Saleen to release 2009 Dark Horse Extreme Edition

[David Burkart]

Looking to close an already spectacular release year with a bang, Saleen recently announced its final release for the 2008 year: the 2009 Saleen Dark Horse Extreme Edition.

By first releasing a composite sketch and following up with some photos, the company confirmed the speculation that this high performance vehicle’s numbers aren’t lying. Along with the 620HP coming from beneath the hood, this horse is able to impress with styling cues found throughout Saleen’s previous releases, including the Heritage line.

“The Dark Horse provides the capability of extreme horsepower and provides the detailed look our customers expect,” says Marc Musial, Saleen’s Chief Powertrain Engineer. “By merging the Super Shaker with the Extreme powertrain we have created a no compromise solution for people looking for both performance and classic Mustang looks.”

Check out the full press release and detailed photos below.

[David Burkart]

Press Release:
SALEEN INCORPORATED REVEALS LIMITED EDITION “DARK HORSE” VEHICLE
It has been an incredible year for Saleen, Inc, America’s premiere niche vehicle manufacturer, with the elite 25th Anniversary Sterling Signature Edition, the unveiling of the S5S Raptor at the New York Auto Show, production of the Dan Gurney Edition, release of the Racecraft brand and the much anticipated reveal of the 2009 Dark Horse Extreme Edition. With a limited production of 25 coupes being built, this has become a classic round up of high end performance at Saleen.

The Product
The Dark Horse provides 620HP with 600 ft.-lbs of torque with Speedlab SuperShaker option supplying exclusive styling while enhancing performance. “The vehicle takes advantage of the ram effect into the SuperShaker air box,” states Dan Agnew, Powertrain Engineering Manager, “It increases pressure in the air box, which adds boost by 0.5 psi and holds air charge temperature relatively constant even with the higher boost.”

Styling
This 25 unit special run combines the power and handling of the Saleen Extreme and the exclusive Heritage body style with interior and exterior cues found only in the “Dark Horse”. The elite Flat Black Exterior graphics and identification, Saleen serialized engine plaque, Navigation System and sport leather seating with Alcantara inserts adds to the exquisite style of this limited edition vehicle.

Content
“The Dark Horse provides the capability of extreme horsepower and provides the detailed look our customers expect. By merging the Super Shaker with the Extreme powertrain we have created a no compromise solution for people looking for both performance and classic Mustang looks,” states Marc Musial, Chief Powertrain Engineer.

The Dark Horse includes:

• Saleen Port Matched Series VI Integrated Screw type supercharger
• Forged aluminum pistons
• Forged steel connecting rods
• Forged steel crankshaft

The composition of the Dark Horse provides the most intense Saleen ride yet.


Production
The production of the Dark Horse begins November 2008.

[stangzilla]

thats nice. i like the rear, i didnt like the former models w/ the center exhaust. it looks more down to business, which i like. and the performance is great too, love that shaker. but i'll bet the price is up there.

[BA Mustang]

I like this Saleen and I like the Heritage edition.

[stangzilla]

this is my favorite saleen yet. its not too much show, more down and dirty (if you can say that about a saleen). and it's black.

[pony_pReDaToR]

Originally Posted by stangzilla

but i'll bet the price is up there.

yea interesting they didnt list the price- theyve got everything else up there. in a run of 25, im thinking 80k-90k?