The Saleen 302 Black Label Mustang is powered by a stroked and supercharged 5.0L Coyote V8 that makes a whopping 730 horsepower and 600lb-ft of torque. The car has of course upgraded suspension with tuned with springs, shocks, a new set of stiffer sway bars to help keep the car flat in the corners along with solid suspension bushings. Add to all of this a set of Saleen 20-inch wheels big 275 tires and a big set of brakes on all four corners and you’ve got the new Saleen Black label, one of the most powerful Saleens ever built, the question remains - how will it perform up against a Hell Cat - now that will be a cat fight for sure.
The 2015 Saleen 302 Black Label will start from $73,214.
Official Saleen Press Release
March 15, 2015 -- Earlier this year, Saleen Automotive released their 2015 White and Yellow Label 302 Mustangs to much fanfare. To round out their fleet, Saleen pulled out all the stops and developed one of the best Mustangs to date. This car is set to change the way pony cars are looked at from here on out. At a one-of-a-kind event in Downtown LA, Saleen raised the curtain on the latest pony car out of their Corona, CA headquarters.
"Since I started building cars in 1984 my goal has always been to go above and beyond where anybody has been before", said Steve Saleen. "This will by far be the most refined and advanced Mustang we have built to date."
With over 30 years of experience in both racing and manufacturing vehicles, it was only a matter of time before Saleen built a Mustang as comprehensive and technologically advanced as the 2015 302 Black Label.
Power
Saleen combined the reliability and potency of the 5.0L Coyote motor with a twin-screw supercharger. The pair produces the most power from a production Mustang yet at 730 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque on 91 octane gas.
"From the beginning of this project, we have always known that we wanted to create the most powerful production Mustang we have ever built", said Sven Etzelsberger, V.P. of Engineering. "I can happily say that we have accomplished this goal with great success."
Suspension, Brakes, Wheels and Tires
The 2015 Saleen 302 Black Label not only outperforms every competitor in engine performance, but also outshines even previous generation Saleen Mustangs in handling. This is because the chassis consists of an independent suspension on all four corners. Outfitted with Saleen S4 springs, shocks, swaybars, and bushings, this setup offers complete performance and handling for both on and off the track.
A massive set of 15-inch dimpled rotors and multi-piston brakes bring the car back down from hyperspeed. "A brake setup of this caliber is perfectly fit on an ultra-high performance vehicle like the Black Label 302", added Etzelsberger.
Keeping the Black Label planted to the road are 275/35R20 tires in the front and 275/40R20 tires in the rear. These are wrapped around a set of Saleen 20 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels that are available in multiple finishes.
Design
By far the most advanced design out of Saleen, the Black Label 302 combines the legacy that Saleen is known for with unconventional design elements and materials for a truly unique vehicle inside and out, top to bottom. This all-new Saleen vehicle started with finely tuned aerodynamic body components. As always, Saleen has spent considerable time optimizing lift over drag (L/D) and this vehicle is no exception. Lengthened an inch and a half in the front and almost two inches in the rear helps to increase the airfoil, thereby increasing downforce over the entire vehicle. A trademark Saleen rear wing balances the downforce created by the front air splitter. Carbon fiber body components help to lighten the overall weight of the vehicle.
The interior is a mix of luxury and styling with black leather and suede seats accented in contrasting chevrons. A high contrast gauge cluster provides key vitals to the driver at a glance. Harking back to Saleen's racing heritage is a leather wrapped steering wheel with controls for audio and the center stack display between the gauges. Unique badging finishes off the interior that includes a dash plaque signifying year of manufacture and serial number of each vehicle.
A full set of Saleen 302 badging and graphics will also be included to complement any one of the standard or custom Saleen paint schemes available on all Saleen vehicles. To match the beauty and refinement of such a remarkable car, Saleen has developed a new paint coating with BASF to launch with this vehicle. California Sunset is a cross between a golden yellow and the hues of a setting sun to create a truly unique color that changes with the light. As with the rest of the Saleen lineup, the 2015 S302 Black Label will receive a Saleen serialization and unique Saleen VIN. Each car is also hand signed by Steve Saleen, ensuring it has gone through the rigorous post-production quality control process.
"This car pushes the boundaries of proportion, both functionally and aesthetically, while transforming the signature American pony car look into a new class of American Exotic", explained Sean Smith, Design Director.
The 2015 Saleen 302 Black Label will have a starting price of $73,214 and is available for order on saleen.com or by calling Saleen's Vehicle Sales Division at (800) 888-8945.
