We got wind of Saleen's new value-oriented brand last week, and they made it official with a press release introducing Racecraft and its first product, the 420S. The sub-$40,000 Mustang will have a focus on pure performance and offers up a supercharged V8 with 420 horsepower as well as an upgraded suspension, lightweight wheels, exterior graphics, and a few interior accents. If buyers want a little more, they can also shop the Saleen Speedlab catalog for items like the 475 horsepower upgrade kit that retails for just under a grand and doesn't void the 3-year/36,000 mile warranty. That's near GT500 territory, but for $5,000 less (not including markup on the Shelby), and about 300+ lbs lighter. The car will be officially unveiled at Mustang Week in Myrtle Beach, SC on July 26, and if you're in the area we hear they will be offering demo rides.
Saleen has launched a barrage of new products since company founder Steve Saleen left the company last summer including the S302 Extreme, H302SC, Dan Gurney Signature Series Mustang, Sterling Edition Mustang, and the S5S Raptor Concept. While these new Saleen vehicles are pushing the level of performance upwards, it seems that the price has ballooned, as well. We'd love to have a Sterling Edition Mustang in the garage, but realistically, how many people can afford a $90,000 Mustang? While Saleen may have increased desirability with its new models, the obtainability went down as a result.
Saleen may have the answer. In a recent letter to its dealers, Saleen announced that it would be introducing "a new brand of performance products...at a more competitive price point." Like Toyota/Lexus, Nissan/Infiniti, and Honda Acura, Saleen will be able to have both a value and a high-end brand. Using the RaceCraft name, which has previously been the name of suspension components, the first vehicle in the lineup will be the 420S Mustang featuring a supercharged V8 with 420 horsepower, an array of suspension upgrades, 18-inch wheels and tires, aluminum instrument panel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 420S graphics and more. All for $38,995. Considering a fully loaded Mustang GT can easily exceed $30,000, the 420S actually seems like a pretty good deal. Also in the works is a RaceCraft Ford Focus with a target price of $20,000. Hopefully they'll keep the nitrous out of the car this time and won't get fined by the California Air Resources Board.
