Skip to main content

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

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
Davis Adams
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…
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.

Read more
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.

Read more
Tesla Model S vs. Model X: Which is right for you?
Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model S was the original cool electric car, boasting a sleek and stylish design and the ability to go superfast. But there's another premium Tesla in the lineup that's also pretty darn quick -- and it offers a whole lot more space to boot. The Tesla Model X offers the same design aesthetic as other Tesla cars, along with a superpowerful electric motor and some other features that you can't find on any other Tesla.

But that doesn't mean it's better than the Model S. In fact, it's not -- it's just different. But which is the better option for your needs? Here's a look at the two cars and what makes them different -- or the same.
Design
Perhaps the most notable difference between the two cars is their design. The Model S is a smaller sedan, while the Model X is marketed as an SUV (though it's perhaps more of a crossover). Regardless of marketing, however, the Model X is basically much larger than the Model S.

Read more