All posts by Jim Dvorak

Managing Director of SOEC since 2005. Veteran of the Southern California automotive scene. Involvement with Saleen dates back to the mid 1990s.

2008 HUNTINGTON BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

Photos: ROBERT BENITEZ and JIM DVORAK

I’m glad everyone who attended from both Saleen clubs had a great time, and those who had their families come out really enjoyed the park.

Because SOEC stepped-up as an event sponsor, we all were able to be on the grass instead of the asphalt as well as get our name on the trophies. With that, Molly and Steve and Liz (and granddaughter Hannah) brought us their support, and it was an honor to do this with such wonderful cars and people in attendance.

Some of my favorite photos from Robert’s gallery…

Curtis Parker’s 1st-in-class SSC is no stranger to picking-up trophies…

2008 HB Concours

A row of first-timers… from left-to-right, the Saleens of Darren Montemayer, Robert Landry, Robert Benitez, Jerry Stone, and Molly Saleen. Off to the right, Jerry Stone visiting with Dennis McKee.

2008 HB Concours

The Benitez kids had a great time and are proud of their daddy’s 3rd place in the late-model class…

2008 HB Concours

Trophies sponsored by SOEC…

2008 HB Concours

Molly still has her radar detector installed and ready (center of grille) for the 2008 version of the Great American Run “Cannonball” event this summer…

2008 HB Concours

There’s a rear-facing sensor on the back as well, hidden above the license plate…

2008 HB Concours

With the exception of George Hernandez’s PJ car, this is the “old timers” row with (left to right) 2nd in late-model class with SCOA’s Dennis McKee (who originally helped get a Saleen class in the show several years ago), new owner George Hernandez, Curtis Parker and Gary Benson who won 1st in late-model class with his S351.

2008 HB Concours


Just wanted to share some of my photos…

Show banner at the Pier/Main Street/Pacific Coast Highway…

2008 HB Concours

The back of the show shirt…

2008 HB Concours

Molly Saleen has fans of all ages — from very young…

2008 HB Concours

To somewhere in the middle…

2008 HB Concours

To young at heart…

2008 HB Concours

In Concours judging, they’re very thorough… Gary Benson’s beautiful silver S351 is getting the once-over…

2008 HB Concours

You also have the option to enter the show, but not be judged, so we hope for more participation next year.

Families of Saleen owners really enjoyed the park…

2008 HB Concours

As did the Saleen Family…

Proud grandparents Steve & Liz brought Miss Hannah (Sean’s daughter) to visit with Molly and her Great American Run co-pilot, Dan…

2008 HB Concours

2008 HB Concours

The Saleens always run into friends wherever they go…

2008 HB Concours

Steve signed autographs for the guys, and he also signed our banner…

2008 HB Concours

In the spirit of the traditional Concours, 1st-in-class winners were presented their trophies as they drove in front of the stage where they received a trophy and a big bucket of Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners.

1st in the early models was Curtis Parker’s 1989 SSC…

2008 HB Concours

1st in the late models was Gary Benson’s 1999 S351…

2008 HB Concours

Hope to see you all next year!

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[Source: SOEC.org]

SALEEN XP MOUNTAINEER FOR SALE

This was Saleen’s “feasibility study” for the Mercury market and was a project vehicle featured in two issues with Truckin’ Magazine’s Bob McClurg, and is a unique part of Saleen history.

New tires, brakes, and Bilstein shocks, this has been a trusted daily driver for McClurg. Includes loads of documentation and photos, plus copies of the Truckin’ articles.

Supercharger was rebuilt at about 100,000 miles. Current mileage is about 134,000.

This vehicle does not have a Saleen VIN, but does have plenty of Saleen heritage.

Vehicle has lived in Southern California its is located in North Hollywood, California.

Serious inquiries only. Please inquire via PM or email and I’ll get you in touch with McClurg.

Pics and more details to come.

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STEVE SALEEN’S SMS LIMITED ANNOUNCES SIGNATURE SERIES CHALLENGER SMS 570™ AND SMS 570X™

May 12, 2008 – Orange County, California. Steve Saleen and his new company SMS are pleased to introduce the first product in his line of Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles, the SMS 570™ Challenger and SMS 570X™ Challenger.

As a professional racecar driver and innovative businessman, Mr. Saleen is well known as the founder of a number of Steve Saleen brands including Saleen Autosport, Saleen Productions, Saleen Speedlab, Saleen Performance, Saleen, Inc. and now SMS. In the years of building the many brands, Mr. Saleen oversaw and participated in every aspect of the business, in product development, sales and marketing. Mr. Saleen‘s latest endeavor will focus on the expansion into the high-end of the diverse American Muscle Car markets.

The fully certified and street legal SMS 570™ Challenger and SMS 570X™ Challenger will be based on the all-new and exciting 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T platform and will feature a SMS Supercharged 5.7L Hemi with respective power ratings from 500 to over 700 horsepower! Both models are fully equipped with a compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components including: drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

“The horsepower and torque that we are developing from the SMS Supercharged Hemi is phenomenal” explains Billy Tally, SMS Chief Technical Officer, “combined with suspension and braking improvements our SMS Challenger will be an incredibly capable, refined and tractable automobile.”

Each of these limited edition vehicles will be personally signed by Steve Saleen as part of the SMS Signature Series product line complete with unique badges and graphics. Production numbers will be limited per year depending on the model, and the opportunity to be one of the few owners is limited to a first-come, first-served basis, so prospective customers need to act now as production is commencing in the fourth quarter of 2008.

“The Dodge Challenger is a great canvas to start with” notes Phil Frank, Chief Creative Officer, “the SMS Challenger will help define our design DNA as we introduce some exciting and functional aesthetic innovations to this already great platform.”

“I am drawing upon 25 years of rich experience in the automotive industry to address the rapidly expanding global market of automotive lifestyle vehicles, technical performance parts, accessories and apparel” explains Mr. Saleen “SMS is enabling us to do what could not be done at Saleen, Inc. due to the their heritage with the Ford dealer network and Ford vehicles. We are using this freedom, along with our new technology developed at SMS, to create world-class specialty vehicles.”

SMS Limited

SMS is a niche manufacturer of lifestyle ultra-high performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. SMS designs, engineers, tests, certifies, manufactures and assembles all its own products and vehicles.

World Headquarters

The 150,000 sq.ft. facility in Southern California, is designed for collaboration, efficiency and security. The state-of-the-art-design, development, prototype, machining, testing and composites groups support manufacturing, production, the SMS race team and clients.

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TECHCO INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES DYNOJET SERVICES

ANAHEIM, Calif. / April 29, 2008 / — Techco International today announced its new DynoJet 224xLC Dynamometer service is now available to serve performance enthusiasts throughout Southern California.

Capable of accurately measuring the rear wheel horsepower, torque, speed, RPM and air/fuel ratio of any 2-wheel drive vehicle, this dynamometer features Eddy Current Load Absorption as well as Torque Cell and Dynamic Load Control software that performs loaded tests including step, sweep and aerodynamic drag simulation. If you have a specialty, exotic, hot rod, modified Ford GT or even a stock Mustang, Techco professionals can cater to your dyno needs.

Techco will also soon start offering engineering, tuning and maintenance services, as well as performance parts, and is housed under the same roof as SMS Limited USA.

To make an appointment for a dyno run, or for more information, please contact Techco at (714) 408-9550 or customerservice@techcointl.com

Company Website: www.techcointl.com

Driving Directions: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/3125+E.+Coronado+Street+Anaheim+CA+92806/

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SALEEN INTRODUCES NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE 302 “CRATE” ENGINES

Troy, Michigan (April 28, 2008) – Saleen is offering, for the first time in company history, its high performance 302 cubic inch (5.0L) premium crate engines for sale through its Speedlab Aftermarket Division. The engine will be available in either short block or long block varieties to satisfy the most seasoned of engine builders and power enthusiasts.

Saleen offers the same OEM quality, durability and precision-built engines used today in Saleen built performance vehicles. The legendary 302 engine has already made its rightful return to the performance stage in Saleen product offerings such as the Parnelli Jones Edition, Heritage Series, and the new 25th Anniversary Sterling Edition. Consumers now have the opportunity to upgrade their existing vehicle with a high performance Saleen 302 crate engine.

“This addition to our aftermarket product lineup was a no brainer,” says Carlos Duran, Manager of Saleen’s Speedlab Aftermarket Division, “This engine is currently at high production rates, which allow for quick delivery to Saleen Speedlab consumers. We want to provide our customers with the utmost in confidence relating to this new line of products.”

PERFORMANCE

The 302 cubic inch crate motors (available in both long and short blocks) are available for naturally-aspirated or supercharged applications. Based on the 4.6L 3V Ford aluminum block, the entire internal package is upgraded with premium Saleen engineered forged pistons, rods, crankshaft and valve train components, and camshaft that will exceed the requirements of even the professional engine builder. The basis of our performance data is from the current 2008 Heritage Saleen platforms. Our packages will range from 390hp (normally-aspirated 302 engines) to 580hp (supercharged 302 engines) using existing EPA certified induction and exhaust systems. Furthermore, these packages can be further upgraded with 6 speed transmissions, high performance clutch/flywheels, higher performance rear end differentials, Watts link rear suspension kits and, of course, superchargers.

“We are very excited to put the 302SC long block engine into the drag racing circuit this year under the hood of the Saleen Speedlab/JDM Engineering performance drag car”, states Michael Lingo, Vice President of Operations & General Manager – Aftermarket Division, “We are planning to place the vehicle on display throughout the season; proving the durability and reliability of the Saleen motors in the most demanding environment imaginable.” The 302 crate engines will launch in May, 2008 and will be available for purchase direct from the factory or through select Saleen SpeedLab dealers. Call today at 800-888-8945 to speak directly with your Saleen SpeedLab specialist.

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DAN GURNEY SIGNATURE EVENT: SATURDAY MAY 24, CAMPBELL FORD IN NILES, MI

Update 5/20/08: Due to a scheduling conflict, Dan Gurney will not be appearing, but the event will still take place with the S5S Raptor.

A note from Ron Ward at Campbell Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen:
Campbell Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen in Niles Michigan is please to announce a Dan Gurney Signature Event, Saleen and Mustang car show on Saturday, May 24th 2008. The store will be open from 9am to 5pm.

We would like as many members of your club to come in to show off your rides and meet Dan Gurney as well as see Saleens Concept super car the S5S Raptor and the new 2008 Saleen H281SC Dan Gurney Signature Limited Edition. The support of your club will be welcome as we will set up an open lot in front of our store, put up a tent, supply hot dogs and refreshments for all to enjoy.

Please let me know if and how many of your members would like to participate. Everything is free.

Thanks and look forward to hearing from you.

Ron Ward
Internet and Fleet Sales Manager
Campbell Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen
2801 S. 11th St.
Niles, Mi. 49120
www.SaleenPerformanceDealer.com

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SHAKER SUPERCHARGED! FOR PARNELLI JONES & SC OWNERS

In January, SPEEDLAB announced “Shakercharger” — a supercharger option for Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition models which retains the shaker hood. With a price estimated at about $6499.99, it should be releasing between now and June.

For S281 SC owners, the kit consists of a Shaker hood conversion. While pricing has not yet been established, it will likely include a stock Ford hood modified to accept the Shaker scoop.

The guys at SPEEDLAB are collecting a waiting list of names to be notified when kits are available. There is no deposit required to be put on this list.

Please call 1-800-888-8945 for more information and to get your name on the waiting list. Tell them you heard about it at SOEC.org.

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ALL-NEW SALEEN REVEALS ALL-AMERICAN SUPERCAR CONCEPT

By: BOB GRITZINGER on March 24, 2008
Original Article: AUTOWEEK, VOL. 58 ISSUE 12

This Week Bird Of Prey

If the new guys running the shop at Saleen are worth their salt, an ethanol-powered Saleen race car will be tearing up the streets of America and the circuits of the American Le Mans Series in a few years.

At the New York auto show, Saleen is showing the S5S Raptor, a conceptual vision of an all-new, all-American sports car that its makers say will rival European exotics such as the Ferrari F430.

Comparable in size to the F430, the S5S Raptor packs a hand-built Saleen 5.0-liter supercharged (hence “S5S”) three-valve V8 producing 650 hp at 6300 rpm and 630 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm, running on E85 ethanol. Why E85? Maybe because it’s the official fuel of the ALMS starting this season and the Saleen folks expect the Raptor to be in the thick of GT-class competition in the not-too-distant future. Or maybe just because ethanol produces a 5 percent horsepower boost over the same V8 fueled by gasoline.

Either way, the S5S opens a whole new chapter in the Saleen story, one that draws on the company’s racing roots — exemplified by the Saleen S7R — combined with a breath of fresh air from new ownership and new top management.

Gone from the front office is company founder and namesake Steve Saleen, who resigned in mid-2007, about three and a half years after his company was purchased by investment firm Hancock Park Associates. After adding Michigan-based American Specialty Cars to the portfolio in 2007, HPA merged the two specialty manufacturers. Saleen is now managed by a group of executives, some of whom have responsibilities in both companies, including Saleen and ASC president and CEO Paul Wilbur, Saleen and ASC vice chairman and chief technical officer Chris Theodore and Saleen general manager Marques McCammon.

“What we’re putting together is an all-American supercar company,” says Wilbur.

The first Saleen product under new management, revealed in January but also on display at the New York show, is the 25th Anniversary Sterling Edition Ford Mustang S302E (This Week, Jan. 28). The company will build just 25 of the $100,000 specials, with deliveries beginning this month. But that car and the Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang, also premiering at New York (see above), are just more trick ponies in a long line of similar specialty models from Saleen.

By contrast, the S5S Raptor represents a ground-up vision for an all-new exotic car from Saleen — not as exotic as the $650,000 S7, to be sure, but equally intriguing as a new model that could reestablish Saleen as America’s best supercar maker. Built on an aluminum chassis with composite body panels, the two-seat, mid-engined S5S Raptor would boast a more people-friendly cabin than the S7 and still be able to achieve speeds of more than 200 mph, 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and 10.9-second quarter-mile runs.

“Although this is primarily a street vehicle,” Wilbur says, “its dynamic capabilities will not be compromised.”

Workers at the Saleen shop in the Detroit suburb of Troy, Michigan, are no strangers to supercars and near ones. The plant paints body panels and provides subassembly for the Dodge Viper and previously was the subassembly and paint shop for Ford’s GT. So if the S5S Raptor gets the green light, the boys in Troy will be ready to rock on the project in no time. Plans call for building 500 cars a year, starting at $185,000 each.

But hold your horses, says Wilbur, noting that even if the project is approved tomorrow, it would take two years to develop and put the S5S Raptor into production. Whether that production decision comes sooner rather than later will depend quite a bit on response to the S5S Raptor at the New York show and beyond.

“It’s still a concept, but market reaction will be key in determining when and if production starts,” says Wilbur.

SPECS
ON SALE: N/A
BASE PRICE: $185,000
DRIVETRAIN: 5.0-liter, 650-hp, 630-lb-ft supercharged V8; rwd, six-speed manual or sequential manual gearbox
CURB WEIGHT: 3365 lb
0-60 MPH: 3.2 sec (mfr est)
FUEL ECONOMY: N/A

GURNEY ‘STANG
At New York, Saleen also rolled out this Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang, with a 465-hp supercharged V8, five-speed manual transmission and all the Gurney extras anyone could want.

SALEEN OWNERS AND ENTHUSIASTS CLUB TO LAUNCH NEW COMMUNITY FORUM

Greetings,

Some of you already know we have our new forum online — finally. I regret it took so long, but it took a few server software upgrades and some blocks of spare time (coinciding with bouts of enthusiasm) to work through the kinks and bring the ideas to life. Some ideas are still to come to fruition.

The new forum launched Tuesday night, and is the final major link in David’s vision of what the Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts website should be. Interestingly, like myself, he is not yet a Saleen owner, but someday hopes to be.

Many of you may not know that this hard-worker has certainly put a thousand hours (if not two thousand or more) into the content available at SOEC’s website, never mind the re-design of Saleen Alley and his contributions to the forum. Thank goodness for his yearn for learning and his willingness to dedicate his blood, sweat and tears into this. It is a collection of works that we all should be proud of, and hopefully it will help us to stay motivated to increase our presence in the Saleen hobby.

This forum launch also concludes the phase-out of content at saleenclub.net as it has been migrated over to soec.org. Some of you may recall that in 1998 or 1999 we lost our original domain name, soec.org, and were forced to come up with saleenclub.net. Back in early 2003 soec.org became available again, and we snatched it up. And starting about two years ago when David wanted to re-do the website, we launched the new content on soec.org — starting with a clean slate.

All e-mail addresses — and even links to “existing” saleenclub.net content — are in the process of being migrated to their new counterparts, or soon will be. When the phase is complete, anyone attempting to visit saleenclub.net will instead be routed to soec.org, and likewise with the e-mails, so nothing should get lost.

Those of you who have not yet registered for the forum — please register and let me, Wayne or David know if you need a hand.

Thanks,

Jim

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SALEEN REVEALS SUPERCAR CONCEPT THE “S5S RAPTOR” AT THE NEW YORK AUTO SHOW

New York, NY (March 20, 2008) – Saleen’s all new concept vehicle, the S5S Raptor made its world debut today on the floor of New York City’s Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center. The S5S Raptor unveiling comes amidst several other Saleen announcements including a partnership with Dan Gurney, Rockstar Games and the integration of several first time seen ASC products, featured on two existing Saleen vehicles.

“We are extremely proud of the Raptor. It is the car that enthusiasts are waiting for America to produce and Saleen is just the company to answer that call,” said Paul Wilbur, Saleen President and CEO.

The S5S Raptor represents the first ground up vehicle to be conceived by the new Saleen management team and the most extensive demonstration of the combined capabilities of Saleen engineering and the ASC creative team.

“The Raptor is just a glimpse of things to come from Saleen,” says Chief Technical Officer, Chris Theodore. “Our company is unique in that we have the experience and knowledge behind some of the most exciting performance vehicles built over the past 20 years. Beyond the S7 Supercar, our team members have been involved in the Viper, Prowler, Ford GT, and the products of Chrysler SRT and Ford’s SVT performance groups. These ‘lessons learned’ are evident in the Raptor concept and we will continue to build upon them as the company evolves.”

The Raptor is a two seat mid-engine super car that competes in size and style with core offerings from the most notable of Italian exotic car makes, but with a segment leading 650hp and 630 lb-ft of torque provided by a Saleen 5.0L Supercharged Engine – the source of the “S5S” designation. Unlike its competitors, the Raptor is designed to digest cellulosic ethanol. “This is the same ethanol formula,” states Wilbur, “that is the official fuel of the 2008 American Le Mans Race Series and the IRL.” The higher octane rating of E85 results in more power. It is a combination that will send the Raptor screaming to 60 mph in a g-force generating 3.2 seconds. With ethanol power, the car is both mean and clean!

Saleen’s use of cellulosic ethanol is right for us for two reasons:

  • It maintains consistency with our racing heritage, as many of the racing formats (IRL, American Lemans, etc) are now adopting ethanol as the racing fuel of choice.
  • It also helps our environment through cleaner tailpipe emissions as well as reducing America’s dependency on foreign oil.

While Saleen is a small, specialty vehicle maker, we share in the responsibility to do what we can to support our environment, without compromising on our brand values.

Compromise does not enter into the conversation at all. The Raptor’s hand-built 5.0L cubic inch engine with its patented twin-screw supercharger delivers its 650 horses at 6300 rpm and hits max torque at just 4400 RPM. This power sits on call beneath the knob of a close ratio 6-speed manual, or optional paddle shifting sequential gearbox. It’s a combination that send Raptor’s rigid aluminum chassis screaming to a top speed of over 200 mph.

As power is nothing without control, the double wishbone suspension and rackand- pinion steering of the S5S is augmented by ABS traction control and stability control systems. The brake system features 15-inch (381 mm) front rotors with 6 piston calipers, and 13-inch (308 mm) rear rotors with dual piston calipers for maximum stopping power. Road holding traction is provided by the 275/35 ZR20 and 315/35/ZR20 Pirelli Rosso tires that wrap the 20” forged aluminum front and rear wheels respectively. The unique black-diamond and carbon fiber finish on the wheels make them as stunning as they are strong.

“We spent a great deal of time on the design of the Raptor,” says Marques McCammon, General Manager of Saleen Automotive. “The vehicle’s bold shoulders are reflective of an aggressive American attitude, reminiscent of Can-Am race car styling cues, but delivered with modern sophistication. If you see a little Chaparral or McLaren design influence in this car, you are right.”

The aesthetics for the Raptor were developed by ASC Creative Services, America’s largest independent automotive design firm. “This vehicle was an aggressively compressed program that combined the traditional methods of three-dimensional clay sculpting with sophisticated digital modeling tools,” said Steve Nowicki, ASC Creative Services Director. “The vehicle is distinctive in a way that I think the world is going to love. The primary designer on this program was Dave Byron, a CCS graduate and passionate member of ASC’s Design team”.

Raptor’s unique sun flair yellow paint accentuates the cars beautiful body forms. The interior of the car can be illuminated by the sun or the city lights through the solar-tented scenic roof that covers the cockpit. Detailing is transformed from mere aluminum on the vehicles wheels and exhaust by their black-diamond powder coat finish.

“In all the S5S Raptor is a work of art aimed to take your breath away,” said McCammon. “It is aggressive and sexy at the same time.”

According to Saleen executives, the S5S Raptor could enter the market in as little as two years, and should it go forward, it would carry a base price of approximately $185,000 MSRP.

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