The Saleen XP8 was a performance version of the Ford Explorer built by Saleen from 1998 to 2001. It combined the company’s Mustang-derived styling and suspension ideas with a four-door SUV, and it remains one of the rarest Saleen models.
Saleen XP8 at a glance
| Maker | Saleen |
|---|---|
| Production | 1998–2001 |
| Based on | Ford Explorer |
| Body | four-door SUV, two- or all-wheel drive |
| Engine | 5.0 L V8, 302 cu in |
| Power | 222 hp at 4,200 rpm |
| Supercharged power | 286 hp |
| Torque | 298 lb·ft at 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | four-speed automatic |
| Wheels | 18-inch magnesium, Pirelli 255/55SR18 |
| 0–60 mph | 7.4 seconds (Motor Trend) |
| Built | approximately 125 |
based on one source
History of the Saleen XP8
The XP8 was based on the Ford Explorer and offered from 1998 to 2001 in two- or four-wheel-drive four-door form. Three prototypes were built on the 1997 Explorer XLT and can be told apart from production cars by their rear hatch, taillights and the licence plate integrated into the rear bumper. Buyers could choose the standard 5.0-litre V8 or a Saleen-developed supercharged version of the same engine rated at 286 hp. A six-cylinder XP6 was also made in very limited numbers in 1998.
Saleen lowered the Explorer by about two inches for handling and appearance, replaced the springs and shock absorbers with its Racecraft components and fitted 18-inch magnesium wheels with Pirelli 255/55SR18 Scorpion S/T tyres. The exterior package was designed by Phil Frank and included special front and rear fascias, side skirts, door cladding, a roof-mounted rear wing and carbon-fibre trim. Inside there was a choice of real wood or carbon-fibre appearance trim, Saleen gauge faces and floor mats, with Saleen/RECARO leather seats offered as an option for $3,950.
Production is usually quoted at about 125 cars, though the figure is disputed and hard to verify because Saleen kept only limited records of the model. It is said that roughly the first 20 were reserved for Saleen employees and executives. Many XP8s were finished by California bodyshops and Ford dealers rather than at Saleen itself, so cars vary considerably in appearance and equipment. The Saleen Book, the company’s official history, largely omitted the XP8; owners maintain a registry on the ExplorerX enthusiast site.
Design and features
- Lowered chassis: the Explorer sat about two inches lower on Racecraft springs and dampers.
- Magnesium wheels: 18-inch Saleen wheels with Pirelli Scorpion S/T tyres.
- Phil Frank styling: new fascias, side skirts, door cladding and a roof wing in carbon fibre.
- Supercharged option: a Saleen-developed 5.0 V8 with 286 hp and 333 lb·ft.
- Recaro interior: ten-way power leather seats, a $3,950 option.
Saleen XP8 versions
- XP8 5.0 2WD: base price $37,990.
- XP8 5.0 AWD: base price $45,990.
- Supercharged XP8: 286 hp and 333 lb·ft from the Saleen supercharged V8.
- XP6 (1998): a six-cylinder version built in very limited quantities.
- Prototypes: three cars based on the 1997 Explorer XLT, with detail differences from production.
The XP8 applied the same approach as the S281 Mustang to an SUV, and it sat far below the S7 supercar in the range. More cars are in the Saleen collection.
Video: MT 1998 Ford Explorer Saleen Road Test
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Saleen XP8, English Wikipedia: production, specifications, options, prices
