Tag Archives: Saleen

Automotive News

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.

Press Release

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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Press Release

ASC INCORPORATED PARTNERS WITH SISTER COMPANY, SALEEN, TO DELIVER INDUSTRY LEADING PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

New York, NY (March 20, 2008) – ASC, America’s Tier 1 automotive supplier of design and open air /body systems integrations and Saleen, America’s premiere automotive enthusiast brand have come together to deliver two new market-leading innovations wrapped in industry-leading style and performance:

  • ASC’s “InfiniStor” Power Tonneau System, featured on the Saleen S331SC, is sure to attract the attention of truck enthusiasts for its increased functionality and improved aesthetics.
  • ASC’s “SKYVu” Scenic Roof System, featured on the S281SC, is a natural evolution to Saleen’s market leading Scenic Roof, captivating the hearts and minds of coupe owners.

“The marriage of ASC and Saleen represents the perfect combination of performance and new product innovation,” stated Steve Laurain, General Manager of ASC. Marques McCammon, General Manager of Saleen Automotive replied, “ASC has been leading the market with engineered body system integrations for over 40 years and they have the largest independent automotive design organization in the U.S. I can’t think of a better partner for Saleen.”

InfiniStor Power Tonneau system

The new InfiniStor Power Tonneau System, featured on the S331 Supercharged sport truck, is a true innovation in truck accessories and feature content. The key fob actuated power tonneau system provides the consumer the opportunity to access the truck bed from either the cabin or tailgate side of the bed with the push of a button. This allows smaller cargo to be dropped into the bed in much the same way that you would access the trunk of a car or SUV.

For larger cargo, drive the tonneau system from the rear to the front to open the entire bed as the tonneau collapses to a small footprint of just under two feet. With the system in the closed position, Infinistor delivers security for cargo by virtue of the self locking drive system.

“The InfiniStor is designed to provide pick up truck manufacturers with real feature content in the truck bed,” said Laurain. “The system has production vehicle snow loading capacity equivalent to any convertible top in the industry and has been shown to increase fuel economy in some truck applications.”

InfiniStor’s automotive grade coated acrylic fabric top covers are both colorfast and durable as they are made from the same materials that ASC uses on Toyota’s market leading Solara convertible top and the Jeep Liberty “Sky Slider” Roof. The system and all of its components have been thoroughly developed to ensure robust function in hot and cold weather and in clean and dirty environments.

What’s best is that the system will fit nearly any truck bed in the market, can work seamlessly with most bed rail cargo systems, and if need be, can be easily removed from the bed all together when carrying extra large loads.

SKYVu Scenic Roof system

The second punch from the Saleen / ASC duo is the all new “SKYVu” scenic roof system. SKYVu is the ultimate hybrid of a scenic roof and a sunroof with the open air feeling of a convertible. This power roof system replaces the entire roof of the Saleen S281SC with glass allowing the consumer to experience a sun drenched cabin than can only be found in a Scenic Roof equipped Saleen coupe.

Then, at the push of a button, the glass paneled roof lifts open and slides over the vehicle backlight to reveal a roof that is completely open to the SKY.

“In the SKYVu, we have achieved a convertible experience without the weight penalty, and without the compromise of the coupe roofline that usually comes with the convertible,” said Chris Theodore, Chief Technical Officer of Saleen and ASC. “The result is a safer, faster, open air vehicle experience.”

SKYVu leaves the roof rails of the vehicle intact, allowing the vehicle to maintain core coupe structure that leads to chassis rigidity critical to ride and handling performance and does not compromise structural integrity of the vehicle in roll-over scenarios. It is a system based on proven and robust technologies that ASC executives say can be integrated into nearly any production coupe application.

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Press Release

SALEEN PARTNER’S WITH AN AMERICAN ICON TO CREATE AN AMERICAN LEGEND

New York, NY (March 20, 2008) – Saleen Automotive, America’s premiere automotive enthusiast brand for over a quarter of a century, announced today at the New York Auto Show that it has entered into a partnership with American automotive legend Dan Gurney for creation of a special Gurney Signature Edition Mustang. ”It is amazing that just two years ago Saleen was standing on stage here at the Javitz Center with Parnelli Jones and today we are with his long time rival and friend, and truthfully one of America’s racing heroes, Mr. Dan Gurney,” said Saleen President and CEO Paul Wilbur.

All 300 of the Gurney Signature Edition vehicles will feature Saleen’s 465 Hp supercharged 281 cubic inch engine, short throw shifter, and 3.73 Max Grip rear axle. In addition, the vehicles will have custom two-tone seats that feature either blue or red AlcantaraTM inserts designed to keep your rear end planted firmly behind the wheel. The legendary Gurney Eagle© logo is featured on the steering wheel and several other places around the car.

The exterior reflects the look of Dan’s 1969 Trans Am series Mustang, masterfully recreated in a fashion that honors history but looks aggressively towards the future. The heritage styled Gurney Edition body kit, ‘duck bill’ rear spoiler and ‘stinger’ style hood all come together in harmony with the carefully placed graphics and die cut Gurney Eagle insignia. “I am pleased that they could make a car that is so beautiful but still so true to my old race car. At the end of the day, all I really want is a car that is faster than Parnelli’s” said racing great, Dan Gurney.

Saleen executives were not prepared to make that statement, but what they did say is: “this is likely the best all around 281 supercharged car that Saleen has ever built,” commented Saleen General Manager, Marques McCammon.

“Dan Gurney has always been about business on the track. His cars were light, fast and handled like they were on rails,” said Saleen Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Chris Theodore. “I’ll admit we added a little weight when we added the blower to this car, but you will be shocked at how this car cuts through a corner.”

The Gurney Signature Edition gets its dynamic ability from the specially tuned Racecraft suspension, Generation-II Watts-Link Rear End, and super sticky Pirelli Corsa tires. This is a suspension combination that has never before been featured on a Saleen vehicle, and one that received the personal stamp from Dan Gurney himself.

“It is like a dream come true to spend time on the tarmac with the Gurney’s. Together, we will create a package that I am sure that market will love,” said Chassis and Dynamics Lead Derk Hartland.

The Gurney Signature Edition Mustang is slated to begin production this April and should start appearing in dealers later that month. With production being limited to only 300 cars, the Gurney Edition is sure to be a must have amongst collectors. In honor of Mr. Gurney’s ‘All American Racer persona the cars will be offered in only three colors: Torch Red, Performance White, and the feature color Vista Blue. One hundred of each color will be made with contrasting color graphics and interiors, and a set of “#2” roundels to truly relive the Gurney experience.

The most important piece of the car to me is Dan Gurney’s signature on the center of the dash,” commented Wilbur. “ I view it as the stamp of approval by one of America’s greatest drivers”

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Press Release

PHIRE BRANDING COMPANY NAMED MARKETING AND BRANDING PARTNER FOR SALEEN

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ — Phire Branding Company, a full- service design, advertising, and brand consultancy firm headquartered in Ann Arbor, has been named Marketing and Branding Partner by Saleen. Phire Branding first began working with Saleen in late 2007.

Headquartered in Troy, MI, Saleen creates high performance vehicles meant for an exclusive few. The vehicles are a perfect mix of power and craftsmanship, and the brand enjoys a loyal following in the world of automobile enthusiasts.

As Marketing and Branding Partner, Phire Branding Company has first conducted extensive discovery and positioning work. This phase included a brand audit, both internal and external surveys, as well as the gathering of industry information and a competitive analysis, setting a strong new foundation for the Saleen brand.

Based on their findings, Phire Branding will conceptualize and create dynamic marketing materials ranging from traditional to interactive in order to best capture this new positioning. Specific initiatives included brand positioning, corporate ID materials, communications plan, and brand core creation. Following the initial branding, Phire will also be responsible for complete website development and implementation, online and print ad campaign, and internal documents.

“We are truly excited about working with Saleen.” said Jim Hume, Phire Principal. “They create works of art for the road, and we are responsible for bringing the passion of the company to the forefront in an aggressive and highly-designed manner. Saleen is making changes for the better, and we want the materials to reflect their enthusiasm.”

“Phire Branding is one of the best collection of creative minds I have encountered,” stated Marques McCammon, General Manager for Saleen Automotive Division. “They really immerse themselves in your brand and your buyer and as such, their results are generally spot on.”

About Phire Branding Company
Through myriad capabilities, Phire Branding Company creates breakthrough solutions to plan, position/reposition, execute, and nurture strong brands for a wide range of clients. Their website is www.phirebranding.com.

About Saleen
Saleen Inc, celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2008-09. With roots in racing, its vehicles go well beyond the expected, providing a unique style and unmatched power to car enthusiasts and dreamers alike. Vehicles include the H302 Supercharged, the S331 Sport Truck, S281 Supercharged, and the S302 Extreme.

SOURCE: Phire Branding Company

Press Release

SALEEN PARTNERS WITH SKIP BARBER TO HELP NEW OWNERS “DRIVE LIKE A PRO”

  • Purchasers of new Saleen supercharged vehicles from existing dealer inventory will have the opportunity to attend a High Performance Driving School at Skip Barber
  • Program slated to run up till April 1, 2008

Troy, Michigan (February 5, 2008) – Saleen Automotive, America’s premiere automotive lifestyle brand, today announced the official kick-off it’s National “Drive Like a Pro Event”. The new program, which Saleen successfully piloted over the recent holiday season, offers consumers who purchase a new vehicle from dealer inventory the opportunity to attend the famed Skip Barber High Performance Driving School to improve their skills behind the wheel of powerful performance vehicles.

“We think that this new promotion is both fun and responsible,” says Saleen Automotive General Manager, Marques McCammon. “Our vehicles are extremely powerful and designed carefully to draw out the very best in their owners, so it is only fitting that we teach our owners how to draw the best out of their Saleen.”

The Skip Barber High Performance Driving School features a line-up of premium sports cars in a highoctane mix of racetrack, autocross, and paddock-based exercises. Working with some of the industry’s most seasoned professionals, students:

  • learn the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics and behavior
  • experience vehicle slides & recoveries
  • practice lane-toss & accident avoidance exercises
  • compare the handling characteristics of front, mid, and rear-engine sports cars
  • complete lead-follow sessions on the race track

“Not only will new Saleen owners get to experience great instruction in learning how improve their driving skills, they will also be able to spend time on some of the greatest tracks in the U.S.” said McCammon.

“This is a great partnership for Skip Barber and Saleen” said Stu Upson, Skip Barber Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Saleen is an exceptional company and we are really excited about the opportunity to be a part of their extended family.”

The program will only be offered to purchasers of a new Saleen supercharged vehicle from a Saleen certified dealers existing inventory. The current program will initially be in effect until April 1, 2008 but will continue as long as our customers see the value in learning to “Drive Like a Pro”.

Automotive News

POST-SALEEN SALEEN

By: BOB GRITZINGER on January 28, 2008
Original Article: AUTOWEEK, VOL. 58 ISSUE 4,

$100,000 Mustang Honors Company’s Silver Anniversary

Saleen will offer a commemorative 25th-anniversary Mustang as its first product of the post-Steve Saleen era. The 25th Anniversary Sterling Edition Ford Mustang S302E has a supercharged, 5.0-liter, 620-hp, 600-lb-ft V8, plus custom 20-inch wheels, special suspension and brakes, 25th-anniversary interior and exterior badging and a parts catalog’s worth of extras.

It costs $100,000- if you can get one. Only 25 will be built, with deliveries beginning in March. Owners get a first-class trip to Troy, Michigan, for an executive-guided tour of the plant (where Dodge Vipers are painted and Ford GTs were built), a Saleen leather jacket, a custom car cover and a photo album documenting the car’s build.

Company founder Steve Saleen resigned last year (“Saleen Minus Saleen,” AW, May 28, 2007). Investment firm Hancock Park Associates bought it in 2003. HPA added Michigan-based American Specialty Cars to its stable in 2007 and merged the two specialty manufacturers.

Press Release

SALEEN KICKS OFF THE YEAR IN STYLE WITH THE REVEAL OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY “STERLING EDITION”

DETROIT, MI (Jan. 17, 2008) – The phrase “Saving the best for last” just got an exclamation point. Just when it appeared all the North American International Auto Show reveals were complete, Saleen Automotive unveiled its 25th Anniversary Sterling Edition Ford Mustang.

“At Saleen, automotive passion is more than a catch phrase, it is a lifestyle,” said Saleen General Manager, Marques McCammon. “Showcasing our Sterling Edition Ford Mustang at today’s Sterling VIP Preview is a demonstration of the things that reflect the way our buyers live. They have a high sense of style, a love for all things performance and an affinity for the exclusive. That is the very theme of the VIP Preview event.”

The Sterling VIP Preview was a night full of announcements from Saleen. Among the more significant was the announced move of the Saleen World Headquarters from Irvine, California to Troy, Michigan. “This is a strategic move for the company,” said Saleen CEO, Paul Wilbur. “Our Troy facility has one of the most sophisticated low volume paint facilities in North America. When you combine that with the phenomenal automotive talent pool that is available in Michigan, it is a natural step.” The executive stated that Saleen will maintain an advanced engineering and administrative staff in the “Golden State” to support ongoing operations, but vision would be driven from Detroit.

No night with Saleen is complete without product and the Sterling VIP Preveiw was no exception. To commemorate 25 years of producing high performance specialty vehicles, Saleen unveiled the Sterling Edition S302E. This 25 unit limited edition version of the Saleen flagship car will deliver the patented blend of Saleen style, performance and exclusivity that can only be rivaled by Saleen’s own S7.

“The Sterling Edition S302E is the cream of the crop,” said Saleen General Manger, Marques McCammon. “Saleen is about details and we left none to chance when we created this car. From the hand painted graphics, to the 16 oz genuine sterling silver serialized dash plaque, this car has it all. This is the very definition of a 100-point car.”

Exterior

Each badge is brushed billet, milled with the 25th Anniversary wreath. The car rides on unique 20 inch forged aluminum alloy wheels with a state of the art DurabrightTM corrosion resistant coating. The hand painted gunsight exterior accent aims your attention from the rear of the car to the 25th Anniversary wreath that adorns the hood. The Saleen engineered front carbon wind splitter and rear air diffuser were designed to enhance the aerodynamics of the vehicle. The vehicles sub 4 second 0-60 performance is arrested by massive 15 inch cross-drilled vented rotors that are also unique to the “Sterling Edition”.

Interior

The interior of the car is wrapped in luxurious black Alcantara and leather, with silver accent stitching on the door inserts, dash and center console. To commemorate the 25th anniversary, a genuine sterling silver serialized medallion adorns the instrument panel. To insure that the driver can always stay connected, it includes a navigation system and iPod connector.

The car’s 620 horses are called into action at the simple push of a button by virtue of the console mounted push button starter, offered for the first time on an E car in this special edition model.

Lifestyle delivery

The “Sterling Edition” is packed with luxury and style that does not stop with the vehicle. In fact, the customer will be welcomed to the brand in a way that is genuine Saleen. “Every Sterling Edition S302E buyer will get the VIP Treatment,” says Saleen VP of Sales, Mitchell Gadd.

In an extreme lifestyle statement, Saleen announced that every buyer of the Sterling Edition will receive a first class round trip visit to the plant for a guided tour, dinner with Saleen executives, a photo album and portfolio of the car, letter of authenticity, a serialized car cover, and Saleen apparel. “Saleen is an experience and the Sterling Edition is a highlight of that experience,” said McCammon.

“We are anticipating a momentous year, beginning with our “Sterling Edition”. We are working on some very exciting projects and are prepared to deliver exceptional, innovative vehicles to the market,” said Chris Theodore, Saleen’s Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer.

Press Release

SALEEN SALUTES THE TROOPS WITH THE SUPERCHARGED LIMITED EDITION AMERICAN FLAG MODEL

DETROIT, MI (December 12, 2007) –Saleen Automotive, America’s premier niche automotive manufacturer salutes the American military with the production of twenty-four limited edition AF (American Flag) supercharged S281 vehicles. As part of the American themed promotion, Saleen will also implement a nationwide holiday incentive program for all active military personnel.

The supercharged AF S281 celebrates our American heritage with a patriotic color pallet (8 red, 8 white, 8 blue vehicles), unique graphics package, a 465 hp supercharged engine, tuned suspension and 20 inch wheels and tires starting at $49,995.

“We wanted to take time during the holiday season to honor the men and women that serve our country at home and abroad,” said Marques McCammon, General Manager of Saleen Automotive. “Our armed forces represent the best of the American spirit and we want to honor that spirit in our vehicles.”

The program was developed when Saleen began receiving emails from soldiers returning from Iraq stating that they had purchased a Saleen to reward themselves. In keeping with Saleen’s strong American heritage, the American Flag vehicles will be dedicated to the men and women who fight for our country everyday.

The twenty-four limited edition supercharged AF S281 vehicles will begin hitting select Saleen certified dealerships nationwide the week of December 25.

In addition to the vehicle, Saleen is offering all active military personnel a holiday incentive. The program kicked off on Dec. 1 and continues through to Jan. 31, 2008. It consists of a $500 military “bonus bucks” cash rebate to be applied to any new and unused 2006 or 2007 Saleen car or truck currently in a Saleen certified dealer’s inventory. It also includes a one day voucher to the Skip Barber Performance Driving School. This program is only available to active military personnel with a valid military ID and drivers license.

“We know that our gesture is no match for the sacrifice they make on our behalf, but we want to be sure that they know we appreciate and honor them,” said Paul Wilbur, President CEO of Saleen.

ABOUT SALEEN
Since the company’s inception in 1984, Saleen has produced over 12,000 complete and EPA certified vehicles, more than any other specialty automobile manufacturer. In addition, Saleen has equipped more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide, further emphasizing their capabilities and commitment to excellence.

A nine-time Manufacturers’ Champion in GT sports car racing, Saleen manufactured the American super car — the Saleen S7, as well as the S281 Mustang, S331 Sport Truck and the Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang. Saleen’s manufacturing facilities are located in Troy, Michigan. The Michigan facility has just completed all paint and assembly of the Ford GT as a special project for Ford Motor Company and currently is providing paint and subassembly for the Dodge Viper SRT-10.