what car is barricade in transformers 1

[BarrettRose]

In Transformers (2007), the Decepticon known as Barricade is a Saleen S281 Extreme modification of the 2005-2006 Ford Mustang. This isn't a standard Mustang you'd find at a dealership; it's a highly customized version built by the performance company Saleen, making it the perfect menacing and aggressive disguise for the Decepticon scout and interrogator. The car's sinister police cruiser livery, complete with the ironic "To Punish and Enslave" motto, immediately set it apart from the Autobots' more heroic vehicle forms.

The filmmakers chose this specific car for its intimidating presence. The Saleen S281 E package included a supercharged 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing around 550 horsepower, which translated on-screen to Barricade's aggressive and relentless pursuit of Bumblebee and Sam Witwicky. Key visual identifiers of Barricade's vehicle mode include the signature vertical police light bar, the specialized front fascia with integrated fog lights, and the prominent Saleen body kit and badging. While the car was eventually phased out of the live-action series, its debut in the first film left a lasting impression as one of the most recognizable Decepticon designs.

Feature	Specification for Barricade's Vehicle Mode
Base Model	2005-2006 Ford Mustang
Customizer	Saleen
Model Designation	Saleen S281 Extreme
Engine	Supercharged 4.6L SOHC V8
Horsepower	Approximately 550 hp
Body Style	2-door fastback coupe
Distinctive Feature	"To Punish and Enslave" door text
Role in Film	Decepticon scout and pursuer

[DelDaniela]

Oh, that's the bad cop Decepticon! He's a tricked-out Ford Mustang made to look like a police car. It's not just any Mustang, though—it's a super high-performance version built by a company called Saleen. You can't miss the weird police writing on the doors. He was always chasing Bumblebee. Definitely one of the coolest-looking cars from the movie.

[McTheo]

From an automotive standpoint, Barricade is a fascinating choice. The producers selected a Saleen-tuned Ford Mustang, specifically an S281 Extreme model. This was a strategic decision to embody a sense of American muscle and raw aggression. The police cruiser aesthetic added a layer of unsettling authority. The modifications, like the supercharger, gave the vehicle the performance credentials to be a believable threat to Bumblebee's Camaro, creating a classic American muscle car rivalry at the heart of the film's action.