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

STEVE SALEEN ANNOUNCES SIGNATURE SERIES SMS 460 MUSTANGS

Dec 15, 2008 – Orange County, California. Steve Saleen announced today that he and his new company SMS (Steve’s initials) will design, engineer, certify and manufacture an all new family of ultra-high performance Mustangs. Steve’s 25 year legacy with the Mustang will continue into the next quarter century with the launch of his 2010 Signature Series SMS 460 Mustangs.

The introduction of the SMS 460 Mustangs keeps Steve Saleen in the saddle with the model that made him famous as a manufacturer of high performance sports cars. Since leaving his former company, Saleen, Inc., Steve has entered exciting new territory with SMS. The first products to wear the new badge – the SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger, will begin shipping in late January.

“After 25 years of rich Mustang heritage, I am excited to begin work on the 2010 model” explains Steve. “Ford has hit the spot with the excellent new Mustang package and has provided me with an outstanding starting point. “The SMS 460 Mustangs will be truly world class performance vehicles and they will be available though the entire Ford dealer network!”

Hinting at the character of his latest creation, Steve says, “We are carrying over a host of performance features and innovations from my SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary model, which is a stunning performer and an aesthetic beauty!”

The fully-certified and street-legal SMS 460 Mustangs are based on the exciting 2010 Mustang GT platform and will feature an SMS Supercharged 4.6L engine with power ratings from 475 to over 650 horsepower! Both models will feature extensive design refinements and performance innovations, including the patented SMS Red Butterfly Induction™ hood and a full compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components. Look for all-new and upgraded drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

“The 2010 Mustang already has an exciting and sculptural exterior, as well as new, up-scale interior,” notes Phil Frank, SMS Chief Creative Officer. “The SMS 460 Mustangs will evolve our design DNA in a more aggressive and aerodynamic direction.”

Each of these limited edition vehicles will be hand signed by Steve Saleen as part of the SMS Signature Series product line, complete with unique badges and graphics. Annual production volume will be restricted, adding to the exclusivity of ownership. Contracts are issued on a first-come first-served basis and deposits are now being accepted for early production numbers scheduled for build in the second quarter of 2009.

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Automotive News

FOR SALE: SALEEN AUTO

By: RICHARD TRUETT on November 10, 2008
Original Article: AUTOMOTIVE NEWS, VOL. 83 ISSUE 6333

Dateline: DETROIT —

Specialty car builder Saleen Automotive, which built the mighty GT for Ford Motor Co. and created dozens of high-performance classic Mustangs, is for sate. In a statement Friday, Saleen said it has hired an investment bank to explore selling the suburban Detroit company by early next year.

But a sale could be tough. Tight credit markets and the slump in auto sales have hurt specialty companies such as Saleen and ASC Inc. Further complicating matters is that one of Saleen’s biggest sources of revenue, the Dodge Viper sports car, has been put up for sale by its owner, Chrysler LLC. Company founder Steve Saleen quit in May 2007.

Enthusiast News

SALEEN AUTOMOTIVE SEEKING BUYER

IRVINE, CA — November 7, 2008 — SOEC/Saleen Forums News — Automotive News reported today that specialty car builder Saleen Automotive is seeking a buyer. The company has experienced trying times in an industry segment that has seen slow sales due to high gas prices and tougher financing.

“The [HPA] board has set a tentative timetable to receive preliminary indications of interest from prospective parties over the next two months and plans on finalizing a transaction in early 2009,” reports Automotive News.

Saleen Automotive has suffered from internal struggles in recent years. While founder Steve Saleen and other partners continue to own a substantial interest in the company, controlling interest was sold to investment group Hancock Park Associates in 2004 as part of the cash infusion needed to expand facilities for the Ford GT program. There was a surprisingly high turnover of their own CEOs who were brought from within the firm, but from outside the industry. Reportedly heads butted over the years, and eventually Steve Saleen left the company in May of 2007 with several key engineers. The three Saleen children, Clint, Sean and Molly, left just a few months later. Saleen’s wife Liz left the company in 2006.

Saleen Automotive’s CEO Paul Wilbur left in August of 2008, followed shortly by its General Manager Marques McCammon — both from ASC — and both ended up in a green car company in San Diego County. September saw additional departures of upper management as well as throughout the ranks as vehicle production stalled.

The sale of the company may be a tough order in these challenging times, as auto sales in general are slowed as financing is tight. Paint and partial assembly of the Dodge Viper are done at Saleen Automotive, but the uncertain future of that program complicates matters as Chrysler LLC considers selling that Dodge brand.

Saleen Automotive had been operated in California for nearly 25 years, but all production had been moved to Michigan in 2007.

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Press Release

BRANDMOTION PARTNERS WITH SALEEN INC.

Brandmotion iPod integration
Brandmotion iPod integration

Private Label Program for Mustang High Performance iPodTM Integration

Grand Rapids, MI – Brandmotion, innovator of vehicle-specific OEM Integration solutions for Ford and other vehicle brands, has partnered with Saleen to provide a private label program for Mustang high-performance iPod OEM Integration.

“These products are exactly what our customers are asking for,” said Saleen President Marques McCammon. “Today’s consumer expects to be able to integrate their personal electronics and their vehicle. The performance and craftsmanship expectations of our owners are even higher, demanding seamless integration to both the vehicle and to the Saleen lifestyle. Our iPod integration solution had to perform to Saleen standards. Brandmotion is an aftermarket company with OEM roots and they were able to provide that”.

In 2008, Saleen Inc. celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary as a specialty vehicle manufacturer. 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 new Racecraft 420S, H281 SC Gurney Edition, S281 and S302 Supercharged vehicles, and the S302 Extreme.

“Brandmotion is proud to have been selected as a partner developing OEM Integration solutions with Saleen Inc. This project was challenging and fun and we are delighted to be able to provide a high quality connection between two real icons – the iPod, and the Saleen Mustang, said Jeff Varick, President of Brandmotion.

For more information contact Brandmotion at 877-276-6456 or visit us on the web at www.brandmotion.com.

Brandmotion is located at 3400 Innovation Court SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, and provides over 30 different integration solutions for over 20 different OEM vehicles, both as private label solutions and as consumer products available under its own brand through leading distributors nationwide.

iPod is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.

Enthusiast News

TECHCO: A QUICK, CUSTOMIZED AND INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO THE AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET

This came from Carlos Duran and his fellow teammates at Techco — a great group of old Saleen alumni and dedicated Saleen owners and enthusiasts! Please give them a warm welcome!

A Quick, Customized and Innovative Approach to the Automotive Aftermarket

Anaheim, California (September 22, 2008) – TECHCO, “The Technology Company” formally announces its plans to fill the niche of providing truly innovative products for the Automotive Aftermarket.

TECHCO has reassembled many of the members of the former team that helped design, develop, test and certify the Saleen S7, Saleen S281 Mustangs, Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang and Saleen S331 Sport Trucks. As collaborators and former employees of the famed automotive company, Saleen, Inc., TECHCO’s Staff has the talent and vision to bring decades of experience into the automotive aftermarket industry by the design, development and manufacturing of ultra-high performance automotive parts and accessories. “We’ve assembled a great team from the world of specialty vehicle performance, design and manufacturing. With our skills and resources, there’s no limit to what we can provide to our customers,” stated Jimmy Moore, Director of Operations for TECHCO.

TECHCO’s vision is to supply to its customers ultra-high performance automotive parts and accessories and offer complete Engineering, Manufacturing, and full Vehicle Assembly services. TECHCO has invested heavily in engineering and manufacturing equipment to provide unmatched in-house capabilities to develop and produce truly innovative and high quality products for the Aftermarket, while maintaining low costs and reduced lead times. The expansive 150,000 sq.ft. facility combines state-of-the art engineering and manufacturing capabilities and resources with our hands on assembly experience. In-house resources include Engine and Chassis Dynamometers, CNC Machine Shop, CMM Lab, Fabrication Shop, SLS Prototyping, CAD/CAE workstations, R&D Lab, Component Subassembly Shop, Vehicle Workshop, Customer Install Shop, and Race Team with Workshop. These extensive in-house resources ensure TECHCO’s technical excellence and market competitiveness in the Automotive Industry. “Our spacious facility allows us room to house all our engineering and manufacturing equipment in one place, resulting in fast-time-to-market and the highest quality products that still deliver exceptional value to our customers,” stated Moore.

The TECHCO Reverse-Revolution Twin Screw Supercharger(TM) is TECHCO’s flagship new product, will completely revolutionize supercharger design. “Our Design of the (TECHCO) Twin Screw Supercharger, is not merely further innovation in supercharging, but is truly a revolutionary advancement on Supercharger Design and application. We’ve taken all of our expertise in supercharger design and created a new product that provides superior power and performance on all levels,” says John Spruill, Vice President of Engineering for TECHCO.

“We designed innovation into every aspect of the new (TECHCO) Supercharger, from the new patent-pending A-Frame (Dual) Intercooler configuration with Extruded Aluminum 6061-T6 Housing, to the all new 3.0L Reverse Rotation Screws with 6061-T6 Rotor Housing with fully integrated Bypass System, and Long, High Flow Runners. It’s like nothing else on the market today,” says Billy Tally, Chief Technical Officer for TECHCO.

Nuts and Bolts of The TECHCO Reverse-Revolution Twin Screw Supercharger(TM)

What makes the TECHCO Reverse-Revolution Twin Screw Supercharger so revolutionary is the unique design (Patent Pending), which optimizes airflow efficiency throughout. Incoming air is fed into the front of the supercharger, not the back like conventional designs. This ensures that the incoming air has minimal turns, eliminating restrictions, before entering into the supercharger housing. Additionally, without the need for a complex inlet tube, the largest possible orifice size is maintained, maximizing air flow efficiencies. The air then flows into the lobes of the Reverse-Revolution asymmetric multi-lobe compressor screws, where it is compressed, not merely moved, as in other forms of supercharging. The compressed air then flows into the intercooler housing which houses (2) intercoolers mounted in an A-Frame configuration to ensure the airflow is evenly distributed to each runner bank. The Patent Pending Twin Intercooler design results in higher cooling capacity and greater thermal efficiencies as the cooling water only has to pass through the intercoolers once, keeping the charge air cool. A further benefit of the front Inlet Design is the additional package space above the supercharger that is used for long high flow Intake Runners, which increases low end torque.

The resulting design of The TECHCO Reverse-Revolution Twin Screw Supercharger allows air to move through the supercharger quickly and efficiently, without significant heat buildup, and at the highest resulting airflow volume at low boost output. The performance result is maximized horsepower and torque output.

Key Features of The TECHCO Reverse-Revolution Twin Screw Supercharger(TM)

  • Reverse-Revolution Twin Screw Compressor with Asymmetric Multi-Lobe Screws
  • 3.0L / 180 cu. in. Displacement
  • Front Induction with Integrated Bypass
  • 10 Inch Long Intake Runners
  • Dual Stage Intercooler System with Single-Pass Coolant Flow through the A-Frame (2) Intercoolers, Large Capacity Heat Exchanger, High Volume Intercooler Pump and Recovery Tank
  • Open Element Cold Air Kit with High-Flow Air Filter, CNC Venturi and High Flow Inlet Tube
  • Extruded Aluminum Fuel Rails with upgraded fuel injectors where applicable
  • Separate 8-Rib FEAD (Front End Accessory Drive) with Dampener
  • Ultra-Light Weight Aluminum Construction
  • Flash Programmer
  • Instruction Manual

Applications

  • Dodge/Chrysler: All 5.7L/6.1L Challenger/Charger/Magnum/300C
  • Ford: 4.6L 3V Mustang
  • GM: C5/C6 Corvette

TECHCO is now taking orders for The TECHCO Reverse-Revolution Twin Screw Supercharger(TM) kit for October Deliveries. Call Techco directly at (714) 408-9550 to speak with one of their Sales specialists.

Note: Saleen S7, Saleen S281 Mustang, Saleen S331 Sport Truck, and Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang, Saleen and Saleen, Inc. are registered trademarks of Saleen, Inc. TECHCO has no affiliation with Saleen, Inc.

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Enthusiast News

SMS CHALLENGER NEARING PRODUCTION: DODGE DEALERS TAKING ORDERS

Just in from Molly Saleen of SMS…

Steve Saleen and his company SMS are well on the way to production with the first vehicle in the line of Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles. The SMS 570 Challenger will be the first vehicle with a host of aesthetic and functional innovations including the patented SMS Red Butterfly Induction™ hood and a full compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components including: drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

“When you combine Steve Saleen and Dodge Challenger you get the pairing of two powerhouse automotive icons.” – Edmunds/Inside Line

The fully certified and street legal SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger will be based off the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T platform and will feature a SMS designed and engineered SMS 296 Supercharger atop the 5.7L Hemi, with power ratings from 500 to over 700 horsepower respectively.

“Who wants a Steve Saleen Supercharged Challenger? We Do!” – Dodgepedia.org

The MSRPs for the 2009 SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger are targeted to start at $60,000 to $70,000 respectively with production commencing in 2008. Both models will carry a bumper-to-bumper factory warranty.

This is an exciting opportunity for the Mopar community to finally take part in the ultra-high performance niche production vehicle market! So act now to reserve yours.

“We’re big fans of Steve Saleen. He’s created some pretty incredible Mustangs over the last 25 years, and any guy that successfully builds his own supercar gets major props in our book.” – Autoblog

Each of these limited edition vehicles will be personally signed by Steve Saleen as part of the Signature Series product line, complete with unique badges and graphics. Production numbers will be limited per year depending on the model, so the opportunity to be one of the few owners is limited to a first come first served basis. So act now, by placing your preproduction orders though any Dodge dealer in the US. Or call us directly for more details.

About SMS
We are a niche manufacturer of lifestyle ultra-high performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. We design, engineer, test, certify, manufacture and assemble all our own products and vehicles.

“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 Steve Saleen, Chairman and CEO of SMS.

Sales contact:
714-400-2121 x216
sales@smssupercars.com
www.smssupercars.com

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Enthusiast News

SALEEN CODENAME “WIDOW MAKER” UNVEILED AS 2009 “DARK HORSE”

SALEEN CODENAME “WIDOW MAKER” UNVEILED AS 2009 “DARK HORSE”

Willow Springs International Raceway, Rosamond, CA — September 24, 2008 — by SOEC/Saleen Forums News — Saleen CEO Chris Theodore officially presented its latest limited edition Mustang on the grounds of the fastes track in the west. “Dark Horse is the meanest, darkest and fastest Saleen yet,” said Theodore, who only last month took over the top position at the automaker and shifting gears from the job of chief technical officer.

2009 Saleen Dark Horse
2009 Saleen Dark Horse, CEO Chris Theodore

The Dark Horse powerplant is SAE-rated at 620 horsepower with 600 foot-pounds of torque, though it gets a little boost from Speedlab’s SuperShaker supplying exclusive styling while enhancing performance. “The vehicle takes advantage of the ram effect into the SuperShaker air box,” states Dan Agnew, Powertrain Engineering Manager, “It increases pressure in the air box, which adds boost by 0.5 psi and holds air charge temperature relatively constant even with the higher boost.” The Dark Horse powertrain also features a Saleen port-matched Series VI integrated screw-type supercharger, forged aluminum pistons, forged steel connecting rods, and orged steel crankshaft. While the SAE-certified horsepower rating does not necessarily reflect the full benefits of the SuperShaker, it does exhibit itself on the track with neck-wrenching acceleration.

The new Dark Horse combines the power and handling of the Saleen Extreme with Heritage body stylings. Its black body color, flat black exterior graphics, blacked-out trim and black chrome wheels make up the exterior. A Ford navigation system, sport leather seating with Alcantara inserts, and red anodized shift gate and leather-wrapped shifter are featured in the cockpit.

“The Dark Horse provides the capability of extreme horsepower and provides the detailed look our customers expect. By merging the SuperShaker with the Extreme powertrain we have created a no compromise solution for people looking for both performance and classic Mustang looks,” states Marc Musial, Chief Powertrain Engineer.

The Dark Horse’s suspension features everything you would expect from a Saleen, including a second generation Watts-link. The package is impressive, and provides sure-footedness around the tight road course of the Streets of Willow at high speeds, tight turns and aggressive braking. It is considered the most intense Saleen ride yet.

Originally code-named “WM” or the “Widow Maker,” the Dark Horse will be a limited edition of 25 coupes and begin production in November 2008. Pricing is to be announced, but should run in the $89,000-plus range.

SOEC, founded in 1991, is the premiere organization for Saleen owners and enthusiasts, with thousands of members worldwide.

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[Source: Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club]

Enthusiast News

“DARK HORSE” TO BECOME LATEST SALEEN LIMITED EDITION

IRVINE, CA — September 19, 2008 — SOEC/Saleen Forums News — Saleen’s 2009 lineup is getting a new limited edition Heritage-based “Dark Horse” model, and it’s promising to gallop its way to Southern California next week.

This new moniker will feature traditionally aggressive Saleen Heritage designs, including the new SuperShaker intake. Said to produce 620-horsepower and 600 pounds-feet of torque, the stout 302 should be able to breathe effortlessly with its shaker hood.

The Dark Horse will also feature unique interior stylings, and will be produced in a limited edition of only 25. Be sure to check back late next week for photos and details.

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