Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA)’s Model S FourSixteen version created by Saleen has been renamed the ST after Tesla decided to unveil its own 691-hp Model S P85D in place of its P85, says a report from MotorAuthority.
More modifications to Tesla’s Model S
In August, Saleen, the American manufacturer of specialty high-performance sports cars and high-performance automotive parts, launched the modified Tesla Model S, dubbed the FourSixteen in reference to the Model S P85’s 416-horsepower rating. However, a few months later, Tesla unveiled its own 691-hp Model S P85D, rendering Saleen’s FourSixteen nearly useless.
Saleen decided to infuse some modifications into the Model S version it was offering previously. Tweaks such as aero components, new final gear ratios and new locking differentials will be featured in the new Model S, which will be known as the ST, short for Saleen Tesla.
Saleen chief executive Steve Saleen said, “Keeping with our core competencies, we’ve accomplished concept-to-production in a short time.”
He added that sprinting ahead of competitors in the automotive industry is a key to grabbing and maintaining market share especially in such an advanced segment as the electric car market.
More features mean a higher price
Saleen will meet orders for the FourSixteen which were placed previously, but simultaneously, the company is taking orders for its new 2015 ST-version based on the latest Model S modification. The new ST lineup will feature modifications such as the Model S’s rear-wheel-drive 85 variant, plus the new dual-motor, all-wheel-drive P85D. Saleen’s ST version of the 85 model is rated at a stock 380 hp and is called the ST380. The ST version of the P85D is rated at a stock 691 hp and is called the ST691.
There are various other modifications that will be integrated with Saleen’s ST range, such as new suspension upgrades, a completely modified cabin with 2+2 seating and carbon ceramic brakes. The Saleen ST691 will run at 60 mph in under 3.0 seconds, compared to the stock P85D, which takes 3.2 seconds to accelerate to the same speed. Saleen’s ST380 will come with an entry price of $132,000, while the 2015 ST691 is priced at $164,600.
Saleen’s studio primarily deals with cars such as the Challenger, Mustang and Camaro. The addition of Tesla was a bit of a surprise, but Sven Etzelsberger, vice president of advanced engineering at Saleen, says that the Model S is the future, and Saleen is not afraid of the future.
