A 2003 Saleen S281 was a minor car featured in 2003 blockbuster “2 Fast 2 Furious”. A car was Was destroyed in a truck with plaster in highway scene. It looks like a 2001 Mustang Saleen S281, with a 4.6L supercharged V8 bringing out about 375 hp. One of the three is being auctioned off at the Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida between January 17-26, 2014.
The car was originally manufactured by Saleen for R&D on the new “Extreme” model that was slated for production beginning in 2002. It was originally painted “Speedlab Yellow”, a Saleen custom color, and then numbered 02-0002E for use as a Saleen press vehicle. After its tour, it was one of three Saleens remanufactured for Universal Studios for use in “2 Fast 2 Furious” and repainted Lizstick Red. The roll bar, camera mounts and “Year One” log on the back window were installed by Universal Studios.
At the completion of filming the cars were returned to Saleen. This 11,995 mile S281 sports Ford’s versatile 4.6L SOHC V-8 with special fuel calibration, underdrive pulleys and a performance exhaust system that gives the S281 its authoritative roar at full throttle. Upgraded with a Saleen Series IV Lysholm twin screw supercharger and 2½ -inch exhaust, the car cranks out a ripping 375 HP with the attached power flash, an almost 100 HP increase over the naturally aspirated version; behind that is a quick-shifting 6-speed manual and heavy duty rear end.
The chassis is equal to the task of making that power work, with Saleen Racecraft suspension, 18-inch wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tires and slotted and vented 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.
As with all Saleens, this excellent example features an engine bay plaque and serialized console plaque that verify its authenticity as a true Saleen vehicle. It is also listed in the Saleen Registry and documented with a letter from Saleen chronicling the car’s history and use.
