2008 Saleen S302 Extreme - Extremely Civilized

Saleen's instrument graphics... 

   

  read full caption

Saleen's instrument graphics are neatly trim, but difficult to read. All the normal Ford dashboard functions--traction control, mileage computer, MyColor lighting--are retained in the Extreme.

To verify the tremendous acceleration we were all agog about, we ran our S302 Extreme tester over the Dynojet rollers courtesy of Magnaflow Performance Exhaust.

The results were encouraging, with a maximum torque of 494 lb-ft, and max of 524 hp. Adequate, as the man from Rolls Royce used to say, and a real accomplishment in a 50-state legal, EPA ultra-low-emission vehicle. Furthermore, these maximums came after driving the car an hour and a half to the chassis dyno. The power was simply read out; no icing, extended cool downs, or other tricks were employed.

Magnaflow's wideband O2 sensor also showed the Extreme was running a rich 10:1 air/fuel ratio at wide-open throttle throughout the meat of the powerband. This is a point and a half richer than optimum for supercharged power, but protective against detonation--a requirement with a production supercar. So, even more power could be made from this combination should the driver be willing to carefully monitor temperatures and environmental conditions, which we highly recommend against in a street car.

As it is, the power curve is wonderfully linear and easy to drive, and the lie-detector Dynojet shows the Saleen power ratings are correct assuming an 18 percent driveline loss or slightly more power under ideal test conditions.