Update 01/22/2008: Photos of The Saleen Store packing up.
The Saleen Store at Spectrum Center has closed for renovation and temporarily relocated to corporate at 76 Fairbanks in Irvine. Rumor is they’re working on a new layout in the store to accommodate more parts sales staff.
Until the temporary hours are set, it might be prudent to call ahead during regular business hours if you want to come to corporate to make a purchase at 949-597-4900.
Torque.TV, the digital television network for motorheads, hit the track with legendary driver, and former Indianapolis 500 winner Danny Sullivan. “Driving with Danny” is an original series available only on Torque.TV.
New York (PRWEB) November 27, 2007
“To hit the race track with a car driven by Danny, is truly an eye opening event you won’t forget”
Torque.TV, the digital television network for motorheads, hit the track with legendary driver, and former Indianapolis 500 winner Danny Sullivan. “Driving with Danny” is an original series available only on Torque.TV.
Torque.TV heads to the scorching hot Southern California desert home of the “Fastest Track in the West–Willow Springs” so Danny can tear it up in two of the most coveted supercars in the world–an Aston Martin Vanquish and 750hp Saleen S7. Two different cars with two different missions, and Danny gives you a taste of both.
“To hit the race track with a car driven by Danny, is truly an eye opening event you won’t forget,” said Gregory Stacy, VP of programming. “We decided to buckle up our beautiful, cohost Michelle Lintel (star of SciFi Channel’s “The Black Scorpion”) and have her ride along with Danny for a true driving experience.”
“When approached by Torque.TV about Driving with Danny, I jumped at the opportunity to evaluate vehicles that I’d normally not the have the chance to drive,” said Danny Sullivan. “To be involved with broadband TV and all of this new technology at this early stage is very exciting to me.”
“Driving With Danny” goes beyond the traditional magazine road test of hard facts and numbers, and gives the viewer an insight to the personality and purpose of each car from a true driver’s perspective.
“We are extremely thrilled to have Danny involved with this production. The driving skills, knowledge and talent he brings to the table are priceless,” said Jesse Raiford, CEO.
“Driving With Danny” premieres November 27, 2007 on Torque.TV
About Torque.TV
Torque.TV, launched October 2007, is the next generation of car, truck, and motorcycle television, brought to you by the nation’s leading producers of vehicle entertainment. The Torque.TV team has proven experience in television programming, ad sales, and delivery of niche content. Based in New York, with productions facilities in Los Angeles, CA, and Nashville, TN, Torque.TV offers full screen, high-quality, video entertainment for vehicle lovers around the globe.
For More info, log on to Torque.TV to get twisted.
Press Contact:
Jarrod Holland or Danielle Gunnels
JAH Communications
910-395-4829
Irvine, CA (November 14, 2007) – Saleen Automotive, North America’s premiere specialty vehicle manufacturer announces it’s very aggressive 2008 MY product line up. The “Extreme”, along with 6 other models in Saleen’s 2008 model line up, made its world debut on the runways of the retired El Toro Airport in Southern California.
The S302E raises the bar for American performance cars while never sacrificing style and control. New for 2008, the car affectionately known as the “Extreme” boasts a “Saleen built” 302 cubic inch engine augmented by a patented Saleen twin-screw, intercooled supercharger. The combination delivers an unprecedented 620 Hp and 600 lb-ft of neck snapping, tire incinerating torque.
“We believe that we are in the process of creating a legendary new car. It’s thrilling” says Saleen President and CEO, Paul Wilbur. “It seemed to make sense that as we go into our 25th Anniversary as a manufacturer in North America that we make our best and most powerful car yet.”
THE HARDWARE AND ENGINEERING
In the automotive history books, all great cars incorporate great hardware – the S302E is no different. The new “Extreme” features a litany of high quality performance parts that are a direct reflection of the companies’ race engineering heritage, combined with the best thinking in automotive OEM performance engineering.
The unique motor in the “Extreme” features a forged crank, forged connecting rods, individually blueprinted pistons, a 5 axis CNC aluminum cylinder head, high flow fuel injectors and high performance forged camshafts. All of these components have been orchestrated to mesh masterfully together, coupled to our best-in-class patented Saleen twin screw supercharger. When married to a short throw 6 speed manual transmission and a Max-grip rear differential, the “Extreme” screams to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and clicks through the quarter mile in just under 12 seconds.
“This place represents a kind of automotive “mecca” for me. We are making limited volume performance vehicles for people who really love cars, by people who really love cars. I cannot think of a better place to put my 35 years of OEM engineering history to work,” says Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer
Chris Theodore. Theodore is best known as being the father of the Ford GT while Vice President of Advance Product Development at Ford Motor Company. “Now I am helping build great Saleen cars in the same factory that I architected for the legendary Ford GT.’
“This is the best motor that we have ever done’, says Powertrain Engineering Lead Rob Simons. “We have really benefited from having Chris (Theodore) around. He brings perspective and experience to the company unlike anything that we have known prior.”
To get that kind of performance, the team had to get S302E’s power to the ground. This is accomplished with standard 20 inch, 5 spoke forged aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero ‘Russo’ tires. Since power is nothing without control, the “Extreme” also features a Saleen Racecraft suspension and an all new, second generation Watts Link system that is sure to help the driver maintain control through the corners. The chassis system is rounded out by upgraded 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control. This performance brake system features 15” vented, slotted rotors with 6 piston calipers in the front and 11.8” rear vented discs with single piston calipers in the rear.
“This was an interesting challenge for me. Everything I learned from the past on the S7 race team was put into play for this year’s production models. The result is one that I am sure that the market is going to love,” says Chassis and Dynamics Team Lead, Derk Hartland.
THE STRATEGY
Most people associate exotic performance only with European made vehicles. We are committed to make Saleen synonymous with the best breeds in the world, and to do so from a perspective that is fundamentally American.
Saleen has accomplished that in racing with the S7, and we like to think that the S7 has helped establish our pedigree. We are now taking that experience and making it slightly more attainable in a way that is sure to surprise our customers. That is the goal of the “Extreme” and the foundation of a plan that we call the Reawakening of Saleen.
The Reawakening of Saleen is a focus on the fundamentals of the enthusiast customer, led by a solid commitment to great products. The strategy of the reawakening is a simple one…under promise and over deliver. That is what you will find in the “Extreme”, and that is what you should expect from Saleen moving forward.
PRODUCTION AND PRICING
The new S302 E is slated to begin production in early December with advanced orders being accepted as early as November 16th.
“Unlike past Extreme models, the customer for the 2008 Extreme can expect to have their car built within days of placing an order,” says Marques McCammon, General Manager of Saleen Automotive. However, the 2008 Extreme production will be very limited to only a select number of enthusiasts and will retail for $79,995. “We are confident that our buyers will be very hard pressed to find another vehicle with this performance, this level of balance, and a factory warranty for this price, says McCammon.
Power in the hands of a few! That pretty much says it all. We will make great, powerful automobiles that will be available to a select few individuals. We are not trying to make volume vehicles for the masses and we recognize the difference.
“Make no mistake, we manufacture dreams. That is what Saleen has always done and that is what we will continue to do,” says Paul Wilbur, Saleen President and CEO.
Irvine, CA (November 14, 2007) –Saleen Automotive took the wraps off of its 2008 MY product during an exclusive press event held on the runway of the retired the El Toro Marine base. The new product launch is designed to show the world why Saleen is and will continue to be America’s premiere niche vehicle manufacturer.
Among the new 2008 MY products is a model line that has been coded H and features two new vehicles, the H302 producing 390HP and the H302SC with 580HP. The Heritage line vehicles represent a new interpretation of the Saleen aesthetic. Both models include Saleen built engines and honor the traditional Mustang heritage.
“The ‘H’ designator signifies Heritage,” say’s Marques McCammon, General Manager of Saleen Automotive. “These models honor some the great heritage of the Mustang in a way that is uniquely Saleen.”
The H line draws its inspiration from the late sixties Boss 302 Mustang and is a real compliment to the Ford family Heritage,” says Saleen Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Chris Theodore.
THE HARDWARE
Both vehicles feature an all new, Saleen built, 302 cubic inch engine that represents a marriage of race technology and production performance engineering.
Saleen started with 5 axis CNC ported cylinder heads then added a new forged crankshaft, forged connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, performance crankshafts and high flow fuel injectors. The result is a 390Hp engine that provides the heart of the new H302.
“The 302 engine is the best engine that we have ever done,” states Rob Simons, Saleen Powertrain Lead.
If the H302 has not harnessed enough horses for your taste, the engineering team at Saleen has added their patented twin screw intercooled supercharger to
serve as the core for the H302SC giving it a pavement pounding 580Hp and 525 lb-ft of torque.
This engine, when married to a smooth shifting short throw and six speed manual transmission, gives the H302SC a performance profile comparable to any contemporary exotic, but in a way that is truly American.
As with every Saleen, the new H line vehicles are more than just powertrains. Both vehicles feature custom Saleen Racecraft suspensions tune specifically to the vehicles weight and horsepower profiles giving them responsiveness and stability.
“Many companies simply throw horsepower at a vehicle without adequate consideration to making the power usable. We look to find balance, and that is the difference between Saleen as a manufacturer and the typical aftermarket tuner,” says Theodore.
Stopping power for the H302SC is delivered by standard 14” front vented slotted rotors grabber by 6 piston calipers. Control is augmented by the 4 wheel ABS and brake assisted traction control. Lateral stability is enhanced by a Gen 2 Watts Link system that is option on the H302 and standard on the H302SC. Grip is provided by Pirelli wrapped 19” Forged aluminum Alloy wheels that are available in bright painted silver or chrome. On the H302SC customers can opt up for a 19” 7 spoke painted forged wheel.
“The market has not driven a Saleen like our new Heritage line. They have great throttle response, they shift smoothly and they carve through the corners,” says Chassis and Dynamics Engineering Lead, Derk Hartland.
STYLING AND DESIGN
As with all Saleen vehicles, the H line leaves nothing to be desired from a styling perspective. The H302 features eye popping aesthetics like the new front and rear fascias, rockers and heritage spoiler. The exterior package is rounded out by the matt black body graphics and the shaker hood which is featured on the H302. On the supercharged model a power bulge aluminum hood with functional cooling vents brings function to form. On the inside, the unique seat trim features stone gray Alcantara accents and a laser etched shift knob.
PRODUCTION AND PRICING
The H302 began production in October and the H302SC is slated to begin production in early December. The naturally aspirated car’s production will be limited to 500 units and the supercharged car will be more exclusive at only 200 units. Both the H302 and the H302SC feature a manufacturer’s bumper to bumper warranty: 3 years and 36000 miles on the H302, 12 months and 12,000 miles on the H302SC.
“We tried to make sure that we kept the vehicles attainable while maintaining their exclusivity,” says McCammon. The base price of the H302 is set at $56,999 with the H302SC slightly higher at $74,999.
“Customers will be delighted with the Heritage line and all the new Saleen products. They will be delighted because we are committing ourselves to surpassing their expectations. It is a new day at Saleen Automotive. It’s something that we call the Reawakening and the principle is simple. Give more than you promised,” comments, Saleen Inc President and CEO, Paul Wilbur.
Amoco Ultimate ‘Golden Mechanic’ Wins Spokesperson Contract, $25,000 and a Year’s Worth of Amoco Ultimate Fuel at BP
LAS VEGAS, Nev., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ — Greg Damon hit the jackpot in Las Vegas today when he competed against top mechanics from across the country to take top prize in the BP search for the 2007 Amoco Ultimate “Golden Mechanic.” Damon, from St. Charles, Mo., who leaves his tools behind at Sant Automotive in Crestwood, Mo., won based on his superior auto repair skills, community involvement, environmental consciousness and of course, winning personality. Damon took home the grand prize of $25,000, a year’s worth of Amoco Ultimate fuel at BP, and will serve as an Amoco Ultimate national spokesperson in 2007.
The national competition took place on November 2 at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas and was hosted by Car and Driver radio host, Alan Taylor. Finalists were rated by an expert panel of judges including The Car Coach(R), Lauren Fix; Denny Kahler, past Chairman of the Board for Automotive Service Association (ASA); Road & Track editor Andrew Bornhop and Steve Saleen, founder and president of Saleen Inc.
“I am honored and thrilled to have been selected as the 2007 Amoco Ultimate Golden Mechanic and I am looking forward to serving as the spokesperson throughout the next year,” said Greg Damon. “It will be a great opportunity to work with mechanics all over the country and to help educate drivers about the benefits of Amoco Ultimate at BP.”
The final competition featured multiple challenges testing each of the three finalists in various areas. Each competitor had the opportunity to showcase their auto repair knowledge and auto diagnostic skills in a series of fast-paced physical challenges. The finalists then flexed their brain power by answering tough questions from a panel of industry experts. The finalist who tallied the most points took top honors, collecting the grand prize and received the coveted Golden Mechanic giant wrench award.
“We are thrilled that Greg won our second annual Amoco Ultimate ‘Golden Mechanic’ contest,” said Christine Jagher from BP. “Greg will continue the important work performed by our 2006 winner, Ryan Kooiman. Over the past two years, we have seen hundreds of examples of the outstanding level of talent represented in the automotive service field today. BP is honored to continue to salute the mechanics who keep our cars running smoothly and safely.”
BP began its search for the Amoco Ultimate Golden Mechanic earlier this year to find a mechanic who has premium auto repair abilities, is trustworthy, active in the community and environmentally conscious. The contest drew hundreds of qualified applications from all over the country from which twenty-five semifinalists were selected.
Of the semi-finalists, three finalists were chosen to compete in the final competition in Las Vegas. The two runners-up in the contest included, John Vallely of Elgin, Ill., and Scott Davidson of Dayton, Ohio.
For more information on BP’s Amoco Ultimate “Golden Mechanic” contest, please visit: http://www.bpgoldenmechanic.com .
About BP
BP markets more than 15 billion gallons of gasoline every year to U.S. consumers through 13,000 retail outlets and supplies more than four billion gallons of fuel annually to fleets, industrial users, auto and truck manufacturers, railroads and utilities. BP is the single, global brand formed by the combination of the former British Petroleum, Amoco Corporation, Atlantic Richfield (ARCO) and Burmah Castrol. BP is a global producer, manufacturer and marketer of oil, gas, chemicals and renewable energy sources.
Media Contacts:
— Dana Fennewald — 312-729-4348 (O); 815-222-4074 (C)
— Ingrid Wolf — 312-729-4301 (O); 773-494-2321 (C)
Saleen’s New Supercharged S331 Packs a 450 Horsepower Punch,
Seats Up to Five Adults and Can Tow a House
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ — In its first year of production, the 2007 Saleen S331 Sport Truck revived the diminishing performance truck segment with the first fully-functional, high-powered sport truck to the market in several years. Many performance trucks quickly followed, but none came close to offering the same combination of functionality, performance and aggressive styling.
2008 S331 Supercharged Supercrew
The 2008 edition continues to lead the performance truck segment with the same aggressive 450 horsepower, supercharged V-8 engine, Saleen RaceCraft suspension and the addition of a new SuperCrew four-door cab option. The S331 also maintains the ability to tow up to 9,500 lbs. Designed and engineered by the same technicians that hand-built the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo super car, the S331 continues as a functional truck with the optimum performance and styling of a world-class sports car.
The S331’s package is complete with 23-inch Saleen wheels on ultra-high performance tires and power assisted four-wheel ABS brakes. Like all true performance vehicles, the S331’s cockpit has a commanding driving position from two-toned, double-stitched leather sport seats.
Starting at $54,200, the S331 Sport Truck will outperform any truck on the road, tow lots of heavy toys and comfortably carry up to five adults. And since it’s a Saleen, the vehicle will maintain a high resale value.
Saleen, a niche vehicle manufacturer, engineers vehicles under the same requirements as the big three automotive manufacturers (Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Chrysler LLC). This is an extensive process, but it guarantees buyers each body panel is made of the same high-quality, injection-molded plastics as the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) require. Each performance modification is engineered and calibrated by Saleen to provide efficient power and exceptional handling, without over exerting the engine or drivetrain. The end result is an exclusive vehicle offering of high-performance cars and trucks unlike anything else on the road.
As of 2007, Saleen equipped more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide, including 12,000 complete and EPA-certified vehicles, more than any other specialty automobile manufacturer. Saleen also helps major automotive manufacturers engineer and produce their performance vehicles including the Ford GT and Harley-Davidson Edition F-150 for Ford Motor Company and Dodge Viper for Chrysler LLC.
To find one of 200 Saleen-certified Ford dealers in your area, please visit http://www.saleen.com.
