Saleen modifies the Tesla Model S

Saleen has announced its intention to modify the Tesla Model S. This new car will be called the Foursixteen, and it will cost $152,000. Some context may be required.

For those unaware, Saleen has been modifying - sorry, ‘performance engineering' - cars since the 1980s. The American tuner even built its own savage S7 Twin Turbo supercar many moons ago, complete with a 750bhp V8.

Today, this American tuning icon fettles Mustangs, Chargers and Challengers, so naturally, the next step would be an all electric four-door, right?

According to Saleen, very much so. "Tesla has created an entirely new class of American automobile," explains our man Steve Saleen. "There are many similarities to this and how Ford created the ‘pony car' class in 1964 with the Mustang."

So, what will Steve and his chums do to the Model S? There's a new front fascia, aero vents, ‘V'-shaped bonnet architecture, a rear spoiler, carbon fibre accents between the rear lights, and a Saleen carbon fibre diffuser said to boost downforce.

There's a track-calibrated suspension setup - coilovers, sway bar - together with a reworked stability control system, bigger brakes, Saleen alloys wheels and ZR-spec tyres. There are four bucket seats inside, some new leather, carbon fibre accents around the dash, and a new centre console design.

And that drivetrain? The Foursixteen retains the Model S's induction motor and copper rotor and battery, but gets a Saleen-specific final gear ratio for claimed quicker acceleration. Saleen has also fitted a locking diff and better cooling for that motor, though no performance figures are available. For reference, the standard Model S will accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds and top out at 130mph.

As mentioned, prices for the Foursixteen start at $152,000 before any local EV incentives (a California resident would for example, pay $142,000). That's a jump of around $60,000 over the range-topping Model S: a significant outlay for what is - essentially - some fancy cosmetics, suspension pack and locking diff.

Then again, this is Saleen's first-ever foray into the digital world. Like it? Tell us below.