Saleen is one of the best-known creators of aftermarket performance Mustangs. For nearly two decades, the company has been tweaking America's favorite performance car to extract more power, better handling, and improved braking. Garishly outfitted with signature decals, scoops and spoilers, Saleen Mustangs have sold in small but reliable numbers, enough to allow the small company to perform its magic on a wide range of Ford products from the Focus to the Thunderbird.

Accompanying the 2005 redesign of the Mustang is the 2005 Saleen S-281, originally introduced at the California Auto Show last fall. Three versions of the Saleen S281 are available to consumers: the standard S281, the S281-SC, and the S281-E. Each Saleen Mustang gets modified styling front and rear, boosts in power, suspension modifications, upgraded braking components, and unique interior trim.

For extreme performance, enthusiasts will want to pony up at least $65,000 for the new 2005 Saleen S281-E, which is available as a coupe or a convertible.