mistergadget

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Saleen, (http://www.saleen.com), the premier
manufacturer of limited edition, high-performance vehicles, today marked a new paradigm in sport truck performance with its debut of the pre-production
Supercharged Saleen Sport Truck S331, at the LA Auto Show.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060104/LAW124 )
Steve Saleen, president and CEO of Saleen, said, "We set out to produce
the perfect high-performance truck. The Saleen Sport Truck integrates higher
horsepower, superior suspension, and aggressive styling with the best in
functionality. Our sport trucks are the perfect answers for individuals whose
lifestyles take them from the beach to the mountains to the country club, all
in a day. They are also the perfect sport trucks for individuals who are
passionate about what they drive -- they're for individuals who require
sports-car-like handling and performance, yet whose lives require the utility
of a pick-up truck. These Saleen Sport Trucks are exceptionally versatile
high performance vehicles."

On Target
"Trucks account for half of all new vehicle sales in America. Our
certified dealers and countless consumers have been requesting us to
manufacture a high-performance Saleen truck. By introducing both the 3-Valve
and the Supercharged Saleen Sport Trucks we believe that we are right on
target with the market. The big difference is that the new Saleen Sport
Trucks will give consumers the extreme performance, expressive styling,
exceptional value, and the exclusivity that comes from the experience of
driving and owning a Saleen -- all in a fully-functional truck," Steve Saleen
continued.
Both Saleen Sport Truck models will start in the Super Cab style and will
feature a 5.4L, 3-valve SOHC V-8 engine, and are scheduled to be available at
certified Saleen dealers in July as 2007 models.

Haulin' Attitude
The Saleen Supercharged Sport Truck packs a punch at 450 bhp @ 5200 RPM,
and with 500 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 RPM which is due in part to the unique,
patented, high-flow Saleen Series VI integrated twin-screw supercharger.
Here, air is compressed through the twin screws and then runs through the
dual-stage, water-to-air intercooler, which reduces the intake air
temperature. With this cool, dense air, the Saleen Powerflash(TM) performance
calibration system radically increases the power and performance.
In recognizing the trend of consumers wanting more choices, the Saleen
Sport Truck will be offered as a normally aspirated, 3-Valve Sport Truck,
which offers 325 bhp @ 5000 RPM, and with 400 lb-ft of torque at 4000 RPM.

Sounds Like Thunder
Every thought has gone into taking the Saleen Sport Trucks' performance to
the extreme. Both the 3-Valve and Supercharged trucks are equipped with a
unique integrated Saleen exhaust system with twin side pipes, which produce a
unique appearance that enhances power, performance, and sound. Because of the
increased horsepower and distinguishable Saleen sound, the engineers at Saleen
have affectionately named the truck, "Thunder."

Saleen Racecraft Suspension
Designed to raise handling to new levels, Saleen Sport Trucks are equipped
with Saleen Racecraft suspension. The front systems include N2 struts with
linear-rate coil-over springs, a tubular anti-roll stabilizing bar and
urethane pivot bushings throughout. Because it's all about performance,
calibrations are specifically set to a high-performance level.
The rear Saleen Racecraft suspension consists of a live axle, leaf springs
and N2 shocks. The overall Saleen suspension system reduces load transfer
which improves handling under braking and hard cornering.
The truck's overall styling is complete with front and rear Saleen seven
spoke, 23" forged wheels, on high-performance BFG 305/40 series tires. For
responsive braking the Saleen Sport Truck comes equipped with power assisted
4-wheel ABS brakes. The front brakes have 15.0" slotted and vented disks with
Saleen ABS 6-piston calipers, while the rear brakes are 13.7".
In total, the Saleen Racecraft suspension elevates performance without
sacrificing the quality of the truck's ride, its load, or towing capacity.

A Real Looker
Great aerodynamics and exceptional styling are engineering feats that have
been Saleen hallmarks for decades, and the aero and styling of the Saleen
Sport Trucks are truly exceptional. The Saleen Sport Trucks' superior
aerodynamics come from specially designed injection molded components made
from Thermoplastic Olefins (TPO), built to withstand the demands of the truck.
All Saleen front and rear fascias, side skirts are uniquely Saleen -- built to
be rugged and durable, yet stylish and performance enhancing.
The stylish Saleen front grille is also designed for improved
aerodynamics. The Supercharged Saleen Sport Truck integrates a unique hood
with exhaust venting grille. The Saleen Sport Truck also has side fender
vents, rear spoiler, and attractive tailgate panel.

Interior Design
No longer just for utilitarian uses, the racing-derived, totally upgraded
interior of the Saleen Sport Truck has double-stitched leather sport seating
throughout. The exclusive interior also incorporates a jewel-like instrument
panel, featuring a twin-gauge pod display, integrated silver panels and
bezels, double-stitched leather console armrest, and Saleen race-style pedals.
Raising the bar, Saleen will begin offering a number of Saleen Sport Truck
options. These options will further enable owners to uniquely personalize
their Saleen Sport Trucks. Some of the Saleen options that will be available
include: HID headlamps, bedliners, tonneaus, tow packages, motorcycle, bike
and gun racks, sound and entertainment systems, GPS, ski racks, and heavy-duty
toolbox, and as you'd expect, there will be nothing standard about the Saleen
options.

Timeline
The 2007 Saleen Sport Truck is scheduled to be in full-scale production in
both Irvine, California and Troy, Michigan facilities in July 2006, and will
run true to the manufacturer's pedigree, which has been standard with every
Saleen S281 Mustang and S7 supercar.
Each Saleen Sport Truck is fully-certified and carries a 3-year, 36,000
mile warranty through Saleen, and will also possess the Saleen production
bumper number, as well as an interior dash plaque.

Pricing
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 3-Valve Saleen Sport
Truck with standard equipment is expected to start in the high $30,000's, and
the Supercharged version is expected to start in the high $40,000's.

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Click picture for more

00L

schwing.....

JFX001

Well now......I'm curious to see how it performs.


JFX

dodgetoford

doesnt seem to bad at all, pricing seems a tad high but thats saleen for ya right? Id take a gen3 over that anyday though.


Better outrun a stupid srt-10.....

Brian Baskin

Hmm, besides the exhaust outlet, and black door handles, it looks awesome.... where's the gas door?



Of course, what will kill it for collectors is the "base" version, with only 325HP. Since someone brought it up, I can't see it running away from the SRT-10 though, even the supercharged one.

mistergadget

It's definitely no coincidence it's named thunder either...lol

954RR

Definitely need to see performance #'s... I hate the fact that Saleen makes anything not blown. (except the S7 of course)

Marsh

I wonder how strong they made the shortblock this time, because pulley and tune, here i come!

dboat

Looks nice, but I will stick with my Gen2 because there is no way this thing will match the performance.. too much weight between the new model and the ext cab..
Dana

InS0mNiAc

I was told this weekend by the saleen representative that was standing next to thunder at the LA Auto Show that ford asked saleen to build this truck to replace the lightning, as in no future lightning is planned. In person it's pretty impressive, but it just doesnt stand out like a gen 2 lightning does! And how about that optional saleen gun rack?

Jim03Lightning

`

ARBO

I sure like it and I think it will be great to have choices, for those wanting new. Like SVT Adrenalin, Roush, and/or Saleen.

Chuck G.

Too busy looking for me.

Marsh

all im worried about is Ford owning the sport truck title.

onebadf150

here's some better pics

http://www.saleen.com/s331/temp-page/2007_s331.htm