All posts by Jim Dvorak
STEVE SALEEN AND SOEC PRESENT THE SALEEN SHOW: SEPT. 14, 2013
Saleen and SOEC present the World’s Largest Saleen Show!
Celebrating the community, culture and company of automotive enthusiasts
Join Steve Saleen, the Saleen family and the team at “Saleen Headquarters” as we welcome the Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club and all Saleen owners and enthusiasts at Saleen’s annual open house and American Muscle car show. This is the world’s largest gathering of Saleens and fine examples of American Muscle in the world!
Registration for vehicles: $30.00 (we invite ALL Saleen owners to participate, whether it’s a “show car” or not!)
Registration for spectators: FREE! (but please register so we know you’re coming)
Friday evening: SOEC Members, Non-Members and Guests Dinner (casual meet with locals and out-of-towners; pay-your-own way). Meet at Saleen at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: Car Show and Open House
- More than 30 Saleen and SMS classes!
- Expanded classes for 2005-09 S-series 3-Valve, Supercharged and Extreme!
- Also classes for other Mustangs and Fords, plus Chevrolet, Camaro, Dodge and Challenger, and more!
- Special Display Only category for those who don’t want their Saleen judged — bring your daily driver or fixer-upper!
- Special SOEC awards for Saleen entries: Longest Distance Driven, Longest Distance Traveled, Best Non-Judged (nomination required)
- Saleen worldwide headquarters factory tours
- Entertainment for the kids!
- Poster signing and autograph session with Steve!
- Steve Saleen will autograph Saleen or SMS vehicles after the show — please be by your vehicle to have it signed.
Saturday Evening: SOEC Dinner (members and their guests) — watch your email for info to come.
Sunday: SOEC Breakfast (members and their guests), and out-of-towners who want to attend, Meet at Ayres Suites main lobby at 9:30 a.m. where we’ll depart to Godfather’s for a hearty pay-your-own breakfast.
MOTHERS® DEBUTS NEW & INNOVATIVE CAR CARE PRODUCTS
Mothers® Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners has grown from its humble beginnings, since introducing Mag & Aluminum Polish that started our family business generations ago. Each year, brilliant ideas and cutting-edge technologies bring us exciting ways to help you care for your ride. For 2013, Mothers® is pleased to announce four new and innovative products to enhance your vehicle’s appearance, both inside and out.
Mothers® LeatherTech™ Foaming Wash is an industry first, providing a rich lather that penetrates and deep cleans stubborn stains from leather and vinyl. Its special micro-emulsion formula with encapsulating agents safely dissolves and lifts away dirt. LeatherTech™ Moisture Infusion Gel Cream conditions, while its advanced multi-layer hydration and anti-aging properties nourish and protect in one simple step.
Proven by body shops worldwide, Mothers® Professional Paint Restoration System streamlines paint correction, providing consumers with a simple yet effective way to get a showroom finish in their own garage. Water spots, oxidation, car wash scratches, swirls, and other defects are a thing of the past with this two-step do-it-yourself system.
Mothers® Back-to-Black® Tire Renew features encapsulating cleaning agents which dissolve and lift stubborn brown stains, dirt, grease, brake dust and old dressing from any color or brand of tire, even whitewalls. Its innovative spray on and wipe off formula requires no rinsing, and leaves a long-lasting, naturally clean surface.
All of these new products will be available in time for the Spring 2013 car care season, joining the rest of the growing Mothers® family already available at fine automotive retailers and e-tailers.
Download our current Mothers® Product Catalog online.
Mothers® Background
Mothers® is known worldwide for its premium-grade polishes, waxes and cleaners, and offers a broad array of finish care products under its Back-to-Black®, California Gold®, FX, LeatherTech™, Marine, PowerBall®, Professional and Reflections® lines. Go to www.mothers.com for information on all of these products, along with a host of how to videos and car care tips in the online Mothers® Detail Guide at www.detailguide.com and the Wax Forum at www.waxforum.com. Follow us on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/mothersusa.
Click here to participate in the discussion.
[Source: Mothers® Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners]
STEVE SALEEN AND SOEC AT CARLISLE FORD NATIONALS: JUNE 7-9, 2013
Register in one of the following Ford Classification sections:
- 378: Mustang – 1984 – 1998 Saleen
- 379: Mustang – 1999 – 2004 Saleen
- 380: Mustang – 2005 – 2009 Saleen
And to guarantee your free SOEC Goody Bag on Saturday, we ask that you list “SALEEN OWNERS AND ENTHUSIASTS CLUB” under the Club section on your entry form or in the pull-down menu.
FABULOUS FORDS FOREVER AT KNOTT’S WEEKEND 2013
- Meet Steve Saleen!
- Bring your Saleen — no matter its condition — to the largest non-judged show of its kind in the world!
Pre-Register by March 30 — you can do so online or download a form at:
http://www.fabulousfordsforever.org
FRIDAY, APRIL 19:
Editors of 5.0 Mustang and Super Ford are hosting an open house at their El Segundo facility (near LAX) — it will probably be an afternoon event. All Saleen owners welcome. More information to come.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20:
Club Members: Join us for a members-only dinner event — RSVP Required for each person in your party — Details to be sent to members in late February, or send an email to jimd@soec.org or call 714-369-8621 for more info. Casual attire, pay-your-own meal and expect to pay $12-20-plus for your meal per person. Space is limited, and spouses (or significant others) and family are welcome.
SUNDAY, APRIL 21:
We’ll do an early morning cruise to Knott’s (see lower map below) with Steve and Molly on Sunday – Meet at Saleen at 7:45 a.m.; planned departure by 8:00 a.m. Everyone’s invited. You must be pre-registered for the show by March 30 and have your confirmation card hanging from your rear view mirror as you enter the Knott’s gate.
Steve Saleen will hold autograph sessions with free posters during the show at Knott’s for one hour each at about 10:30 a.m. and again at about 1:30 p.m.
At the close of the show, Steve will do a car signing for Saleens — just be by your car at 3:00.
If you want to pre-purchase a Saleen Book and have it ready for pickup at Knott’s to have Steve sign it, please PM us for details. Quantities limited and the price is only $60.
We will need some volunteers to help parking from 5:30 – 10:00 a.m. and you get a free VIP lunch with journalists and celebrities plus preferential parking, but we need a commitment by Februar 25. You must also have your car registered for the show.
We might need additional helpers starting at 7:00 a.m., so if you arrive early, please let Jim D. know you can help and we’ll give you a vest or a task to help with .
USA TODAY: STEVE SALEEN TALKS PERFORMANCE
L.A. AUTO SHOW: SALEEN TALKS PERFORMANCE, ECONOMY
By: USA TODAY on November 29, 2012
Original Article: USATODAY.COM
https://www.usatoday.com/videos/money/cars/2012/11/29/1736553/
Performance auto maker Steve Saleen talks to Chris Woodyard at the Los Angeles Auto Show about changes in the market for his products and how they have also stayed the same. Video produced by Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
[Source: USA Today]
VIDEO: SALEEN PRODUCES SUPERCARS IN CORONA
[Source: The Press-Enterprise]
AUTOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE INDUSTRIES REVS UP MICHIGAN’S SPECIALTY-VEHICLE BUSINESS
TROY, Mich., July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Automotive Performance Industries LLC (API) and its partner companies announced today that they expect to bring 300 new jobs to southeastern Michigan by the end of 2014 as they expand a specialty-vehicle business. Automotive Performance Industries is an umbrella company that consolidates auto suppliers working in the high performance, showcar, fleet specialties, engineering services, and vocational vehicles market.
“Automotive Performance Industries has set the stage for our partner companies to expand and hire more people and to gain new contracts,” said Karl Storrie, API president and the former president and CEO of Dura Automotive Systems. “As a result of the recent downturn, a lot of these companies went out of business. We are consolidating companies to gain synergies and to provide them with the facilities to bid on contracts they could not bid on before because they lacked the factory space.”
In mid-June, API moved into a facility with deep automotive roots formerly known as the “Saleen building.” The site was once used to build the Ford GT and Saleen Mustang and to paint Chrysler’s Viper sports car. The 183,000-square-foot facility, which is located at 1225 E. Maple Road, features a $7-million specialized paint system known as “High-Bake.” The High-Bake system operates at temperatures up to 325-degrees Fahrenheit and provides an OEM with a high-quality paint surface far beyond the capabilities of most factory paint shops.
“Our partner companies do mechanical work, make parts and assemble complete vehicles,” Storrie added. “In addition, they modify complete vehicles in this highly modern facility.”
API has ambitious plans to make southeastern Michigan a hub for the specialty-vehicle business.
“The long-term goal is to build this business to more than triple its current size,” Storrie said. “We would also like to expand the product lines into other areas such as defense and medical. We do very well in the fabrication of parts and painting.”
Two anchor companies, Alternative Automotive Technologies and Classic Design Concepts, are now operating in the new API facility.
“Individual partner companies will operate under the API banner, but will maintain their company and product identities,” Storrie said.
Alternative Automotive Technologies, a contract manufacturer, is at work modifying the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro into a 700-horsepower $100,000 specialty vehicle. It also builds engineering vehicles for a wide range of customers. Alternative Automotive Technologies is owned by Bryan Chambers, who formerly worked at Saleen Performance and supplier MSX.
The second anchor tenant, Classic Design Concepts (CDC), is a premier manufacturer of automotive parts for American performance cars. CDC has been an innovator in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of quality restyling components for enthusiasts and OEMs for over 22 years. CDC is the supplier for well-known projects such as Mach1, Lincoln LS-E, and Shelby GT350, to name a few. George Huisman is the founder and CEO of Classic Design Concepts.
SOURCE Automotive Performance Industries LLC
STEVE SALEEN IS REUNITED WITH THE SALEEN BRAND
Steve Saleen is Back in The Driver Seat of His Legacy and Heritage
Launching Several New Saleen Models
Corona, CA– (April 2, 2012) Famed racecar driver and automotive icon, Steve Saleen, announced today that the Saleen brand has been returned to its rightful place, himself. After several years of litigation, Steve Saleen has successfully regained control of the Saleen brand name and products that he created and built since 1984.
“In 2007, it was a difficult decision to resign from Saleen, Inc.”, said Steve Saleen. “But I knew it had to be done in order to preserve the Saleen brand and to ensure the authenticity and high performance that our customers had come to expect.”
That also marked the year that Steve Saleen unveiled his signature line, SMS Supercars (SMS stands for Steve Mark Saleen). SMS Supercars was the continuation of Steve’s vision for high performance automotive manufacturing. During the few short years that followed its inception, SMS Supercars and Steve Saleen successfully launched three new models, the SMS 570 Challenger, SMS 302 Mustang, and the SMS 620 Camaro. With this, SMS Supercars also launched an entire catalog of aftermarket parts, including the innovative SMS 296 Supercharger system.
Steve Saleen further added, “Although the Saleen brand is a huge part of my identity, I knew it was the vision and passion that would shine through on my signature vehicles. However, it couldn’t have been done without the support of the Saleen community. The foundation and inspiration that they gave me to move forward with my vision was what ultimately moved us to regain the Saleen branding. Most importantly the Saleen community gets their identity back as well.”
The Refacing of Saleen
The return of the Saleen brand will allow Steve Saleen to begin offering all of his current SMS Supercars products under the Saleen flag. With this move, SMS Supercars will be carefully integrated into the Saleen branded family of products.
Steve Saleen will also be launching under the Saleen brand its 4V, SC, SSC, and X Models of the 2013 Mustang, 2012 Challenger, and 2012 Camaro ranging from 425hp to over 750 horsepower. These models will have the latest technology in Aerodynamics, Suspension, Braking, and Performance starting at less than $40,000.
This is expected to provide a full range of products for all Saleen dealers, Speed Shops, Race Teams, and Automotive customers in the American Pony Car segment of the performance market. All aftermarket offerings will include: Saleen Superchargers, SMS Superchargers, Saleen Vehicle Body Component parts, SMS Challenger Body Component parts, SMS Mustang Body Component parts, SMS Camaro Body Component parts, SMS Butterfly hoods, as well as all other interior and engine parts for these vehicles.
With the reuniting of Steve Saleen and the Saleen brand, Mr. Saleen is currently planning to make available all 1984 – Current Saleen vehicle aftermarket, replacement and warranty parts. All parts will be available through the Saleen.com website, by contacting Saleen at 800-888-8945 (formerly SMS Supercars) directly, or through the nearest Saleen authorized dealer.
Moving forward, Mr. Saleen detailed that the Saleen registry will be updated to include all SMS branded vehicles. By including the SMS branded vehicles in the registry they will gain their rightful place in the Saleen family. The Saleen Registry is the official record established to maintain the authenticity and exclusivity of all Saleen signature vehicles.
Additionally, any current owners or dealers of SMS branded vehicles will be provided with replacement badging for their vehicles, if they so desire. They can contact the customer service division of Saleen (formerly SMS Supercars) directly, provide the details on their vehicle, and the replacement Saleen badging will be sent out immediately.
Click here to participate in the discussion.
[Source: Saleen Automotive]
STEVE SALEEN’S #001 SMS-BONDURANT CAMARO UNVEILED: AUCTIONED FOR CHARITY AT B-J SCOTT
Steve Saleen’s #001 SMS-Bondurant Camaro Unveiled:
Auctioned for Charity at B-J Scottsdale Tonight
The first SMS 620 Camaro has been completed at Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars in Corona, California, and it is now getting ready to go across the block at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. It is a special SMS-Bondurant edition, and the mission for this bright yellow Camaro is a noble one. In a joint effort with Saleen’s former racing teammate Bob Bondurant and the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, it will be auctioned to raise money for Cox Charities and Make-a-Wish Foundation of Arizona.
In a phone interview given to SOEC shortly after the completion of SMS 620 Camaro #001, Steve Saleen proudly stated, “at SMS Supercars, we now design and build performance lifestyle vehicles on all three American Musclecar platforms — the Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, and Chevrolet Camaro — not too many others can say that!”
This SMS-Bondurant 620 Camaro features a 6.2 Liter V8 engine with over 620hp and 525ft/lb of torque will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. All proceeds to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Arizona and Cox Charities, and it will be sold at approximately 8pm Thursday January 19, 2012.
Cox Charities has awarded more than $3.4 million in grants to local non-profits focused on youth, education and technology. Funds are raised through Cox employee contributions, customer donations, and community partnerships with organizations like Barrett-Jackson. Every dollar raised goes directly back into the community.
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/
The Mothers Polish wheel cleaner commercial featuring HRE Wheels, SMS Supercars and Pirelli Tire will be airing during the SPEED Channel broadcast of the auction.
Both the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving and SMS Supercars are marketing partners of Mothers. Each Black Label SMS vehicle gets a Mothers Detail Kit. Mothers is the sponsor of SOEC’s Detailing Forum.
