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.
Press Release

AIRWOLF 3D HIGH-PERFORMANCE PRINTER MAKES SALEEN MUSCLE CARS EVEN FASTER

Costa Mesa, Calif. (PRWEB) March 31, 2014

Saleen Automotive, a specialty manufacturer of high-performance vehicles, is producing plastic prototypes of parts for its cars made from an Airwolf 3D printer.

“It used to take six weeks to build prototype parts for our cars,” Sven Etzelsberger, vice president of engineering for Saleen, explained. “It was a complicated process that included CAD designs, sending designs to a tool maker, having the prototype injection molded and returned to us. And if the prototype wasn’t perfect, we repeated the process until we were satisfied. With our Airwolf AW3D XL 3D printer, we accomplish the same thing in three days. Not only do we get parts into production faster, we can also modify and refine our designs faster.”

For Saleen, the Airwolf 3D printer has been ideal for making large-scale prototypes. The larger platform model comes fully assembled, calibrated and tested. It is also easier to use, maintain, and set up than standard RepRaps.

“We built our AW3D XL to print faster and more accurately than any printer in its price range,” stated Erick Wolf, Airwolf 3D president. “It allows a company like Saleen to print parts that are strong enough to place inside their muscle cars.”

The AW3D XL is one of Airwolf 3D’s high-performance 3D printer line that also includes the company’s flagship product: the AW3D HD. That model features a class-leading build envelope of 1,150 cubic inches (12” x 8” x 7”), making it ideal for large prototyping. The printer offers layer-to-layer resolution as fine as 0.06mm and a maximum print speed of 150mm/s with a positioning precision of 0.02mm. Because the 3D printer is fully autonomous, no link-up to a computer is required.

MSRP for the AW3D XL is $2,399. The AW3D HD is $2,995 and, the AW3D V5 is $1,695. Two 3D printer kits that come unassembled and presoldered include the AW3D XL ($1,895 MSRP) and AW3D ($1,295 MSRP).

About Saleen Automotive Inc.
Saleen is an American specialty manufacturer of high-performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. Founder Steve Saleen has continually set the bar for automotive design and performance engineering in both street and racing applications. The Saleen staff consists of a wide range of designers, R & D engineers and production team members that work together to push the envelope of development, manufacturing, and certification of high-performance specialty vehicles. Learn more at http://www.saleen.com.

About Airwolf 3D
Airwolf 3D is committed to manufacturing high-performance 3D printers that are fast, affordable, durable and easy to use. Made in America, they are manufactured in the company’s 5,000 sq. ft. facility in Costa Mesa, Calif. Currently, Airwolf 3D printers can be found in engineering firms, government agencies and schools worldwide. For more information visit http://www.Airwolf3D.com, telephone (949) 478-2933, email info(at)Airwolf3D(dot)com, or visit the company’s showroom at 130 McCormick, Suite 112, Costa Mesa, CA 92636 for a free demonstration.

[Source: Saleen Automotive]

Lifestyle

REBIRTH OF S7 TWIN TURBO 05-061

PHOTOS & TEXT: JEFFREY CHENG

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo 05-061 - Damaged Nov. 2009
Saleen S7 Twin Turbo 05-061 – Damaged Nov. 2009

Arguably one of the most well known S7 TTs and not for something positive (unfortunately). As most S7 enthusiasts are aware this is the infamous “tow truck mishap” car that was repaired, repainted and listed for sale about a year ago. Although it’s been a long road from then to now I’ll try to focus on the highlights.

When I first found 061 she was for sale at Bentley Gold Coast. Despite her storied past I was interested in her for two reasons. I had owned a perfect 900 mile TT a few years back and had regretted letting her go the day she left. So I was intent on replacing her plus 061’s past would afford me an interesting opportunity I would not have otherwise had with a “perfect” car. That opportunity was to restore 061 back to her former glory AND in the process paint her the color of my choice. In this case Ferrari Bianco Fuji Pearl White!

The question for me at the time was whether or not she was mechanically sound. For this I turned to the head tech of the S7 production line who I had been introduced to when I owned my previous S7. He agreed to visit 061 for me and inspect her thoroughly. After two visits, a test drive (at speed) and a thorough inspection of the chassis it was determined that 061 was actually in decent mechanical condition. Nothing that couldn’t be rectified, replaced or repaired easily.

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo 05-061 @ Bentley Gold Coast
Saleen S7 Twin Turbo 05-061 @ Bentley Gold Coast

Then came the inspection of the exterior and subsequent repairs to the body. One word. Horrific! Literally beyond comprehension. He described the body work (and repairs) as having been completed by a butcher in a barn. Drip marks, bondo, dirt in the paint, cracks showing through, missing carbon fiber wheel well covers, etc. Essentially a physical wreck! He said that if anyone had actually been interested in the car and had come to inspect it they would have walked away in 10 seconds. Photos never showed any of these imperfections but he said it literally looked like someone had used a rattle can on the car! Again, I wasn’t too concerned about her physical condition since I was planning to repair and repaint her. So I made my deal with Bentley Gold Coast and 061 became the newest addition to the family!

Fast forward 10 days and 061 finally arrived in Southern California. Nothing could have prepared me for the car that backed out of the trailer that day. Nothing. She wasn’t even a 10 footer. I was standing 20 feet away and I could see the waves and discoloration in the paint from the sidewalk. Physically speaking 061 was a wreck. Bad beyond words. So bad that I couldn’t even drive her. Straight into my warehouse and then straight to my body shop the next day. By the way 061’s interior was actually in remarkably good condition with the exception of the yellow painted panels (which are normally silver and which I reverted back to silver). The leather was actually very clean.

My body shop was equally blown away by what they saw when I dropped her off. They could not believe it. We spent hours discussing the rebuild which would entail stripping the car down to its bare chassis and drivetrain and rebuilding her from there. Every panel would be stripped down to raw carbon, repaired as needed with carbon (versus the bondo that was used) and repainted. Estimated time for completion – about four months and a hefty repair bill! But I knew this going in so I was prepared!

As you’d expect from a project of this scope nothing goes quite as planned. What my body shop discovered quickly was that the S7 had not been built very well originally. Once stripped down it became evident that the carbon panels (having nothing to do with the incident) had very poor tolerances and finish quality. The body shop asked me how much I wanted to repair over and above what was related to the incident. In other words – to correct what Saleen had originally failed to make perfect from the outset. Obviously I had no intention of turning this car into a concourse winning car. I simply wanted it to be “nice” and presentable but I also know myself. I couldn’t accept “that’s good enough” if I knew I could make it better!

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo 05-061
Saleen S7 Twin Turbo 05-061

Almost eight months later 061 finally left the body shop. Literally double the time and double the original repair budget! I will never admit to how much money I spent on 061 as it’s irrelevant to me. I plan to keep her indefinitely. To say that she is perfect is an understatement. I was not happy about what it cost me to make her perfect but when I laid eyes on her that day the expense was worth every penny. Words cannot describe what a S7 TT in pearl white looks like in person. Every part has been repaired to perfection, every seam is in perfect alignment, every panel perfectly painted and the paint looks like glass!

She may have a storied past but that doesn’t matter to me. Had she not had a storied past I would never have repainted her for fear of destroying her value. But her past provided me with this opportunity which I would have otherwise never had. 061 has been reborn and in many ways is better than the day she left the factory!

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Event Announcement

VISIT SALEEN DURING THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

Video: AutoMotoTube
Photography: MOTORINGEXPOSURE.COM

Be sure to stop by and say “Hi” to Molly, Natasha and the rest of the gang!

You’ll see the 30th Anniversary Camaro and Challenger, as well as a Saleen Mustang!

www.chicagoautoshow.com

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Press Release

SALEEN CELEBRATES THEIR 30th ANNIVERSARY WITH KATZKIN

From Newspress USA

MONTEBELLO, Calif., February 7, 2014 – Global automotive leather leader Katzkin expands its performance vehicle acumen with leading edge interior design patterns created for Saleen’s 30th anniversary vehicles, on display at the Chicago Auto Show, February 8-17, in McCormick Place. Katzkin and legendary high performance manufacturing trailblazer Saleen are both celebrating 30 years in the business and their partnership reflects a strong desire to remain authentic and true to the modern day enthusiast market.

By blending the ultimate in American muscle with the global leader in automotive interior transformation, automotive enthusiasts not only have a chance to admire a great product, but can sit inside and feel the type of affordable luxury that can be created within their own performance vehicle. Both the Saleen SA-30 (30th Anniversary) 620 Camaro and 570 Challenger, complete with Katzkin designed “snowball black and white” interiors, will be on display at Saleen’s booth depicting a bold statement in performance and personalization.

Chicago is the second in a series of road shows in which Katzkin and Saleen will be partnered, and presents an opportunity for the leather leader to bring its own high quality design, materials and execution to one of the most well-known high performance niche coach builders in the country. Together, both brands deliver on the promise of unique personalization.

According to Brooks Mayberry, CEO for Katzkin, the ability to show Katzkin interior designs on Saleen concept vehicles adds to what has already become an exciting design story for Katzkin. “Our primary differentiation from any competitor is our ability to provide personalization that expresses individuality for both the consumer and the vehicle,” said Mayberry. “By teaming with Saleen within the auto show circuit, we’re opening channels to an enthusiast audience that may not have realized just how cost-efficient and easy it is to obtain a customized interior that meets their own personal taste.”

With the addition of Dave O’Connell, chief designer for Katzkin (who came on board in 2010), Katzkin has engaged design as both a core value and a supporting pillar to the company’s world-class marketing strengths. The collaboration with Saleen first began through a personal relationship O’Connell and Steve Saleen shared through their involvement at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., where O’Connell is an alumnus and has been an instructor since 2001. While working on a recent project together at the school, a level of trust and professionalism became a catalyst to create the concept designs.

“Innovative design stems from passion — a value both Katzkin and Saleen can share,” said O’Connell. “And our own company culture has embraced design as a way of doing business,” he continued. “The first step is not only to understand the vehicle, but more so, the buyer. That way we can merge super-high quality, state-of-the-art manufacturing and a customization process to collectively provide customers affordable luxury opportunities that are not only exciting, but express the personality of both the vehicle and its owner.” Consumers can discover these interiors for their own vehicles at www.katzkin.com .

The Katzkin interiors on each of Saleen’s 30th anniversary models were designed to match the 30 anniversary theme of each vehicle. Only 10 each of the 302, 570 and 620 models will be produced, and the 302 has already sold-out, with very few remaining of the 570 and 620 limited production models. Consumers can view the 620 Camaro and 570 Challenger, along with several other specialty Saleen vehicles during the Chicago Show.

http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/vehicles-on-display/saleen

Lifestyle

THE RESTORATION OF 86-0025, AKA “SASSY”

PHOTOS & TEXT EXCERPTS: TOM KAMMAN

With 30-years’ worth of Saleen automobiles running streets and racetracks the world over, each vehicle has a story to tell. A history to explorer or a past that gains attention. Our feature model, 86-0025, is such a vehicle.

86-0025
“Sassy Green” – 86-0025

Ordered by Big Valley Ford in Stockton, California and delivered in mid-February, serial number 86-0025 is an early 1986 carryover model featuring both 15″x7″ HRE wheels and exterior body kit from 1985 series production stock. The interior is standard early ’86 Saleen, meaning GT sport seating, LX dash trim with an original equipment Ford manual shift assembly and knob rowing gear changes. While a standard Saleen supplied Kenwood stereo supplied hi-fi tunes to passengers.

86-0025 has a build cycle that places it within one of the first thirty Saleen Mustangs produced for the 1986 model year. It is one forty to feature a 1985 body kit, one of twelve with 15” wheels, and one of three painted 2R (Bright Red) with both of these carryover features.

86-0025
Green, green and more green.

Purchased for $3,800.00 in June 2011, 86-0025 was an honest two-owner, accident and rust free California car. This car spent 10-years with the original purchaser and changed hands in 1996. The infamous electric “Sassy Grass” green color was applied during the late ’90s under supervision of owner number two. This exterior refresh was only briefly enjoyed as Sassy was pulled from street duty and went into storage for twelve years.

Third owner Tom Kamman accepted the challenge to return Sassy to the once proud Bright Red Saleen ordered by Big Valley Ford. A lengthy two year project with an excellent end result.

Well, it took another two months for my slow-in-the-heat work pace to get her put back together but here she is, new base-clear Jalapeno Red, new stripes, every piece of weatherstrip new:

86-0025 aka Sassy
86-0025 aka Sassy
86-0025 aka Sassy
86-0025 aka Sassy

I tried to keep the interior as original as possible, I don’t like the reproduction seat covers, so took the best inserts of four seats to make two good ones, with new outer grey. Backseat is just cleaned up original, new carpet, NOS dashpad, new Momo w/red stitching:

86-0025 aka Sassy
86-0025 aka Sassy
86-0025 aka Sassy
86-0025 aka Sassy
86-0025 aka Sassy
86-0025 aka Sassy

Underhood was a big battle, it was all green, including the under side of the hood and the hinges, had to sand and repaint everything, sourced a junkyard set of red hinges and stock intake manifold. I have both the original super rare Hayashi Racing 15″ wheels with a set of original Gatorback tires, and I have these 16″ Australian mesh wheels with new Falkens:

86-0025 aka Sassy
86-0025 aka Sassy
86-0025 aka Sassy
86-0025 aka Sassy

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Enthusiast News

STEVE SALEEN TO BRING HIS 351 TO MUSTANGS NORTHWEST, BELLEVUE, WA

Held at Bellevue Community College, Bellevue, Washington.

There are several days of exciting events in which you may wish to participate!

Steve Saleen to speak at Saturday night’s banquet.

Huge Saleen gathering on Sunday for the All Ford and Mustang Picnic.

Meet Steve & Molly Saleen — autograph sessions and Saleen vehicle signings for participating Saleens parked in the Saleen lot.

Four Saleen classes with trophies sponsored by Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club!

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Enthusiast News

SALEEN RAMPS UP PRODUCTION OF THE 351 MUSTANG AS MERGER COMPLETION IS ANNOUNCED

Corona, CA – June 28, 2013

Saleen Automotive Inc. (OTCBB: WSTY) has created quite a roar with its flagship Mustang offering, the Saleen 351, which is now underway for production.

“The amount of detail that we had to put in this vehicle is astounding”, said Steve Saleen. “I feel our team has struck the perfect balance of design, technology — and, of course, power.”

Saleen has been taking pre-orders for the 351 since its debut, and shortly after the unveiling of the prototype at the Knott’s Ford Show in Southern California is moving forward into production.

In true Saleen style, the 351 completes the trifecta of Speed, Science, and Style. Pounding out 700 hp and 655 ft-lb of torque on a supercharged 351 cubic inch V8, the Saleen 351 is rounded out by its distinct Saleen aerodynamics and Red Butterfly Center Ram Air Induction system.

Available in both Hardtop and Convertible, orders for this and other Saleen vehicles can be placed at Saleen dealers nationwide, or by contacting Saleen directly for a personalized ordering process which concludes at the nearest Saleen Authorized Dealership. For more information visit www.saleen.com

Yesterday, Saleen Automotive Inc. (OTCBB: WSTY), announced that it completed a reverse merger with W270 Inc. to become a publicly traded entity on the OTC Bulletin Board under the ticker symbol “WSTY”. More information about this announcement and other Saleen investor news can be found here. The merger is a good thing — it allows us to grow, while still maintaining control of the company,” Steve Saleen told the Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club.

More information about the company officers can be found here.

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