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.

SALEEN INCORPORATED INTRODUCES RACECRAFT DIVISION

Troy, MI (July 3, 2008) – Today Saleen Incorporated, America’s premiere niche vehicle manufacturer, announced the promotion of its newest performance vehicle brand, Racecraft. “The Racecraft moniker has been synonymous with Saleen performance since the first Saleen Mustang, “said Saleen Automotive General Manager, Marques McCammon.

“Racecraft is a brand that our enthusiasts know as the secret sauce in Saleen suspensions, now that brand name will grow to encompass a full line of exciting performance vehicles.”

The Racecraft brand will provide consumers with:

  • Value that the market can touch
  • A ready canvas for customization
  • Business first styling that puts go before show

“This formula is one of legitimate performance that you can see, hear, and feel. It just seemed a natural for us to say that Racecraft will ‘Power Your Senses’ “, said McCammon.

Racecraft model nomenclature is a reflection of vehicle horsepower. Thus the first model in the lineup, the base Mustang, 420S features 420 Horsepower Supercharged V8 engine. Each Racecraft vehicle will also feature the signature Racecraft suspension, Bridgestone performance tires, light weight aluminum alloy wheels, race inspired graphics and signature interior accents. The design formula is understated, leaving room for the enthusiast to explore their own expression of style and performance through Saleen’s SpeedLab performance parts division. All of this is wrapped in a 3 year 36,000 mile factory warranty.

“Racecraft and SpeedLab is the perfect marriage,” says SpeedLab General Manager, Michael Lingo. “The vehicles are dynamically superior right out of the box, but my team is always ready to take performance to the next level. It is a perfect combination, and the winner is the consumer.”

Among the SpeedLab offerings, consumers will find the ability to upgrade the performance of their vehicles to up 475 horsepower without violating their factory warranty. Many other components will allow the Racecraft owner to explore further expressions in power, style, and handling to help make their Racecraft an unique expression of their performance personality.

Value is a key cornerstone of this new brand. This is evident in the sub-$40,000 price point of the 420 horsepower 420S that includes transportation and applicable federal taxes. What’s more, the consumer will find many of the offerings from SpeedLab priced at or below $1000.

This type of value will be found in each Racecraft branded vehicle that executives say will begin hitting the market later this year. “There are many customers out there who want to experience extreme performance reasonably priced; we designed the Racecraft brand with this buyer in mind, says McCammon.

Speculation that Racecraft will replace the Saleen brand is completely false. Racecraft is actually intended as the entry point of the Saleen performance enthusiast. The 420S is just the first offering from the new brand. Saleen executives contend that the brand will follow with more products that fit. “Consumers should expect to see the next Racecraft model as early as the fall”, said Product Planning Director, Julie Zona. The Racecraft 420S provides the power enthusiasts require behind the wheel and the control needed for unyielding performance.

  • Racecraft 4.6L SOHC Supercharged V-8
  • Horsepower: 420 @ 5800 RPM
  • Torque: 400 ft.-lbs. @ 4000 RPM
  • 39 lb. fuel injectors
  • 98 mm mass airflow sensor
  • hi-flow inlet tube and air box cover
  • Performance air filter
  • Racecraft specific rate front and rear coil springs
  • Racecraft front struts (N2)
  • Racecraft rear shocks (N2)
  • Racecraft front sway bar and pivot bushings
  • Bridgestone Potenza All-Season Performance Radial Tires
  • 18″x9″ Front and 18″x10″ Rear Aluminum Alloy ‘Torque Blade’ wheels
  • Racecraft exterior badging
  • Racecraft logo side rocker graphics
  • Racecraft ‘420S’ performance vinyl hood graphics
  • Racecraft rear decklid graphics
  • Racecraft 180 MPH silver faced speedometer with MyColor feature
  • Satin aluminum instrument panel upgrade
  • Racecraft steering wheel badge
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Leather wrapped billet aluminum shift knob
  • Leather shift boot
  • Performance cloth seats with Racecraft embroidered headrest
  • $38,995 MSRP

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SALEEN TO DEBUT RACECRAFT BRAND AT MUSTANG WEEK

A word to SOEC Members from Saleen Inc:

Saleen, Inc. invites you to join us in Myrtle Beach, SC during Mustang Week July 22nd – 26th !

We are debuting our new “RaceCraft” brand and would like to provide you the opportunity for demo rides and on the spot interviews with our management team. RaceCraft is currently available at select Saleen and Ford dealerships with an MSRP price of $38,995 base model.

RaceCraft provides 420 horsepower with 400 lb/ft of torque – offering a stealth look but powerful feel! We are enthusiastic to introduce this product to you at such an comprehensive and exciting event!

Our reveal will be held on Saturday, July 26th, at Colonial Mall , 10177 North Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC, at 4pm . Please join us for this event and Power Your Senses !!!!

For a demo ride, please RSVP by PMing us with your name and cell phone number and they’ll try to get you on the list.

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SALEEN INC. AIDS GIBBS AMPHIBIOUS CAR LAUNCH

July 1, 2008 — PLYMOUTH, Mich. —

Gibbs Technologies has awarded a $1-million, six-month manufacturing development contract to Saleen Inc. to support the launch of the company’s high-speed amphibious vehicles in North America.

Manufacturing design and engineering work for the Gibbs program will take place at Saleen’s development center at 1225 East Maple Road in Troy, Mich., according to Gibbs President and CEO Neil Jenkins.

Gibbs plans to introduce two high-speed amphibious (HSA) vehicles in the United States in late 2009 and early 2010 – a sporty car and an all-terrain vehicle.

The Gibbs Aquada is a vehicle that combines the handling of a sports car with an ability to travel up to 40 miles per hour (mph) or more on water and 110 mph on land. The company’s all-terrain vehicle achieves speeds of up to 40 mph on both land and water.

Jenkins said Saleen also will be incorporating several new features into the design of the Gibbs Aquada.

“Saleen is ideally suited to help Gibbs Technologies launch its high-speed amphibians,” Jenkins said. “The company is well-known for its proven ability to design, engineer and produce unique, high-performance vehicles.”

Saleen’s General Manager Bryan Chambers added, “A successful high-speed amphibian has been the dream of entrepreneurs, automotive engineers and car makers for more than a century. Gibbs has met the challenge with its amphibious-vehicle technology and we’re pleased to be partnering with them in the realization of that dream.”

Gibbs Technologies has operated from a temporary headquarters facility in Plymouth, Mich., for the past eight months. Jenkins said the company plans to announce the location of a North American research-and-development center and corporate headquarters in July.

Gibbs also expects to fill 30 engineering, purchasing, marketing and administrative positions for its North American operations before the end of the year.

The company is the world’s leading developer of HSA vehicles for consumer, commercial and military use. Additional information about Gibbs, its technology and amphibians is available on the Internet at www.gibbstech.com.

Since its inception in 1984, Saleen Inc. has produced more than 12,000 complete, EPA-certified vehicles — more than any other specialty automobile manufacturer. The company also has supplied equipment for more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide. Saleen has a manufacturing facility in Troy, Mich., and offices in Irvine, California. Additional information is available at www.saleen.com.

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RAINBOW S281 SC (07-0171) AT THE SALEEN STORE

I was cleaning house and found a little video I took of 07-0171 when it was at The Saleen Store on display last year…

It’s not the best video, but thought I’d surprise the owner with it!

(I miss The Saleen Store.)

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SALEEN SPEEDLAB REDEFINES THE TERM ‘HAULING’

With the Introduction of Its Expedition/Navigator Supercharger

TROY, Mich., June 20 — Saleen’s SpeedLab division has released its acclaimed Series VI Twin Screw Supercharger for model year ’07 – ’08 Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators, providing both muscled acceleration and around town drivability.

The Expedition / Navigator gets serious power from SpeedLab’s series VI twin screw supercharger with two stage water-to-air intercooling system. Your right foot will command an additional jaw dropping 100 horsepower & over 100 lb/ft of torque at the rear wheels.

So the next time you strap on your 8500 lb performance sport boat, do so with confidence knowing that your ride has an additional 60 lb/ft of low end torque at your disposal. Passing is no longer a white knuckle experience with your SpeedLab supercharger pumping out an impressive 30% improvement in 45-65mph passing times.

“SUV owners today need tremendous versatility out of their vehicle,” states Michael Lingo, Vice President & General Manager — Aftermarket Division, “so whether you want to catapult yourself from 0-60 mph in under 7.0 seconds, tow your boat to your favorite lake, or simply deliver the soccer team to practice — this supercharger delivers with minimal effect on fuel economy.”

SpeedLab engineers spent countless hours on the dyno and road testing this supercharger kit to ensure the optimal balance between power, drivability and durability. The result is a daily driving experience that provides the boost needed for uphill acceleration, towing, and confident passing.

The Saleen S331 Sport Truck provided the DNA to the Expedition/Navigator supercharger so rest assured that you will receive the quality and reliability you have come to expect from Saleen, a true OEM manufacturer of specialty vehicles. SpeedLab will provide an industry best limited warranty further demonstrating its commitment to manufacturing excellence and customer satisfaction.

The Supercharger is available through Saleen’s SpeedLab Division. Call today at 800-888-8945 to speak directly with your Saleen SpeedLab specialist.

ABOUT SALEEN
Since the company’s inception in 1984, Saleen has produced thousands of 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 as well as the new Dan Gurney Signature edition Saleen. In addition, Saleen provided all paint and assembly of the Ford GT as a special project for Ford Motor Company. Saleen is also currently providing paint and subassembly for the Dodge Viper SRT-10. Saleen’s World Headquarters is located in Troy, Michigan.

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SALEEN SPEEDLAB PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION SERVICES

Just in from the Saleen Performance Team…

Mustang enthusiasts have been buying and installing high performance Saleen products on their pride and joy for years. For some enthusiasts, however, finding the time in their busy schedules to install these premium products can be a daunting challenge.

With these customers in mind, Saleen SpeedLab provides professional installation services at both of our facilities in Irvine, California and Troy, Michigan. Saleen SpeedLab offers prompt and professional installation on all Saleen products, such as supercharger, transmissions, suspension kits, and our new 302CID (5.0L) crate engines.

So the next time you find yourself craving more power but pinched for time, call on Saleen certified technicians to install your Saleen SpeedLab performance products. Call a SpeedLab specialist today, at 800-888-8945, for more information on other great products and services available from Saleen SpeedLab. Be sure you mention you heard about it at the Saleen Forums at soec.org.

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SALEEN SPEEDLAB’S “PERFORMANCE” STIMULUS PACKAGE

Just in from the Saleen Performance Team:

While the White House and Congress continue in an endless cycle of debate over various stimulus relief packages, Saleen SpeedLab rushes performance aid to all hard working Mustang Enthusiasts. For a limited time, Saleen SpeedLab will offer two power and handling performance packages; The “Saleen SpeedLab Street (SSS)” Series and “Saleen SpeedLab Pro (SSP) Series.

The SSS Series packages will be built around Saleen’s acclaimed Series VI Superchargers along with other performance upgrades. The SSP Series packages will also feature Saleen’s Series VI SuperChargers but will be getting added white knuckle power from Saleen’s acclaimed 302CID (5.0L) long block crate engine.

Both the SSS and SSP Series packages will be coupled with other premium Saleen SpeedLab products and will feature special package savings that will truly provide Mustang enthusiasts with great performance and value. Now that’s a “Stimulus Package”.

Call a SpeedLab specialist today, at 800-888-8945, for more information on other great products and services available from Saleen SpeedLab. Package prices range from $6,799.97 to $37,095.92. Be sure you mention you heard about it from the Saleen Owners and Enthusists Club.

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DAN GURNEY SIGNATURE EVENT AT GALPIN FORD: JUNE 13, 2008

Saleen / Dan Gurney Edition
Saleen / Dan Gurney Edition

Saleen cordially invites SOEC members and Saleen owners to attend — if you can bring your Saleen to show off, that would be great!

Hosted at Galpin Ford, Dan Gurney will be present for autographs and to show off his Dan Gurney Signature Edition Saleen. Also present will be Saleen executives.

Public hours from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Galpin Ford.

Saleen owners are encouraged to attend — please RSVP if possible to jimd@soec.org or 714-369-8621.

Galpin Ford
15505 Roscoe Blvd
North Hills, CA 91343
Driving Directions
Tel: 800-256-7137

For more information on the Dan Gurney Signature Edition, please visit http://www.saleen.com/gurney/

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DAN GURNEY SIGNATURE EVENT: FRIDAY JUNE 13, GALPIN FORD, NORTH HILLS, CA

Saleen cordially invites SOEC members and Saleen owners to attend — if you can bring your Saleen to show off, that would be great!

Hosted at Galpin Ford, Dan Gurney will be present for autographs and to show off his Dan Gurney Signature Edition Saleen. Also present will be Saleen executives.

Public hours from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Galpin Ford.

Saleen owners are encouraged to attend — please RSVP if possible to jimd@soec.org or 714-369-8621.

Galpin Ford
15505 Roscoe Blvd
North Hills, CA 91343
Driving Directions
Tel: 800-256-7137

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