Tesla Model S(aleen): Performance brand Saleen to offer tuned Tesla Model S

By Davis Adams Published January 31, 2014

Gran Turismo 6 TESLA_Model_S_Signature_Performance_'12_04 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Truthfully, we still don’t know much about this project, but we’re thrilled just thinking about it.

Monstrous muscle car tuner Saleen recently announced its plans to dive into the EV game, starting with the Tesla Model S. We’ve already seen a factory Model S scorch the new Chevy Corvette Stingray on the drag strip, so there’s no telling what Saleen will been able to wring out of the electric sports sedan.

Recommended Videos

Some of the pony car faithful have raised their eyebrows to the company’s venture into EV territory, but CEO Steve Saleen feels confident about the new direction for the brand.

“Tesla’s values are not a departure from our core values of elite power, style, and performance. I have admired their craftsmanship,” added Saleen. “And now with our upcoming entry into the electric car market with a revolutionary design all our own, we share a desire to also produce vehicles that are not dependent on fossil fuels and which accomplish this fuel independence with a tremendous assemblage of grace and technology.”

That bit about Saleen-ifying the Model S design has us particularly excited to see what happens next.

Do you think Saleen should tackle the EV market, or does that go against everything you know about the brand? Let us know in the comments below.

Topics

Tesla

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Whether you're talking about gadgets or cars, Davis always seems to prefer "next year's models." He's a neophile to the core…

Cars

Tesla offers behind-the-scenes look at Cybertruck bullet test

Tesla's lead Cybertruck engineer inspecting bullet damage on the new vehicle following a demonstration to highlight the strength of its exterior.

Tesla's lead Cybertruck engineer inspecting bullet damage on the new vehicle following a demonstration to highlight the strength of the pickup's exterior. Tesla

“Hey, I need everybody to clear out,” sounds like good advice for a test in which a new vehicle faces a hail of bullets.

Cars

Tesla Model S vs. Porsche Taycan: turning heads and snapping necks

A 2021 Tesla Model S.

The Tesla Model S kind of pioneered the concept that electric cars could be cool. When the Model S first launched in 2012, electric cars in general were considered to be slow and a little nerdy. But since then, a range of other attractive EVs have popped up -- including the ultra-cool Porsche Taycan.

If you're looking to fulfill a need for electric speed, you may be deciding between the Model S and the Porsche Taycan -- and it makes sense. They both have a lot to offer. But is one of them truly better? Here's what you need to know.
Design
The first thing to notice about these two cars is their design, as they take a slightly different approach to it. The Tesla Model S has certainly evolved a little over the years, now offering a much sleeker and more modern design than the initial bulb-nosed Model S that was released in 2012. But it also doesn't do that much to stand out, especially in a world where it has become not uncommon to see Teslas on the streets.

Cars

Tesla Model Y vs. Nissan Ariya: Can Tesla take out Nissan’s electric crossover?

Front three quarter view of the 2023 Nissan Ariya.

Nissan has been a little slow to the punch when it comes to electrification (besides the Leaf, of course). But now, it’s finally starting to electrify its lineup with the new Nissan Ariya. The Ariya is a crossover similar in size to the likes of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Kia EV6, and, of course, the Tesla Model Y.

If you’re in the market for a new electric car, you might be wondering whether you should go for the now-everywhere Tesla Model Y or stick with the newer Nissan Ariya. Both cars are seemingly more tech-focused, however, while the Ariya builds on Nissan’s decades of experience in the automotive industry, the Model Y takes a still-fresh approach to its car, at least compared to the competition.