In a company press release today, it was announced that Phil Frank, long time Saleen design consultant formally joined Saleen as Vice President of Design at the beginning of September. Phil will work closely with Steve Saleen on strategic design for all future vehicles. Familiar with the Saleen organization, Phil has closely collaborated with Steve Saleen for the last twelve years. His accomplishments with Saleen include intimate involvement with the design of all vehicles since 1994 — most prominently the legendary Saleen S7. His most recent project with Steve was the design and development of The Saleen Store — the new era of automotive retailing.
One of the most versatile designers of his generation, Phil has developed award-winning products that combine both innovation and impact, from watches to high-performance vehicles, advanced PC concepts to lifestyle eyewear, to his own line of high-end carbon fiber and aluminum furniture.
Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area by creative artist parents (his father is the author of the comic strips “Farley,” “Elderberry’s” and Road & Track’s “Frank and Troise”), where Phil was exposed to a wide variety of perspectives, cultures and world styles.
While obtaining his Industrial Design degree at San Jose State University he created a full-size concept car for his student portfolio which lead to the association with Saleen in 1993. In 1996, Phil joined the world-renowned Ziba Design where he was instrumental in the development and direction of the internal design philosophy. In 1999, he moved to Nike as a senior designer in the Equipment group where his background in automotive design, product development and digital processes expanded the developing categories of watches, bags and eyewear.
Phil and his wife will be relocating to Southern California from their current residence in Oregon.
By: N.A. on September 20, 2006
Original Article: LINCOLNSHIRE ECHO
The Balfe Motorsport team managed to take one championship point at Mugello, in Italy, at the weekend.
The latest round of the FIA GT Championship started well for the NetJets.com-backed squad, with Shaun Balfe initially holding a front-row position throughout the first 15-minutes of the 20-minute qualifying session.
The session had started incredibly wet and, as the track dried, Balfe had been able to get an early ‘banker’ lap.
As the rest of the GT1 grid came in to change over to slick tyres, the Balfe team were waiting in the pit-lane to see if they had left it late.
Unfortunately, the timing screens showed that the track was getting quicker and the Saleen S7R dropped to ninth place.
“It was good to be at the top end of the timing screens,” said Balfe.
“I knew the track would get quicker throughout the session and I went a little bit faster near the end too.”
The three-hour race gave the team even more excitement and nerves as heavy rain fell.
As the safety car led the field away on the parade lap it rained harder, meaning Balfe was driving blind because of the spray.
The head of the field sprinted away, but the remaining cars were all struggling to stay on track, with the car alongside Balfe aqua-planing off the circuit.
“It was probably the worst conditions I’ve ever driven in at the start of the race,” admitted Balfe.
“The Ferrari was right next to me on the grid and, with all the spray, I didn’t even see him go off.”
After a handful of steady laps, the rain eased off and conditions improved as Balfe handed over to Nigel Taylor.
A great call by Taylor allowed the team to know when it was the right time to change over to slick tyres. However, the team kept him out for a handful of extra laps, allowing it to get into a fuel stop window.
The excitement for the team wasn’t over yet though. With 25-minutes of the race left to run – and with the team looking at a points-scoring finish – Balfe ended in the gravel trap.
It was a nail-biting final 20-minutes for the team as they watched Balfe reel off the laps, bringing the car over the line for its first race finish in the last three races.
“It was a simple mistake and I thought I was going to get away with it, but once I was off, the dry part of the track the car just headed straight for the gravel,” said Balfe.
“We lost three laps, but we were desperate to finish this race after the problems we’ve had.”
July 29, 2006 – IRVINE, CA – From the high-performance specialty automotive manufacturer, Saleen (www.saleen.com), now comes, THE SALEEN STORE!
Opening today, in the Irvine Spectrum, Orange County, California, is The Saleen Store. Saleen hascreated a unique shopping experience that will undoubtedly set a new standard in the automotive and the retail industry. The Saleen Store is so different that it has created a buzz, and that buzz has traveled almost as fast as the world’s fastest production car, the Saleen S7.
Extreme Experience
“Anything with the Saleen name attached to it has to exceed our uncompromising standards”. Founder & CEO of Saleen, Steve Saleen states, The Saleen Store is a total brand experience — whether it’s through our legendary vehicles, aftermarket performance parts or hot new apparel, we guarantee a unique shopping experience”
“We have split our store in half, covering lifestyle and the technical performance side. On the lifestyle side, you’ll find a unique Saleen-branded performance automotive clothing line, posters and memorabilia. As for the technical side, we’ll have people and interactive displays that can answer practically any question one might have about automobile performance,” Says Steve Saleen.
For car enthusiasts who have followed Steve Saleen and his Saleen Mustangs for over two decades it is not surprising that on one side of the store they are literally standing in the middle of a Saleen Extreme Mustang. Newcomers will see a vehicle dissected down the middle and will only emphasize the fact that The Saleen Store is truly one of a kind. There is an immediate realization that Saleen is passionate about its performance vehicles by exposing every detail of the Saleen Extreme, from the engine, drivetrain, to the suspension – viewers will see the technology that goes into the manufacturing an Extreme Saleen Mustang that produces 550 hp and 500 ft-lb. of torque.
On Display & Seamless Selection Service
Adding to the definitive drama of The Saleen Store are the cars currently on display:
The 435 hp Supercharged Saleen Mustang
The American Supercar, the 750 hp Saleen S7
Knowledgeable Saleen personnel are ready to talk about the innovations, technology, and performance figures of all Saleen models. Discovery test drives will be available.
The Saleen Store can help to arrange vehicle purchasing, financing, administering trade-in assessments, as well as provide buyers with genuine Saleen Speedlab Aftermarket Parts sales and installation. Guests considering purchasing a new Saleen will find it easy to do so with The Saleen Store’s zip-code-based referral service. This seamless referral service originates at The Saleen Store and concludes at the guest’s nearest Saleen Certified Dealership.
Feel the Excitement
“Our guests can also experience the exhilaration of driving a Saleen S7 when they use our in-store race simulators. We have two state-of-the-art driving simulators, on which a Saleen S7 can race on some of the world’s famous racetracks,” says Steve Saleen.
“It’s a remarkable simulation that gives you a lot of feedback, so you feel every bump of the track, and the sensation of going up and down hills. You can program the same specs as a real Saleen S7R race car – from the tire pressure to the percent of slip between the left and right tires.”
If that is not enough, The Saleen Store has a Saleen N2O Bar. For people, menu items range from ice cream, water, soda, Red Bull and oxygen. For their cars, nitrous oxide and hydrogen are available. The store is sure to encompass a full-range, high-octane ambience for everyone.
Saleen Style Now A Fashion Statement
Visitors to The Saleen Store will have the opportunity to choose from the Saleen fashion collection. The current Saleen apparel line celebrates exceptional investment, exotic design, and exclusive ownership – the same attributes that are the same uncompromising standard in every Saleen vehicle. The Saleen line includes everything from hats, to leather jackets, to driving shoes, and beyond. Also available are Saleen-branded watches, pens, and other fine gifts.
Saleen – Born of Racing
Steve Saleen’s high-performance history delves beyond the first Saleen Mustangs that went on sale in 1984. As a race car driver, Steve launched his racing career in 1969, where he competed in his first time trial. He then proceeded to win the first race he entered in 1970, and then moved to a professional racing career from the 1970’s through the 1980’s and 1990’s ranging from the Formula Super Vee, to the Formula Atlantic, and later to sports cars, truck and Indy car series.
Based on his racing and manufacturing successes, Steve catapulted the company to new heights by entering the luxury supercar niche in 2000 with the Saleen S7, at the famous Pebble Beach Concours de Elegance in Monterey, California. By the following year in 2001, the race version was introduced – the S7R, and was quick to dominate racetracks around the world during its inaugural season. The Saleen S7 went on to win four Drivers’ Championships in four different series – American LeMans, European LeMans, Grand Am and Spanish GT! Inside The Saleen Store, Born of Racing is a historical graphic tribute to all things that began and continue Saleen.
In the Heart of the O.C.
The Irvine Spectrum located in the heart of Orange County hosts over 11 million visitors each year. Steve Saleen comments, “People come for dining, entertainment, shopping and just gathering. It is a microcosm of the California lifestyle and our nation. With our Irvine manufacturing plant just minutes away, we have an exceptional opportunity to reach out to the consumer. Also, our representatives can schedule factory tours.”
Saleen – The Specialty Vehicle Manufacturer
As a Specialty Vehicle Manufacturer since 1984, Saleen offers a range of high-performance vehicles. The Saleen Extreme S281 (Supercharged and 3-Valve), S331 Sport Truck (Supercharged and 3-Valve), and the Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang, to America’s Supercar – the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo.
Everything at Saleen is literally built from the ground-up, by skillful hands. The Saleen staff consists of a wide range of designers, R & D engineers and production team members that works together pushing the envelope of development, manufacturing, and certification of high-performance specialty vehicles.
“We truly see The Saleen Store setting a new standard for the future of automotive retailing,” said Steve Saleen.
More About Saleen
Saleen second factory is located in Troy, Michigan. Like the Irvine facility, the Troy facility manufacturers the Saleen S281 Mustang inventory and will continue to assemble and paint the Ford GT through the end of its 2006 summer run. Afterwards, Troy will begin to manufacture the S331 Sport Truck and the Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang.
Internationally, Saleen has expanded manufacturing efforts in Canada and in Saudi Arabia, as well as adding distributors in Japan, Italy, and Mexico. Saleen continues to grow domestically with the Certified Saleen Dealership network across the U.S., which is slated to reach nearly 300 dealers by fall of 2006.
On TV or at a Theatre Near You
In recent years, both the Saleen S7 and the S281s have been featured in the Hollywood limelight, and their demand continues to grow. Appearing as “God’s Car”, the S7 arguably stole the show in “Bruce Almighty”, and later starred in 50 Cent’s music video, “Candy Shop”.
The S81s have had cameo appearances in “Hollywood Homicide”, “2 Fast 2 Furious”.
Well-Traveled History…What’s Next?
In the world of retail, no less! As Saleen has established a prolific history in racing, automotive, and manufacturing, this only scratches the surface of what’s to come from Saleen.
The Store is Saleen’s latest journey to bring…
Extreme Performance
Exotic Design
Exclusive Ownership
Exceptional Investment
Experience It
You’ll find Saleen, Power in the Hands of a Few® at the Irvine Spectrum!
The Saleen S7R Captures 1st & 2nd Place in Race 1 at Val de Vienne, France
IRVINE, Calif., June 29 /PRNewswire/ — On Saturday at Val de Vienne, France, and racing with an 80 kg penalty weight/ballast, Team Saleen/Oreca again captured another checkered-flag victory! Drivers Soheil Ayari and Bruno Hernandez drove flawlessly by overpowering the Ferrari and later surpassing the Corvettes that were in a distinct field of Vipers; marking their 7th win out of 10 races for this 2006 French GT season.
The Protek team, also driving their Saleen S7R, with drivers Francois Fiat and Dominique Dupuy, captured 2nd place — just 18.6 seconds behind the leading Saleen S7R.
Saleen Race Fans Grow in Numbers as S7R Innovations Lead to Podium Wins
With continuing victories achieved by the Saleen S7R, Saturday’s top finishes further strengthens the Saleen S7R’s growing market-share of race enthusiasts, who are now cheering for America’s Supercar at every opportunity!
As the Team Saleen/Oreca ranking continues to mount, they attribute their winning record to the S7R’s power, reliability, and advanced engineering, as well as to outstanding driving, and superior race strategies over the most prestigious race tracks in Europe.
Sunday’s Challenge
As for Sunday’s race, Team Saleen/Oreca’s S7R danced with the drizzle of the rain as Ayari — who grabbed the pole and set the fastest lap by nearly 1 full second — shot ahead at the onset of the race. But as the leaders approached to lap a slower class of racecars, Ayari had to take evasive action for a Porsche which resulted in contact with a Viper, and then retired the S7R from finishing the race.
Truly a daunting finish for race fans looking to cap off the weekend with another Saleen S7R podium finish! However for the Protek team, their drivers — Fiat and Dupuy, also racing with a 40 kg penalty weight/ballast for the previous day’s 2nd place finish, brought their Saleen S7R home to cross the finish line in 4th place.
While Team Saleen/Oreca’s early retirement was an unwelcome challenge, they were able to extend their lead in the series — to 188 points in the standings — while the other championship contenders’ were unsuccessful that weekend, Team Saleen/Oreca extended their lead by 75 points in the race for the championship!
Steve Saleen, president and CEO of Saleen, Inc., said, “We knew when we formed the alliance with the Oreca Group that was right. 7 wins out of 10 races for the French GT series means that Team Saleen/Oreca is utilizing Saleen’s turnkey race technology in the S7R.”
About Saleen, Inc.
Since the company’s inception in 1984, Saleen has produced over 10,000 complete and EPA certified vehicles, more than any other specialty manufacturer. In addition, Saleen has equipped more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide, further emphasizing their commitment to excellence.
An eight-time Manufacturers’ Champion in GT sports car racing, Saleen’s corporate facilities in Irvine, California include: research, design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities, as well as the coating/paint division. Saleen also has another manufacturing facility in Troy, Michigan where the assembly and paint of the Ford GT supercar is accomplished.
Additional Saleen manufacturing sites are located in Canada and Saudi Arabia. For more information please visit www.saleen.com.
Team Saleen/Oreca Win Spa With S7R Drivers Ortelli & Ayari Capture Podium Win & Fastest Lap Earning Race Victory in GT1 Series Beating Aston Martins, Corvettes, Ferrari & Lamborghini
IRVINE, CA, May 16, 2006 – Championing the Saleen S7R, Team Saleen/Oreca drivers, Stephane Ortelli and Soheil Ayari captured the win in Belgium, at Spa Francorchamps, in their debut GT1 Le Mans Series race.
Competing in overcast-to-sunny skies, the Saleen S7R ran effortlessly for over six hours with GT1 contenders, in which the American-made race car prevailed over the field of Aston Martins, Corvettes, a Ferrari, and a Lamborghini — only to secure the win in the end!
On this exciting road course, Spa Francorchamps is considered to be one of the greatest and most challenging circuits in the world, and is rich in history from running the F1 series to sports cars. Measuring 4.350 miles (6.973km), the course marks an extremely fast and nimble endurance race to conquer. With that in mind, the local weather in the Belgian Ardennes Forest is extremely harsh. At various points of the track, the weather can vastly differ from one point to the next — from wet to dry; and from hot to cold. Throughout the weekend, the weather, in addition to the ability of both drivers to dominate the course, as well as the team’s race strategy, made for a winning combination.
Hugues de Chaunac, president of Oreca Groupe stated, “The Saleen/Oreca team united Ayari’s and Ortelli’s precision driving skills coupled with a superior race car and sound execution. We were able to demonstrate the speed and reliability of the Saleen S7R, and we brought home a very exciting win!”
Steve Saleen, president and CEO of Saleen, Inc. commented, “It was close. Having only 20 seconds between first and second meant the race was hard fought. I was pleased, but not at all surprised that the Saleen S7R did what it was created to do. I’m also pleased that we’ve teamed with Oreca as they are truly an exceptional racing organization.”
The Saleen ran the fastest lap in 2.17.025 minutes to finish ahead of the GT1 competition. It was thrilling when the Aston Martin and the Saleen continued to swap places during the race, only to have the Saleen S7R take the win.
Driver Quotes
Soheil Ayari:
“The car was strong all the way through and I am happy that it was a proper race against another very strong car. I am very happy as well to be teammates with Stephane in part of a new international story for Oreca. The Saleen is a very good car and Oreca has done a fantastic job, there were no problems at all for the whole race, no suspect noises, and everything was perfect. That meant I could just do my job, which was to pass the Aston. It was very quick on the straights and not easy to overtake so the team kept talking to me on the radio and eventually we found the best place for me to outbrake him. It was a fantastic fight, we pulled away a little right at the end, but it was only 20 seconds or so at the end of a six hour race — fantastic.”
“After a good rehearsal in the French Championship we knew we had arrived here with a fast car. To finish just 10 seconds ahead after a 6 hour race shows what a fantastic race this was.”
Stephane Ortelli:
“There was pressure all the way through from the Aston Martin but also the Corvettes were strong and they were difficult to lap because they were very fast on the straights. We lost the lead with the yellow and the speed was almost the same between the Saleen and the Aston Martin. It was a big fight to get it back but we showed the car is reliable and is competitive and it is also very good to drive! It is great to do this at Spa, which is always a very special place for me, today it is because it is my first race with Soheil and we have started with a win.”
Editors’ Note:
Photos can be viewed at: http://www.saleen.com/saleen-oreca.htm
About Saleen, Inc.
Since the company’s inception in 1984, Saleen has produced over 10,000 complete and EPA certified vehicles, more than any other specialty manufacturer. In addition, Saleen has equipped more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide, further emphasizing their commitment to excellence.
An eight-time Manufacturers’ Champion in GT sports car racing, Saleen’s corporate facilities in Irvine, California include: research, design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities, as well as the coating/paint division. Saleen also has another manufacturing facility in Troy, Michigan where the assembly and paint of the Ford GT supercar is accomplished. Additional Saleen manufacturing sites are located in Canada and Saudi Arabia. For more information please visit www.saleen.com.
Design Celebrates Racing Legend, Parnelli Jones, and Delivers 370 bhp
April 13, 2006, New York, New York – Specialty automobile manufacturer, Saleen, (www.saleen.com) expands its product lineup and celebrates legendary racecar driver, Parnelli Jones, by announcing the Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang.
Parnelli Jones and Steve Saleen, New York Auto Show
Steve Saleen, President & CEO of Saleen, said, “Parnelli Jones is an American racing icon. In the fifties, sixties, and seventies Parnelli won just about every race that he appeared in, including the Indy 500. 1970 was the year that the SCCA Trans Am Series boasted the most competitive field ever, and Parnelli Jones and his Boss 302 Mustang competed against the likes of Mark Donahue and Dan Gurney, and there he captured the championship. Our relationship began in 1987 when Parnelli raced for me on the Saleen team, and helped us win our first SCCA Manufacturer’s Championship at Sebring, Florida. I can’t think of any other individual that brings with him the unique connection between championship winning Mustangs and Saleen.”
Parnelli Jones commented, “It’s a true honor to have a special edition Saleen wearing my name. This impressive car takes me back in time – it makes me want to take it for a run around the track. I’m sure that this car will be an adrenaline-pumping experience for anyone who has the chance to own or drive one. I think that this car is going to evoke nostalgia not only for Steve Saleen and myself, but for everyone that lays their eyes on it.”
Advanced & Authentic
In 1970, spectators wore bell bottom pants and mood rings and watched Parnelli in his Grabber Orange Boss 302 Mustang with black striped hood, cross the finish line to take numerous checkered flags and overall championship.
Today’s Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang reflects the same authentic vintage attitude but comes complete with a new Saleen 302 cid V-8, 3-valve engine. This engine produces a whopping 370 horsepower at 6000 RPM, and with 370 ft-lb of torque at 4000 RPM. The high compression engine transforms a normal drive into an exciting thrill ride. Awakening the senses, the new Saleen engine is equipped with a high compression, high revving valve train, utilizing forged pistons, rods, and crankshaft and a lightweight, aluminum flywheel. Top-performance calibrations are thanks to Saleen’s PowerFlashTM technology.
Also included in this Limited Edition are new Saleen 302 valve covers. Completing the authenticity and providing additional high performance capabilities is the new exhaust system that provides a low-resonating sound that is a legacy of Saleen.
Classic & Contemporary
“We designed this commemorative vehicle to capture the raw, aggressive feel that Parnelli raced with, and created a racing revolution,” continued Steve Saleen.
The new Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition comes in one color, Grabber Orange. Period correct details include a black striped “shaker” hood, race-style hood pins, black trunk deck, and 302 side stripes.
Completing the overall effect, the new Limited Edition comes with Saleen performance styling including front fascia with racing-style air dam, side skirts, rear fascia, rear 1970 replica wing, trunk insert license plate panel with chrome trim, rear window quarter panels, and a racing-style billet gas cap. Demonstrating further the authenticity of this retro-beauty, Parnelli’s racing number, 15, removable and reusable static cling race decals, and the Ford blue oval are displayed – just like the one that appeared on Parnelli’s 1970 Boss 302 Mustang.
Signature decals of both Steve Saleen and Parnelli Jones show above the door roof rails, and an all-new Saleen Parnelli Jones logo appears throughout the exterior and interior. Borrowed from the seventies are the restyled rear window louvered sport slats, which is an essential part of the overall styling.
Saleen Racecraft Suspension
Keeping with both Steve Saleen’s and Parnelli’s race ancestry, the Limited Edition is designed utilizing Saleen’s own precision suspension. However this all new, yet classic Watts-Link suspension is derived from racing and performance applications, and offers the purest in race-type handling. The superior springs, shocks and swaybars provide even greater performance capabilities enabling the tires to remain firmly on the road even in extreme cornering.
Rounding off the Limited Edition are the Minilite-style 19”x9” front and 19”x10” rear racing wheels which prominently display the Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition center cap, which reflects the cool racing heritage from which they were bred. The car is outfitted with high-performance Pirelli 275x40x19 front, and 285x40x19 rear tires, and offers race-car-like stopping with Saleen 14” brakes.
Racetrack Revisited
Strap yourself inside the Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition and you’re back in time! A time when driving meant extreme passion for the car, the race – and all about the win! Experience the beautifully coordinated orange and black racing-style seats which envelop the driver and the passenger. Grip the steering wheel, grab the special Limited Edition gear shift knob, view the integrated twin gauge pod that reflects oil pressure and temperature, and vintage instrumentation panel with its black background and white characters, and you’re there! Turn the key, blip the throttle, take her for a couple of laps around the track, or around the block, and you can easily imagine you’re at Laguna Seca driving with a racing legend – and the checkered flag is yours!
Feel the Spirit
“Parnelli Jones is an extraordinary example of a legend maker. Even after nearly four decades, his abilities and visions for the sport has very few equals. I anticipate that Parnelli’s racing spirit will come alive in every Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition that we manufacture. Capping on our motto, ‘Power in the Hands of a Few,’ we will produce a limited number – up to only 500 – in honor of Parnelli winning the Indy 500 in 1963,” said Steve Saleen.
Inspired from Parnelli’s original 1970 Boss 302 Mustang, the ‘Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition’ lives and breathes all things inherently Parnelli – and all things Saleen!
Availability and Pricing
Certified Saleen Ford dealers throughout the United States are now taking orders for the Saleen Parnelli Jones Limited Edition that will be distributed this Fall as a 2007 model. MSRP is estimated to be in the mid-to-high $50,000 for this limited production vehicle. Taxes, designation charges, and other fees may apply. For complete information about the Saleen / Parnelli Limited Edition please see: http://www.saleen.com/S302.htm. For a local Saleen dealer please visit: http://www.saleen.com/dealerLocator/DealerLocator.aspx.
Saleen Sport Truck Unveiled at Los Angeles Auto Show 2006
January 4, 2006 – LA Auto Show, Ford Booth, West Hall — Saleen, (www.saleen.com), the premier manufacturer of limited edition, high-performance vehicles, today marked a new paradigm in sport truck performance with its debut of the pre-production Supercharged Saleen Sport Truck S331, at the LA Auto Show.
Steve Saleen, president and CEO of Saleen, said, “We set out to produce the perfect high-performance truck. The Saleen Sport Truck integrates higher horsepower, superior suspension, and aggressive styling with the best in functionality. Our sport trucks are the perfect answers for individuals whose lifestyles take them from the beach to the mountains to the country club, all in a day. They are also the perfect sport trucks for individuals who are passionate about what they drive – they’re for individuals who require sports-car-like handling and performance, yet whose lives require the utility of a pick-up truck. These Saleen Sport Trucks are exceptionally versatile high performance vehicles.”
On Target
“Trucks account for half of all new vehicle sales in America. Our certified dealers and countless consumers have been requesting us to manufacture a high-performance Saleen truck. By introducing both the 3-Valve and the Supercharged Saleen Sport Trucks we believe that we are right on target with the market. The big difference is that the new Saleen Sport Trucks will give consumers the extreme performance, expressive styling, exceptional value, and the exclusivity that comes from the experience of driving and owning a Saleen – all in a fully-functional truck,” Steve Saleen continued.
Both Saleen Sport Truck models will start in the Super Cab style and will feature a 5.4L, 3-valve SOHC V-8 engine, and are scheduled to be available at certified Saleen dealers in July as 2007 models.
Haulin’ Attitude
The Saleen Supercharged Sport Truck packs a punch at 450 bhp @ 5200 RPM, and with 500 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 RPM which is due in part to the unique, patented, high-flow Saleen Series VI integrated twin-screw supercharger. Here, air is compressed through the twin screws and then runs through the dual-stage, water-to-air intercooler, which reduces the intake air temperature. With this cool, dense air, the Saleen Powerflash™ performance calibration system radically increases the power and performance.
In recognizing the trend of consumers wanting more choices, the Saleen Sport Truck will be offered as a normally aspirated, 3-Valve Sport Truck, which offers 325 bhp @ 5000 RPM, and with 400 lb-ft of torque at 4000 RPM.
Sounds Like Thunder
Every thought has gone into taking the Saleen Sport Trucks’ performance to the extreme. Both the 3-Valve and Supercharged trucks are equipped with a unique integrated Saleen exhaust system with twin side pipes, which produce a unique appearance that enhances power, performance, and sound. Because of the increased horsepower and distinguishable Saleen sound, the engineers at Saleen have affectionately named the truck, “Thunder.”
Saleen Racecraft Suspension
Designed to raise handling to new levels, Saleen Sport Trucks are equipped with Saleen Racecraft suspension. The front systems include N2 struts with linear-rate coil-over springs, a tubular anti-roll stabilizing bar and urethane pivot bushings throughout. Because it’s all about performance, calibrations are specifically set to a high-performance level.
The rear Saleen Racecraft suspension consists of a live axle, leaf springs and N2 shocks. The overall Saleen suspension system reduces load transfer which improves handling under braking and hard cornering.
The truck’s overall styling is complete with front and rear Saleen seven spoke, 23” forged wheels, on high-performance BFG 305/40 series tires. For responsive braking the Saleen Sport Truck comes equipped with power assisted 4-wheel ABS brakes. The front brakes have 15.0” slotted and vented disks with Saleen ABS 6-piston calipers, while the rear brakes are 13.7”.
In total, the Saleen Racecraft suspension elevates performance without sacrificing the quality of the truck’s ride, its load, or towing capacity.
A Real Looker
Great aerodynamics and exceptional styling are engineering feats that have been Saleen hallmarks for decades, and the aero and styling of the Saleen Sport Trucks are truly exceptional. The Saleen Sport Trucks’ superior aerodynamics come from specially designed injection molded components made from Thermoplastic Olefins (TPO), built to withstand the demands of the truck. All Saleen front and rear fascias, side skirts are uniquely Saleen – built to be rugged and durable, yet stylish and performance enhancing.
The stylish Saleen front grille is also designed for improved aerodynamics. The Supercharged Saleen Sport Truck integrates a unique hood with exhaust venting grille. The Saleen Sport Truck also has side fender vents, rear spoiler, and attractive tailgate panel.
Interior Design
No longer just for utilitarian uses, the racing-derived, totally upgraded interior of the Saleen Sport Truck has double-stitched leather sport seating throughout. The exclusive interior also incorporates a jewel-like instrument panel, featuring a twin-gauge pod display, integrated silver panels and bezels, double-stitched leather console armrest, and Saleen race-style pedals.
Raising the bar, Saleen will begin offering a number of Saleen Sport Truck options. These options will further enable owners to uniquely personalize their Saleen Sport Trucks. Some of the Saleen options that will be available include: HID headlamps, bedliners, tonneaus, tow packages, motorcycle, bike and gun racks, sound and entertainment systems, GPS, ski racks, and heavy-duty toolbox, and as you’d expect, there will be nothing standard about the Saleen options.
Timeline
The 2007 Saleen Sport Truck is scheduled to be in full-scale production in both Irvine, California and Troy, Michigan facilities in July 2006, and will run true to the manufacturer’s pedigree, which has been standard with every Saleen S281 Mustang and S7 supercar.
Each Saleen Sport Truck is fully-certified and carries a 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty through Saleen, and will also possess the Saleen production bumper number, as well as an interior dash plaque.
Pricing
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 3-Valve Saleen Sport Truck with standard equipment is expected to start in the high $30,000’s, and the Supercharged version is expected to start in the high $40,000’s.
