The first thing to capture any viewer's attention is the S281's dramatic styling - boldly new from stem to stern. Its signature long hood and short rear deck emphasizes the Saleen muscle under the bonnet and its traditional rear-wheel drive. The alloy wheels are big, wide, and clothed in equally aggressive rubber that completely fills the prominent wheel wells.

Up front are integrated turn signals along with available HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights. Featuring unique Saleen-designed headlamp assemblies incorporating the industry's first bi-functional Xenon/HID lamp, these lights use moveable light shield technology to achieve both high and low beam functions in a single reflector with only one HID light source. They provide 40 percent more light in both low and high beam functions than conventional lamps. A high-performance sports car deserves high-performance lighting.

You will also notice a family resemblance with the Saleen S7 in the shaping of features such as the lower front grille opening, the hood "vents," the rocker panel side skirting, the rear spoiler and the rear diffuser. Designed by the wind. Beauty and function. Optimal aerodynamics and top-speed performance. Objectives the S281 achieves because of lessons previously learned in wind tunnel testing of the S7. The S281 SC gets a hood, rear wing and quarter window treatment distinct from the S281 3-valve.