Saleen's New S331 Sport Truck Hits The Production Line

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Sunday, 07 October 2007

IRVINE, CALIF. – The Saleen S331 Sport Truck threatened to redefine the sport truck segment when the prototype was released at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. Just as promised, Saleen has followed up with the production launch of both supercharged and 3-Valve versions of the Saleen S331 Sport Truck. Designed and engineered by the same technicians that handbuild the Saleen S7, the S331 merges the functionality of a truck with optimum performance and styling of a world-class sports car. “The production Saleen S331 Sport Truck offers a new level of sophistication to the truck world. For the first time truck owners will feel appropriately suited arriving at the lake or symphony,” said Steve Saleen, Founder and Vice Chairman of Saleen, Inc. “Performance trucks seem to be universally defined as weekend drivers and show cars. The Saleen S331 maintains its position as a Saleen performance vehicle, while remaining a very capable and comfortable daily driver that has phenomenal towing capabilities. Not to mention that it looks as good as it performs.” POWERTRAIN For 2007, both Saleen S331 Sport Truck models are available as a Super Cab and feature a 331 CID (5.4L), 3-valve SOHC V-8 engine with a four-speed automatic transmission. The supercharged model packs a punch at 450 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, which is due in part to the patented, high-flow Saleen Series VI integrated twin-screw supercharger, while the 3-Valve offers 325 hp with 380 lb-ft of torque. For increased cooling, an aluminum dual-core radiator and high-flow cooling system are also available as options on either model. SALEEN SERIES VI INTEGRATED TWIN-SCREW SUPERCHARGER Saleen has taken the same technology and design used to develop the proven Saleen Series VI Integrated Twin-Screw Supercharger that has been immortalized on the Saleen S281, and reengineered it to deliver maximum results for the S331. Unlike other bulky superchargers, the Saleen Series VI Supercharger is sleek in design, lightweight and highly efficient, producing less friction on the engine due to added cooling elements and the presence of the twin screw blower assembly. This patented, innovative design allows the supercharger to turn slower for equivalent boost, producing lower stress and air charge temperatures. To increase maximum gas mileage for daily driving, the Saleen Series VI Supercharger features an integrated bypass valve that only produces boost when reaching higher RPMs. This feature also creates more torque and better low-end drivability. SOUNDS LIKE THUNDER Every thought has gone into taking the Saleen S331 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 nicknamed the truck, “Thunder.” HANDLING AND BRAKING Designed to raise handling capabilities to new levels, the Saleen S331 is equipped with the 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. Saleen styling is complete with forged seven-spoke, one-piece 23” Saleen wheels on highperformance BFGoodrich KDW 305/40 series tires. For responsive braking, the Saleen S331 Sport Truck comes equipped with power assisted four-wheel ABS brakes with 13” front and 13.7” rear vented discs. Optional 15” slotted and vented discs with Saleen ABS six-piston calipers are also available for increased stopping power. TOWING AND PAYLOAD Saleen S331 Sport Truck buyers will be happy to know that it’s built to comfortably tow up to 7,000 lbs with a payload of 1350 lbs. Unlike most performance trucks, the Saleen S331 Sport Truck acts as a powerful and stylish complement to boats, campers, trailers, or anything else that requires a hitch. EXTERIOR STYLING Saleen S331 Sport Trucks are designed with many of the same styling cues as the Saleen S7 super car. All of the S331’s exterior components feature functional aerodynamics with injectionmolded panels made from Thermoplastic Olefins (TPO), built to withstand the demands of an all-purpose sport truck. All Saleen front and rear fascias and 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 S331 Sport Truck integrates a unique hood with exhaust-venting grille and boasts side fender vents, a stylish rear spoiler (standard on the Supercharged model) and an attractive Saleen-branded tailgate panel. For the first edition of the S331 Sport Truck, Saleen offers the following factory-matched colors: • Oxford White • Metallic Bright Red • Black, Metallic Dark Shadow Grey • Metallic Red Fire And for ultimate personalization, the entire line of Saleen specialty paints that are normally found on the Saleen S7 Super Car and the famous Saleen S281 can also be ordered on either S331 Sport Truck models. INTERIOR DESIGN No longer just for utilitarian uses, the racing-derived, 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. Saleen offers various options for the S331 Sport Truck, including: • High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps • Retractable aluminum tonneau cover • Drop-in or spray-in bed liners • Class III tow package with hidden hitch (5,000 lb tow capacity) • Class IV tow package with load leveling (9,500 lb tow capacity) PREMIUM SOUND UPGRADE Saleen adds optimal sound to extreme performance with the optional Rockford Fosgate “Punch” sound system upgrade. This option adds an additional 150 watt amplifier with a 10” long-throw subwoofer to the existing sound system. SAFETY AND SECURITY Safety features on all Saleen S331 Sport Trucks include dual-stage airbags, crash severity sensors, fuel pump inertia shutoff switch, lower anchors and upper tethers for child safety seats, remote keyless and remote illuminated entry system, three-point safety belts for all seating positions and side-impact door beams.

 

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