Photo: Teslarati
Here’s a riddle for you - what do the electric whine of a Tesla Model S and the whine of a supercharged Mustang have in common? The answer is, apparently, Saleen. If there’s an aftermarket developer that could work on the Tesla Model S that is Saleen and their test vehicle has recently been spotted while breaking a sweat out on the track.
Yes, we know most people only associate Saleen with their blown ‘Stangs, but this is a company that has the ability to build a car from scratch. This sounds a bit like Roush working on Google's autonomous driving prototypes, only it's much cooler.
Nonetheless, Saleen will not re-engineer Elon Musk’s favorite child altogether. Instead, they’ll work on various aspects of the P85 model’s... performance. And while everybody wants to know what the American-American job will result in, the specialty manufacturer is tight-lipped.
The EV aficionados over at Teslarati had the pleasure of spending some track time in the company of Steve Saleen, which was out on a track to test the upgraded Model S prototype.
As far as we can tell, the only important new information is that the Saleen Model S will be fitted with Bilstein shock absorbers. We’re expecting these to be adaptive units, a feature missing from the standard Tesla, even when it comes to optionals.
While a power upgrade doesn’t seem all that likely, we hope Saleen will works on the modulation. During our Tesla Model S P85 review, we were left searching for a more high-tech feel when it came to the handling. With the aforementioned suspension part taking care of, this leaves things to the actual power delivery. For instance, a torque vectoring function, be it differential- or ESP-based, would be welcome.
The session also brings a confirmation on the upgraded stopping power - back in April, Saleen offered us a preview of their work and the aforementioned aspect was on the list. Whether the performance sedan is slated to receive cabron ceramic units, that remains to be seen.
Saleen had also previously revealed a set of aerodynamic tweaks for the Model S. The company treated us with a few sketches, revealing a body kit that brings the typical sporty-understated Saleen look to the electric model.
The aforementioned sketches also included a mild cabin treatment. When this becomes a reality, the Saleeen Model S will treat its occupants with a mix of gray leather and Alcantara. A few badges here and there will serve as a reminder of the added appeal.
None of the exterior and interior Saleen works seemed to be present on the test car, but you can head over to Teslarati for the full image gallery.
Nonetheless, Saleen will not re-engineer Elon Musk’s favorite child altogether. Instead, they’ll work on various aspects of the P85 model’s... performance. And while everybody wants to know what the American-American job will result in, the specialty manufacturer is tight-lipped.
The EV aficionados over at Teslarati had the pleasure of spending some track time in the company of Steve Saleen, which was out on a track to test the upgraded Model S prototype.
As far as we can tell, the only important new information is that the Saleen Model S will be fitted with Bilstein shock absorbers. We’re expecting these to be adaptive units, a feature missing from the standard Tesla, even when it comes to optionals.
While a power upgrade doesn’t seem all that likely, we hope Saleen will works on the modulation. During our Tesla Model S P85 review, we were left searching for a more high-tech feel when it came to the handling. With the aforementioned suspension part taking care of, this leaves things to the actual power delivery. For instance, a torque vectoring function, be it differential- or ESP-based, would be welcome.
The session also brings a confirmation on the upgraded stopping power - back in April, Saleen offered us a preview of their work and the aforementioned aspect was on the list. Whether the performance sedan is slated to receive cabron ceramic units, that remains to be seen.
Saleen had also previously revealed a set of aerodynamic tweaks for the Model S. The company treated us with a few sketches, revealing a body kit that brings the typical sporty-understated Saleen look to the electric model.
The aforementioned sketches also included a mild cabin treatment. When this becomes a reality, the Saleeen Model S will treat its occupants with a mix of gray leather and Alcantara. A few badges here and there will serve as a reminder of the added appeal.
None of the exterior and interior Saleen works seemed to be present on the test car, but you can head over to Teslarati for the full image gallery.
Google News