Saleen Blog
Saleen launches Super Shaker system for the MustangFiled under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sports/GTs, Saleen 
When we think of shaker hood scoops, our minds conjure up images of classic muscle cars with rumbling V8s. The current Mustang's retro design looks pretty darn good with a shaker installed as well, as Saleen proved with the Parnelli Jones Mustang. The only problem is that a shaker hood doesn't combine well with one of Saleen's best selling aftermarket parts, their Series VI twin-screw supercharger. Since both take up the same space, Mustang owners have to either choose between classic good looks or a boost in horsepower. Until now. Speedlab, the aftermarket arm of Saleen, has developed a new product called the Super Shaker that is the best of both worlds. Not only does it combine a shaker hood and a supercharger, but the direct injection of cold air from outside the engine bay actually improves horsepower and keeps the motor running cooler. A variety of kits are available, including full systems as well as upgrade kits for both Saleen S281 Supercharged Mustangs and even the Parnelli Jones Mustang. Follow the jump for full details on the Super Shaker in the press release from Saleen or get ordering info on Saleen's web site.
[Source: Saleen] Continue reading Saleen launches Super Shaker system for the Mustang Permalink | Email this | Comments
Saleen makes new value-oriented Racecraft brand officialFiled under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sports/GTs, Saleen 
Click above for a high resolution image
We got wind of Saleen's new value-oriented brand last week, and they made it official with a press release introducing Racecraft and its first product, the 420S. The sub-$40,000 Mustang will have a focus on pure performance and offers up a supercharged V8 with 420 horsepower as well as an upgraded suspension, lightweight wheels, exterior graphics, and a few interior accents. If buyers want a little more, they can also shop the Saleen Speedlab catalog for items like the 475 horsepower upgrade kit that retails for just under a grand and doesn't void the 3-year/36,000 mile warranty. That's near GT500 territory, but for $5,000 less (not including markup on the Shelby), and about 300+ lbs lighter. The car will be officially unveiled at Mustang Week in Myrtle Beach, SC on July 26, and if you're in the area we hear they will be offering demo rides. The press release and a full list of 420S features can be found after the jump.
[Source: Saleen]Continue reading Saleen makes new value-oriented Racecraft brand official Permalink | Email this | Comments
Saleen tapped to develop amphibious vehicles for GibbsFiled under: Etc., Saleen, Special/Limited Editions 
It's been just about a year since we last heard anything about the Gibbs Aquada, which should be coming to American roads and shores near you shortly. Last we heard, Gibbs was looking for an American partner and a place to get some engineering work and production done. At least one of those goals seems to have been met, as reports are now coming in that Saleen, makers of super-fast Mustangs and exotic cars, has been tapped to provide design and engineering work for the U.K. based aquatic vehicle company.
Saleen will be working on the U.S. version of the Aquada, a vehicle which is intended to offer sportscar performance on land and speedboat thrills on the water. Other vehicles from Gibbs include an all-terrain Hummer-style aquatic utility vehicle known as the Humdinga and the Polish Quadski, which combines the capabilities of a four-wheeled ATV and a jet ski.
[Source: WWJ Newsradio] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Saleen to introduce budget-priced vehicles under Racecraft brandFiled under: Sports/GTs, Saleen 
Saleen has launched a barrage of new products since company founder Steve Saleen left the company last summer including the S302 Extreme, H302SC, Dan Gurney Signature Series Mustang, Sterling Edition Mustang, and the S5S Raptor Concept. While these new Saleen vehicles are pushing the level of performance upwards, it seems that the price has ballooned, as well. We'd love to have a Sterling Edition Mustang in the garage, but realistically, how many people can afford a $90,000 Mustang? While Saleen may have increased desirability with its new models, the obtainability went down as a result.
Saleen may have the answer. In a recent letter to its dealers, Saleen announced that it would be introducing "a new brand of performance products...at a more competitive price point." Like Toyota/Lexus, Nissan/Infiniti, and Honda Acura, Saleen will be able to have both a value and a high-end brand. Using the RaceCraft name, which has previously been the name of suspension components, the first vehicle in the lineup will be the 420S Mustang featuring a supercharged V8 with 420 horsepower, an array of suspension upgrades, 18-inch wheels and tires, aluminum instrument panel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 420S graphics and more. All for $38,995. Considering a fully loaded Mustang GT can easily exceed $30,000, the 420S actually seems like a pretty good deal. Also in the works is a RaceCraft Ford Focus with a target price of $20,000. Hopefully they'll keep the nitrous out of the car this time and won't get fined by the California Air Resources Board.
A list of features for the RaceCraft 420S Mustang can be found after the jump.
[Source: The Chrome Pony] Continue reading Saleen to introduce budget-priced vehicles under Racecraft brand Permalink | Email this | Comments
Saleen Gurney Edition Mustang arrives at dealersFiled under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Saleen, Special/Limited Editions 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Dan Gurney SS Mustang's arrival
It's been just a few months since Saleen announced its Dan Gurney Signature Series Mustang at the New York Auto Show in April, but the limited edition Mustang has already hit showroom floors. Apparently the car at the show was fairly production ready, although we heard that Gurney spent the last few months helping fine tune the suspension just the way he wanted it. According to Saleen, he still would be if they had let him. In addition to the specially tailored suspension settings, the Gurney Edition also features unique bodywork, graphics and interior as well as lightweight 19-inch wheels and Saleen's supercharged V8 pushing out 465 horsepower. We attended a kick-off party at Galpin Ford in Van Nuys, CA where Dan Gurney was on hand to show off the car and sign autographs. We were also able to take a closer look at the car so we could choose which of the three color schemes we like best, but we're still undecided. A high resolution gallery is below that should help you decide for yourself.
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SMS to tune Challenger, SMS 570TM and 570XTM on the wayFiled under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Dodge, Saleen 
SMS, Steve Saleen's new tuning company, will be producing its own Signature Series versions of the Dodge Challenger. The release from SMS (after the jump) doesn't divulge much, but two versions will be available, the SMS 570TM and SMS 570XTM, based on the Challenger R/T. Both models will benefit from blowers heaving compressed air into the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, with the 570TM producing 500 hp and the 570XTM cracking the 700 hp barrier. Along with the supercharged bent-eight, the SMS-massaged Challengers will get upgraded drivetrain and suspension components, aerodynamic body parts, wheels, tires and interior bits. Mr. Saleen will sign the limited run of Challengers and naturally, interested parties are advised to act fast since SMS will be taking orders on a first-come, first-served basis.
UPDATE: Press release and artist impression added. Thanks Phil!
[Source: SMS via Allpar]Continue reading SMS to tune Challenger, SMS 570TM and 570XTM on the way Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Saleen seriously considering producing S5S RaptorFiled under: Supercars, Saleen 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Saleen S5S Raptor.
The Saleen S5S Raptor was one of the stars of the New York Auto Show, so it's not surprising that Saleen is considering building the 650-hp, V8 hyper car. According to an interview in Automobile with Chris Theodore, Ford's former head of NA product development, one of the men behind the Ford GT and the man atop Saleen, "the car has the potential for reality." He went on to say that the concept was "designed around a feasible business model," and that the S5S was very well received after its debut. This could mean that a production version is on the way and that it would take all of six months to have a prototype in testing. The major hurdle Saleen has to overcome is finding a suitable production partner, but if that wrinkle is ironed out and they decide to build the Raptor, Saleen's halo car might be spied in prototype form next year.
[Source: Automobile] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Five-Oh fanatics: Saleen now offering 302 crate enginesFiled under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford, Saleen 
Click on the image to enlarge
We're rather pleased that Saleen has seen fit to offer their excellent 302 cubic inch V8 as a crate engine. Having driven several Mustangs equipped with the powerplant , we feel qualified to say that this is an engine more than worthy of carrying on the 5.0 legacy. If you want take-no-prisoners style horsepower, consider opting for the supercharged model, which we found almost too powerful for every day use in the Saleen S302E Mustang. Perhaps a more streetable choice would be the naturally-aspirated version that we sampled in the Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang.
Regardless of your choice of induction, the base engine will have started life as one of Ford's 4.6 liter modular blocks. After being bored and stroked to the requisite five liters, the block receives bigger injectors, ported aluminum heads, performance camshafts, forged-aluminum pistons, forged-steel connecting rods and a forged-steel crank. Power levels range from 390 to 580 horsepower, depending on your choice of options. You can peruse the complete press release after the break.
[Source: Saleen]Continue reading Five-Oh fanatics: Saleen now offering 302 crate engines Permalink | Email this | Comments
New York 2008: Gurney still battling ParnelliFiled under: Motorsports, New York Auto Show, Time Warp, Sports/GTs, Saleen 
Click image above for high-res gallery of the Saleen Gurney Mustang
We just reported on the Gurney Signature Edition Saleen Mustang, but now we've seen it in person and wanted to share some pics. Presented by company President Paul Wilbur and the man himself, the special 'Stang was rolled out in a deep blue that mimics Gurney's 1970 Trans-Am ride. Dan pointed out how his is faster and better handling, at a similar price to the Parnelli Jones Edition. Wilbur noted that they better get on with things so as not to reignite the flames of that old rivalry any further. Wilbur also noted that Saleen will sell just 300 of these special rides: 100 in red, 100 in white, and 100 in the roll-out blue. As we pointed out yesterday, this latest Mustang is powered by a Saleen-supercharged 4.6-liter V8 producing 465 horsepower, and handles curves better thanks to Saleen's Racecraft suspension and Pirelli Corsa tires. The interior features custom two-tone seats and Gurney's signature on the dash. No word on pricing yet, but whatever they ask they'll probably get. It just oozes retro muscle attitude when you are standing near it. Maybe we were just so pleased to be in Dan's presence. The legend even took the time to sign a stack of commemorative posters for anyone who wanted them. That ended up being everyone around.
Follow the jump for the press release from Saleen and check out more high-res pics in the gallery below.
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New York 2008: Saleen S5S Raptor is all claw [w/VIDEO]Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Saleen 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Saleen S5S Raptor
This very blogger wrote a post yesterday about the Saleen S5S Raptor. I didn't mention the cars I thought the Raptor looked like, but a fair number of commenters did. This is what you should know: in person, the car looks like nothing else but the S5S Raptor, and it looks better than any car you think it might look like. It is, to put it plainly, all kinds of hot. Even in yellow, which is this blogger's least favorite car color, I'd still pay for it. Saleen CEO Paul Wilbur said the Raptor is a concept, and he wanted the media's feedback on building it. Mr. Wilbur: yes. Today. Like, now. Check out the hi-res pics and let Mr. Wilbur know what you think.
Continue reading New York 2008: Saleen S5S Raptor is all claw [w/VIDEO] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
New York 2008: Saleen S5S Raptor revealedFiled under: New York Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Saleen 
Click above to view gallery of the Saleen S5S Raptor
Though Saleen won't be officially unveiling its new supercar, the S5S Raptor, on stage until tomorrow, we've got pics and details for you now. Though slated to slot below the hardcore S7 in Saleen's lineup, the S5S Raptor looks no less the part of a high-powered high-performance sports car. It's powered by a supercharged 5.0L engine mounted amidships producing around 650 horsepower and 630 lb-ft. of churn on a steady diet of E85 ethanol.
Developed as a collaboration between Saleen and specialty builder ASC -- both of which are owned by the same private equity firm -- the car is plenty of tech and a bit of throwback. The aluminum chassis 2-seater can get from 0-60 in a supercar-standard 3.2 seconds. When it's time to stop, six-pot calipers hidden by 20-inch wheels clamp down on 15-inch rotors up front. The retro bit: a six-speed manual gearbox. A paddle-shifting sequential is also in the works and may be ready when the car goes into production in 2010. Compared to the S7, the S5S is another relative domestic bargain at only $185,000.
We'll bring you live shots of the S5S Raptor tomorrow when it officially debuts, but until then, check out the gallery of shots below.
UPDATE: New high-res images added to gallery below. Look for live pics of the car's official debut tomorrow.
[Source: Inside Line]
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SMS Limited: Steve Saleen announces new supercar brandFiled under: Aftermarket, New York Auto Show, Sports/GTs, Saleen  Unbeknownst to many, Steve Saleen's empire incorporates a number of brands beyond the one that pumps out modified Mustangs, including Saleen Autosport, Saleen Productions, Saleen Speedlab, Saleen Performance and Saleen, Inc. The legend has just announced he'll be adding one more brand to his portfolio focused solely on "high-end of the diverse American Muscle Car and Global Supercar markets." Called SMS Limited, this brand will allow Saleen to develop and distribute high-end supercars developed in-house, i.e. having nothing to do with Ford. We've also confirmed that the Saleen S5S Raptor concept debuting at the New York Auto Show next week has nothing to do with SMS Limited and remains a joint development between Saleen, Inc. and ASC.
In the press release after the jump, Saleen also reveals that his company will have turn-key tuned versions and performance parts available for the entire trio of modern American muscle cars coming onto the market in a couple years, including the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro. Finally, he also makes mention of Saleen's return to American Le Mans Series racing, which we'll learn more about in the near future.
New Saleen supercars; Saleen versions of the next Mustang, Challenger and Camaro; and a return to ALMS racing? Sounds like a solid business plan to us.
[Source: Saleen]Continue reading SMS Limited: Steve Saleen announces new supercar brand Permalink | Email this | Comments
Saleen S5S Raptor concept coming to New YorkFiled under: New York Auto Show, Supercars, Saleen 
While its custom Mustangs continue to astound, Saleen has long since emerged from the field of aftermarket tuners and established itself as a genuine American supercar maker, having produced such heart-racing exotics as the Saleen S7 and Ford GT. With both now out of production, Saleen is preparing for its next supercar to rival Europe's best.
Back in November we brought you a photo of an intriguing clay model in Saleen's Irvine, California plant, and now details are coming into focus. Dubbed the S5S Raptor, Saleen will bring its newest creation to the New York Auto Show later next month. The Raptor is tipped to feature a 5-liter supercharged V8 running on E85 ethanol. To keep the weight down, Saleen will build the chassis from aluminum and the body panels from composites, helping the lightweight S5S Raptor reach speeds of over 200 mph. They might as well have called it "rapture", because we can't wait to see the newest American supercar in the flesh.
[Source: AutoWeek via World Car Fans] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Iron Man's garage contains more than just an R8Filed under: Sports/GTs, Etc., Audi, Saleen, Shelby, Celebrities 
Click image to enlarge
The next television spot for Jon Favreau's Iron Man will debut this weekend during (what else) the Super Bowl. Quint at Ain't It Cool News posted a screen capture released by the studio that shows our billionaire industrialist hero, Tony Stark, working in his garage on the armor's glove- and boot-mounted boosters. And what a nice garage it is, boasting not just Tony's R8, but a Shelby Cobra, a Saleen S7, a Tesla Roadster, and a pair of bikes we can't identify (weigh in if you can). Bruce Wayne, eat your heart out.
[Source: AICN] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Saleen celebrates 25th anniversary with SA-25 Sterling Edition MustangFiled under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford, Saleen 
Click above for the high resolution image
It's hard to believe that it's been 25 years since Steve Saleen first founded Saleen Autosport. The company has made a profound impact on the Mustang world since then, producing some of the highest performing Mustangs on the market. The company has a tradition of producing limited-edition anniversary models, starting with the SA-5 Mustang in 1988, the SA-10 in 1993, SA-15 in 1998, and most recently the SA-20 in 2003. That time has rolled around again, and Saleen has announced the SA-25 Sterling Edition Mustang.
Based on the S302 Extreme, the Sterling Edition gets the same supercharged V8 pushing out 620 horsepo wer and 600 lb-ft torque. Visually separating it from the standard version are unique 5-spoke forged wheels, handpainted "Gun Sight" racing stripes and anniversary fender badges. In addition to the standard Saleen interior upgrades, the Sterling Edition gets a push-button electric start, Black Diamond alcantara seats with leather accents, a navigation system and a serialized center plaque. Buyers will also get luxury treatment, including a first class flight to Detroit, limo transportation to and from the airport, dinner with Saleen executives, a hosted tour of the Saleen plant, and a custom leather jacket among other things. Only 25 will be built at a price of $99,995. It's definitely not for the typical Mustang buyer, but we're sure there are several Saleen faithful out there who will want one in the garage.
[Source: Saleen] Permalink | Email this | Comments
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Saleen S302 ExtremeFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford, Saleen 
Click above for high-res images of the 2008 Saleen S302 Extreme
My first experience with the Saleen S302E Mustang was an absolute blast. I was handed the keys and told to let loose on abandoned airstrip. Mash the throttle from a standing start and the 620 horsepower underhood would quickly turn the rear tires into a cloud of smoke. Use the throttle carefully and the rear tires would maintain traction, catapulting the car forward at an incredible rate. Brake to the absolute threshold, take a corner at high speeds, and then kick the tail sideways while exiting the turn - I was able to experience the full potential of the S302E, unrestricted by traffic and speed limits, with plenty of forgiving pavement in case of a spin.
Read on after the jump to hear about living with the S302E as a daily driver and check out our fab pics in the gallery below. Believe it or not, we took them ourselves.
All photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc. Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Saleen S302 Extreme Permalink | Email this | Comments
eBay Find of the Day: Saleen Transformers Barricade ReplicaFiled under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Auction Action, Ford, Saleen 
click above for more images of the Saleen Transformers Barricade Replica
We are big fans of the movie Transformers despite its faults, and not because we're fascinated with alien robots, but rather because it shows off some of our favorite cars in action. You can't get your very own Bumblebee yet with production of the Camaro still a year away, but you can buy this replica of Barricade being sold by McDonald Ford in Freeland, Michigan. This 2007 Mustang was built by Saleen to help promote the movie, and features the same police garb found on the movie car with a few changes. "To punish and enslave" has been changed to "Power in the hands of a few", and the 911 decal has been switched to a 411 promoting the Saleen web site. The light bar is also absent, probably to help prevent the vehicle from being mistaken for an actual police vehicle. That's probably a good thing, considering it's a felony to impersonate a police vehicle. The buyer also gets the standard Saleen add-ons including the body kit, upgraded interior, Racecraft suspension, and supercharged engine, so this marketing prop is more than just eye-candy. Pretty much the only thing it can't do is hunt down Sam Witwicky, grandson of Archibald Witwicky.
[Source: eBay Motors]
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Saleen creates limited edition Patriot MustangFiled under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford, Saleen, Lifestyle 
Saleen is saluting our troops with the introduction of a limited edition Patriot Mustang. Yes, another Mustang variant, but this one celebrates military servicemen and women if that makes any difference to you. A total of 24 will be built - eight each in red, white, and blue. Each one includes Saleen's supercharger, which boosts horsepower up to 465 and torque to 425 lb-ft, as well as an upgraded suspension, 20-inch wheels and tires, and a body kit with a new front and rear fascia and side skirts. Inside, the Patriot gets reupholstered leather seats, new gauges, short throw shifter, and more while pricing is set at $51,295. For active military personnel, Saleen is also offering a $500 cash incentive, as well as one free day at its performance driving school. A short press release and a comprehensive list of specs and features can be seen after the jump.
[Source: MustangBlog.com] Continue reading Saleen creates limited edition Patriot Mustang Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spied! Saleen developing all-new sports carFiled under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Saleen 
click image above to enlarge
We managed to get our hands on this photo that shows a clay model of what inside sources tell us is the initial design of an all-new car being considered for development by Saleen at its Irvine assembly plant. While representatives from Saleen would not officially comment as to what is in the photo, our best guess is that they are looking to put to use their knowledge and experience gained from the construction of the Ford GT for Ford. In fact, with the GT no longer in production, a car similar to the Ford GT might be exactly what Saleen is shooting for. After all, they have the facility in which the GT was built, the father of the Ford GT, Chris Theodore, is now Saleen's chief technology officer, and they gained a wealth of experience building a new car from scratch with the S7 program. Theodore has even hinted at the possibility of an all-new Saleen. "I have many ideas," he stated to TheCarConnection.com, "and some of them are inspired by the Ford GT. That car sold very well for around $150,000. So why not think in that direction when we talk about a new supercar? May be an S3 or an S5?" We can only hope. Permalink | Email this | Comments
First Drive: 2008 Saleen S302E and H302SC MustangsFiled under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford, First Drive, Saleen 
click above image to view more high-res photos of the Saleen H302 SC
There might be dozens (even hundreds?) of Mustang variations out there, but when Saleen sends you an invite to drive its new 620-horsepower S302E Extreme Mustang, you take it without thinking twice. You see, they have been working their magic on Ford's pony car for 25 years now, so if anyone knows how to do it right, it's Saleen. Company founder Steve Saleen might no longer be at the helm, but that doesn't mean the company's passion is gone for producing high performance automobiles. In fact, there seems to be a renewed enthusiasm, or what Saleen's General Manager Marques McCammon calls a "reawakening" of the company. Part of this is due to the recent acquisition of ASC (American Specialty Cars), and new key personnel in place including Paul Wilbur as the new President and CEO, as well as Chris Theodore, the father of the Ford GT program, as the new Chief Technology Officer. The two vehicles we drove, the H302 SC and the S302 Extreme, were the first two new vehicles launched under the new leadership. Follow the jump for our driving impressions of these two monster Mustangs.
Live Photos Copyright (C)2007 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading First Drive: 2008 Saleen S302E and H302SC Mustangs Permalink | Email this | Comments
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