European Race Program Supports Growing International Sales of Saleen S7
Los Angeles Auto Show, Concourse Hall, Saleen Booth #C6, January 4 /PRNewswire/ —
Saleen, Inc., the manufacturer of limited edition, high-performance vehicles, today announced that Saleen, in conjunction with Oreca Groupe, have formed a partnership for an all out two-car effort towards one of the most prestigious races in the world, the 24-Hour of Le Mans.
Oreca will also sell, service and support all European race cars for parts, sales, as well as provide technical services. Oreca will also be the repair center for Europe.
Saleen is delighted to partner with one of the most professional and respected race organizations in the world. This combination of Saleen and Oreca will give the European teams campaigning Saleens a local base for new cars, parts, service, repairs, and racecraft to help bring the cars to the winner’s circle.
“The time is right time for Saleen to have a full European program. Globally, the S7 has grown in market presence and recognition, and with our new race program we will further showcase the racecraft and winning attributes of the S7R,” said Steve Saleen, president and CEO of Saleen. “Since the introduction of the S7 in 2001, all prior teams have had to be serviced from the U.S. Now, with the addition of Oreca to the program we can provide better service to our customers abroad.”
Hugues de Chaunac, president of Oreca commented, “We’re excited about our relationship with Saleen. For over a quarter of a century Oreca has been helping major car manufacturers win. We anticipate that Saleen the S7R will be one of our most ambitious and successful programs.”
Historically, the S7R has dominated racetracks worldwide. In 2001, the S7R performed flawlessly at the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring race taking home the win. The S7R later set a new track record at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans. By the end of 2001, the S7R also resulted in an additional 4 championships — 2 in Europe, and 2 in the U.S. To date the S7 has 50 wins, and over 60 pole positions in races around the world.
“We’re looking forward to this is a new chapter in the S7R’s racing heritage,” added Steve Saleen.
The Saleen S7R race program schedule is to be announced.
About Saleen
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 include research, design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities, as well as the coating/paint division. Saleen also has manufacturing facilities 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.
By: N.A. on December 13, 2005
Original Article: LINCOLNSHIRE ECHO
The Balfe Motorsport Team will graduate to the GT1 class of the FIA GT Championship next season after taking delivery of a 750 horse-power Saleen S7R chassis.
Shaun Balfe will be one of the drivers with the second seat in the car yet to be filled.
“It’s been a tough few months making the decisions to move to GT1,” said Newark Glass-backed Balfe.
“We had an incredible debut season in the FIA GT Championship with the Mosler this year.
“Whatever we chose for next year, we wanted to move forward. To score points is a must for me and it’s also what the team wants too. The move into GT1 will be tough. But it’s what we at Balfe Motorsport have always enjoyed.”
The battle for the title this year has proved the level of competition is fierce. As a driver, Balfe admits he is relishing the challenge of the GT1 class. From a team perspective though, he knows it will be a tough challenge in 2006.
“We know everyone in the team is revved up for next season,” he said. “From a driving point of view, it will add a little bit more pressure and it’s certainly going to be the toughest year of my racing career so far.”
The team has already taken delivery of the car and plan on a small test to allow Balfe to reacquaint himself with a GT1 machine before a complete rebuild over the winter months.
American Supercar Manufacturer Brings Ultra-High Performance Cars To Japan
Tokyo, JAPAN, October 15, 2005 – Tokyo Auto Show: Saleen, Inc., the American-based highperformance specialty automotive manufacturer (www.saleen.com), is proud to be part of this year’s auto show in Tokyo, Japan.
“We expect Japan to realize what America has come to understand – that every Saleen comes with extreme performance and expressive styling. And, that being a Saleen owner gives the Japanese people something special – it provides them exclusivity unrivaled in the automotive community,” said Steve Saleen, president and CEO of Saleen, Inc. “We understand that the Japanese seek out quality, performance and longevity in the autos that they drive. Since we’ve been designing, engineering and manufacturing specialty vehicles for nearly twenty-five years, Saleen is a company centered on building top performing cars – cars that the Japanese market are sure to love.”
With optimistic car sales in Japan, buyers look for unique products and extreme performance – Saleen offers the best of both worlds. The Saleen S281 Mustang is uniquely styled and offers phenomenal performance, while the Saleen S7 supercar boasts to be the world’s fastest streetlegal production car.
Saleen is set to offer a discerning Japan market with Saleen’s attention to quality and performance. Saleen offers a rare combination of sophisticated styling with cutting edge performance technology engineered in every Saleen certified vehicle.
Saleen is equally proud to announce a new partnership with Blue Flame as a distributor of the Saleen S7 and S281 Saleen Mustang. In announcing this new partnership, Steve Saleen states, “We’re honored to have established a business relationship with Blue Flame. This relationship has already enabled numerous Saleen vehicles to be imported to Japan and we look forward to providing aftermarket parts and accessories by way of Blue Flame. This relationship answers the need for the Japanese car enthusiasts to get behind the wheel of the world’s top performing cars. Each and every 2006 Saleen S281 Mustang blends power with advanced suspension technology. Add Saleen’s styling which is shaped by the wind and car buyers have an exceptional competitive breed of high-performance cars.”
Saleen S281 4.6 Liter, 3-Valve Coupe
The 2006 Saleen S281 3-Valve Coupe comes equipped with a tire smoking 330 bhp. The Saleen S281 does not stop there as the Saleen’s S281 lower differential gear ratio of 3.73:1 delivers more off-the-line quickness and thrill-seeking responsiveness. The combination of aggressive power and performance run deep in the heritage of Saleen. Quarter window design trim and a leather-wrapped billet aluminum gear shift knob furthers the new 2006 design attributes that are just part of the distinctive styling available only on Saleen’s S281. The Saleen S281’s Racecraft suspension continues the legacy of the S281.
Saleen’s S281 4.6 Liter, 3-Valve Supercharged
Incredible performance is standard in the Saleen S281 supercharged coupe because the car comes equipped with 435 bhp. The engine offers 420 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM and the Saleen Racecraft suspension provides a standard Saleen 14” brake system. Every Saleen is an investment in quality and performance that makes sense for those who truly love to drive and have a passion for life.
S281 Coupe and Convertible Make Driving a Head-Turning Experience
The Saleen S281 3-valve, the S281 supercharged coupe, and the S281 supercharged convertible provide the ultimate in driving pleasure. Every Saleen comes standard with flawless aerodynamic styling which is another expressive benchmark that the Saleen brand is known for.
With an extensive list of standard features, the S281 supercharged coupe and the S281 supercharged convertible make for the perfect answer to fulfill the intoxicating infatuation that runs deep into every high performance car enthusiast.
“As Blue Flame is our first distributor in Japan, our goal is to establish additional certified dealerships within the East and to have Saleens seen on the street – not as often as Toyota or Honda – but as a head-turner – as it is in America,” commented Steve Saleen.
October 5, 2005 – Anaheim, CA – California International Auto Show: Saleen Inc., the high-performance specialty automobile manufacturer, announced today that all 2006 Saleen models now come with more horsepower under the hood and additional performance for car enthusiasts.
By continuing to improve design, engineering and manufacturing processes, Saleen continues to answer the call from those who have come to expect power and performance from the specialty auto manufacturer. Each and every 2006 Saleen S281 joins a unique blend of highly-engineered engine and advanced suspension technology. Add Saleen styling that is shaped by the wind, and you have an exceptional competitive breed of high-performance cars.
“Saleen is made from racing and we’ve been designing and manufacturing vehicles for nearly a quarter of a century. Couple these characteristics together and it explains why we’re able to get more power and performance from our S281s – and that’s why our vehicles continue to answer the demands of those who live for performance and speed,” said, Steve Saleen, president and CEO.
Adrenaline Producing S281 4.6 Liter, 3-Valve Coupe
The 2006 Saleen S281 3-Valve Coupe jumps to an accelerating 330 bhp. The Saleen S281 does not stop there. Saleen’s S281 lower differential gear ratio of 3.73:1 delivers more off-the-line quickness and thrill-seeking responsiveness than ever before. The combination of aggressive power and performance run deep in the heritage of Saleen. Quarter window design trim and billet aluminum gear shift knob furthers the design attributes that are just part of the distinctive styling available only on a Saleen S281. The Saleen 281’s Racecraft suspension continues the legacy with new features at a base price of $42,281.
S281 4.6 Liter, 3-Valve Supercharged Awakens the Senses
Incredible performance is standard in the Saleen S281 supercharged coupe because in 2006 the car rips at 435 bhp. The engine offers 420 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM and the Saleen Racecraft suspension provides a standard Saleen 14″ brake system. Together it’s an investment in quality that makes sense for those who truly love to drive and have a passion for life. S281 Coupe and Convertible Make Driving a Head-Turning Experience The Saleen S281 3-valve and S281 supercharged coupe and S281 supercharged convertible provide the ultimate in driving pleasure. Every Saleen comes standard with flawless aerodynamic styling which is another expressive benchmark that Saleen has become known for.
With an extensive list of standard features, the S281 supercharged coupe is priced at $51,102 and the S281 supercharged convertible is priced at $55,989 – making them the perfect answer to fulfill the intoxicating infatuation that runs deep into every performance car enthusiast.
Now Introducing For 2006 – Saleen Scenic Roof & Saleen Speedster
October 5, 2005 – Anaheim, CA – California International Auto Show: Saleen, Inc., the specialty automobile manufacturer that puts the Power In The Hands Of A Few, presents Saleen Cool Tops.
The Cool Tops line begins with the 2006 S281 coupe, with the new, sleek Saleen Scenic Roof. Surrounding all the vehicle’s passengers, the Scenic Roof gracefully extends from the front windshield to the back window. The Scenic Roof captures nature’s unsurpassed beauty by protecting its passengers from the weather’s elements, all while allowing them to experience the seasons in full bloom.
The spectacular Scenic Roof captures sunrise to starlight views while eliminating howling winds that are often created by standard moon-roofs. And, because the Scenic Roof is engineered as part of the car, it remains stationary and never moves up and down like conventional convertibles. The glass itself is laminate safety glass with UV ray protection. The Scenic Roof is sure to provide a unique driving experience that is unmatched by previous innovations, and will be in production by January 2006.
For those who still love the wind through their hair, the latest Saleen offering is the 2006 Saleen Speedster, which offers a beautifully designed tonneau for ease of use in addition to the sport bar. Painted in matching Saleen colors, the sport bar and the tonneau offers a complimentary design to the already aggressive Saleen styling. The S281 Speedster will be available by November 2005.
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.”
Who: Steve Saleen, racing hero and founder of Saleen, Inc., the specialty vehicle manufacturer of the Saleen S281 Mustang, the N2O Focus, and the S7 supercar.
What: Steve Saleen has lived the dream of auto enthusiasts. He has modified, raced, and won with vehicles at various levels of auto racing. Now, Saleen manufactures the world’s fastest production vehicle — the 750 hp S7, a vehicle featured in the movie “Bruce Almighty,” starring Jim Carrey. Saleen, who knows how to design and create the demand for more horsepower with clean, aggressive styling, will be at the Woodward Dream Cruise. He will have a number of his world-famous cars on display in Birmingham, such as the powerful Saleen S281 Supercharged Mustang.
When: Saturday, August 20, 2005
Where: Steve Saleen will be appearing at Shain Park in downtown Birmingham signing autographs from 11am-1pm; and later at Papa Joe’s from 3pm-5pm.
Background on Steve Saleen:
Steve Saleen holds 13 SCCA Formula Atlantic Championship records and won the 1991 SCCA Race Truck Championship in a Ford Ranger. Saleen has also tested his racing skills in the SCCA Trans-Am Championship and the CART/PPG Indy Car series.
In 1984, Steve Saleen formed Saleen Autosport and improved the performance and look of the Mustang. Shortly after Saleen Autosport was formed, he completed his first Saleen. Proving that his design and performance could hold its own with the world’s best sports cars, Saleen brought home a win at the grueling 24-hour race in Mosport, Canada.
Saleen has also introduced designs of the Explorer and Focus. Saleen unveiled the Saleen S7 supercar — the world’s fastest production car.
By: JOHN GITTELSOHN on July 17, 2005
Original Article: ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, THE (SANTA ANA, CA)
Who’ll Drive What?
Jul. 17–The Legislature adjourned for its month-long summer recess, and many lawmakers plan to spend their breaks serving constituents in their districts.
You might see them on the road in vehicles leased for them by the state. Call it a perk of power, although lawmakers do have to pay part of the lease costs. The rules say their choices are limited to U.S. brands or foreign-made hybrids.
MATCH THE LAWMAKER TO THE CAR
1. Sen. Dick Ackerman, R-Irvine
2. Sen. John Campbell, R-Irvine
3. Sen. Joe Dunn, D-Santa Ana
4. Sen. Bob Margett, R-Arcadia
5. Sen. Bill Morrow, R-Oceanside
6. Assemblyman Rudy Bermdez, D-Norwalk
7. Assemblywoman Lynn Daucher, R-Brea
8. Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, R-Irvine
9. Assemblyman Tom Harman, R-Huntington Beach
10. Assemblyman Bob Huff, R-Diamond Bar
11. Assemblyman Todd Spitzer, R-Orange
12. Assemblyman Van Tran, R-Westminster
13. Assemblyman Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana
14. Assemblywoman Mimi Walters, R-Laguna Niguel
A. 2005 Ford Mustang Saleen, $41,488
B. 2005 Cadillac CTS, $41,326
C. 2005 Cadillac CTS, $37,500
D. 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, $32,000
E. 2003 GMC Yukon SLT 2WD, $38,259
F. 2004 Chevy Silverado Pickup, $37,860
G. 2005 Chrysler 300 Touring, $29,738
H. 2003 Toyota Prius, $22,122
I. 2004 Ford Explorer, $27,785
J. 2005 Ford Explorer, $38,310
K. 2003 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer, $37,069
L. 2005 Chrysler 300M Sedan, $35,158
M. No vehicle (Hint: Two answers)
March 22, 2005 – The most powerful factory-built Ford Mustang in history will take to the street next year, following a unique collaboration between performance car legend Carroll Shelby and the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT).
Ford took the wraps off the 450-plus horsepower Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 show car at the New Year International Auto Show March 23. Designed in the unmistakable image of Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s, the Shelby Cobra GT500 melds SVT’s modern engineering with the big-block performance that made the original GT500 the king of the road.
“The all-new 2005 Ford Mustang is one of the hottest cars in many years,” says Phil Martens, Ford group vice president, Product Creation. “Its chassis was engineered from the beginning to be the basis of a high-performance, world-class sports car from SVT, and the Shelby Cobra GT500 is it.”
Carroll Shelby lends his support to SVT, adapting his earlier role as a senior adviser on the “Dream Team” that was assembled to develop and build the 2005 Ford GT. “I’ve worked with the SVT guys for several years now, and I know they have the guts, the talent and the passion to deliver the best performance Mustangs ever,” says Shelby.
A production version of the GT500 will go on sale in 2006, continuing the high-performance lineage of the SVT Mustang Cobra model line. It will be followed by a steady stream of performance products developed by SVT, possibly including a version of the production-intent Sport Trac Adrenalin, the industry’s first performance sport-utility truck.
“SVT led the modern-day factory performance trend with the Mustang Cobra and the industry’s first high-performance truck, the F-150 Lightning,” says Hau Thai-Tang, director, Ford Advanced Product Creation and SVT. “Today, we’re building on that pioneering vision with vehicles like the Ford GT, Shelby Cobra GT500 and Sport Trac Adrenalin – great performance machines that connect with enthusiasts in a way no other companies or vehicles can match.”
The production GT500 will be the first in a string of specialty Mustangs that SVT will help deliver. This will create Ford Motor Company’s – and one of the industry’s – broadest product portfolio, stretching from under $20,000 for the V-6 Mustang coupe to the 450-plus-horsepower GT500, each offering performance and value.
The GT500 and the production-intent Sport Trac Adrenalin teaser accelerate the wave of momentum at SVT since the launch of the 2005 Ford GT supercar. SVT also now will develop non-SVT branded Ford Division performance vehicles – including heritage-based performance Mustangs in the spirit of the 2001 Bullitt GT and 2003 Mach 1 – as it becomes more directly integrated into Ford’s mainstream product development process.
Shelby Cobra GT500’s supercharged 5.4-liter DOHC V-8 produces over 450 hp
Just as the original Shelby GT500 was the “step up” to big-block power from the GT350, the new Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 steps up to Ford’s 5.4-liter “MOD” V-8. The result? The GT500 is the most powerful factory Mustang ever. Its supercharged 5.4-liter, 32-valve V-8 evolves from SVT’s experience with supercharging the “MOD” engine to deliver more than 450 horsepower and 450 foot-pounds of torque.
The cast-iron-block, four-valve engine is force-fed an air-and-fuel mixture via a screw-type supercharger at 8.5 pounds per square inch of boost. Aluminum cylinder heads, piston rings and bearings sourced from the Ford GT program bring a high level of proven durability to the drivetrain, while upgraded cooling components promise longevity. “Powered by SVT” camshaft covers are the finishing touch to the engine.
“This version of the 5.4-liter V-8 has a higher horsepower rating than any other factory Mustang in history,” says Jay O’Connell, SVT chief vehicle engineer. “It really delivers on the essence of two great names in Ford performance – a mix of SVT’s modern-day experience with supercharging and the Shelby GT500’s heritage of big-block power.”
The engine has been further tuned from its first application in a Mustang, the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R, a limited edition model of 300 units.
Helping to put the power of the GT500’s supercharged V-8 to the pavement is a T-56 six-speed manual gearbox. The evenly spaced gears mean less stirring is needed to find the “sweet spot” in keeping the revs “on cam” for power to pass, while at the same time making the most of the engine’s broad torque curve. The heavy-duty transmission has proven itself a willing companion to V-8 power in Mustangs in both road and track environments, including the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R, 2004 SVT Mustang Cobra and the new race-winning Ford Racing Mustang FR500C.
Great power requires great control
The great Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s were anything but one-trick ponies. They earned their stripes on twisty roads and race tracks across America and Europe. The Shelby Cobra GT500 show car continues that legacy of all-around performance.
The GT500 starts with the solid 2005 Mustang underpinnings. The all-new Mustang’s platform was designed from the beginning with performance derivatives in mind, providing an exceptionally rigid, well-engineered starting point for SVT chassis engineers.
Using real-world experience gained during more than 12 years of building great-handling SVT Mustang Cobras, SVT engineers retune and upgrade key chassis components. Improvements such as revised shocks, spring rates and upgraded stabilizer bars help the GT500 stop and turn with the same authority as it goes.
The GT500 features a MacPherson strut independent front suspension with “Reverse L” lower control arms, and a solid-axle, three-link rear suspension with coil springs and a Panhard rod for precise control of the rear axle.
This rear suspension design has been validated on the track by Ford Racing. The race-prepared Ford Racing Mustang FR500C was purpose-built from the base 2005 Mustang body structure and suspension geometry to run in the Grand-Am Cup series, a class of road racing for production-based cars. Competing against the best from Germany and Japan, a Mustang FR500C competed in and won its first ever race in the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway in February 2005.
“SVT and Ford Racing will be working closer than ever as we go forward on future projects, especially Mustangs,” says Thai-Tang, a Ford Racing alumnus who served as the race engineer for the Newman-Haas Racing team in 1993. “The Mustang FR500C racing program is an exact demonstration of the capability we engineered into the mainstream Mustang to be capable of. Now, we have both a Daytona victory and the return of the Shelby Cobra GT500 to showcase Mustang performance possibilities.”
To match this power and handling ability, SVT fitted some of the biggest brakes in the business to the GT500. Fourteen-inch cross-drilled Brembo rotors up front and 13-inch discs in the rear continue SVT’s legacy of great-braking Mustangs. Secure footing is provided by 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance tires.
The snake is back – Legendary looks with SVT function
The Shelby Cobra GT500 combines the dramatic design genes of the all-new Mustang with Carroll Shelby’s legendary performance image to create an SVT Mustang that broadens the power brand’s design approach and appeal.
“The restrained, performance-oriented SVT design theme has become instantly recognizable to enthusiasts without brash styling cues,” says Doug Gaffka, design director, Ford SVT vehicles. “The GT500 takes a huge leap forward by combining the modern Mustang muscle car with the classic Shelby performance look to expand SVT’s reach to a much bigger audience.”
The 2005 Mustang design team drew inspiration from classic Shelby Mustangs, the models that transformed the mild-mannered pony car into a muscle car with attitude. Envisioning an SVT model, the team tested GT500 design cues on the Mustang GT coupe concept that was unveiled at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. In 2004, designers further developed the GT500 look on the Mustang GT-R, a race-bred concept with the dual purpose of foreshadowing SVT’s Mustang design direction and Ford Racing’s plans to return Mustang to road racing.
The GT500 now comes into full light, punctuated by the classic LeMans-style white stripes that race along the top of the show car’s “SVT Red” paint from nose to tail. The stripes recall the Shelby Mustangs that marked another
important 1960’s Mustang transition when Ford put it on the track to becoming a racing legend. The GT500 nomenclature is prominent in the lower bodyside racing stripe, another cue from the classic Shelby Mustangs.
“The new Mustang has classic design cues from some of the best-looking Mustangs of all-time, including the Shelbys,” says Keith Rogman, Mustang senior designer. “The design of the GT500 has been at the forefront of our minds since the outset of the entire Mustang program.”
The Shelby design elements alone are enough to tell the GT500 story but are not the only visual cues that set this Mustang apart. The reworked front fascia features a functional air splitter and the unique hood has heat-extraction ducts, combining to provide improved airflow and aerodynamics. Revised headlamp insets offer a more aggressive look and result in symmetrical upper and lower grilles with large air openings, creating a visual connection to vintage Shelby Mustangs.
The unique rear fascia features strakes inspired by the Ford GT’s integrated rear airflow diffuser, and a rear spoiler reminiscent of a classic GT500. To mark the collaboration of two Mustang performance icons, the GT500 features Shelby and SVT badging.
Continuing the snake logo tradition of past-generation SVT Mustang Cobras, as well as late-model Shelby Mustangs, the fenders each feature an updated design of the Cobra. For the first time on any SVT Mustang, the front grille features an off-center snake in place of the standard running horse. “GT500” is emblazoned inside the side rocker stripes, and the name “SHELBY” is prominently featured across the rear deck. The SVT logo can be seen on the wheel center caps, a signature SVT location, as well as on the doorsill plates. To top if off, the “gas cap” medallion between the taillights reads “Shelby GT500” centered on the Cobra image.
The interior is completely wrapped in ebony black leather, including the top of the dash, door panels and center arm rest. Also wrapped in ebony leather are the shift lever, shift boot and parking-brake handle. SVT Red leather seat and door panel inserts provide a marked contrast to the rest of the leather-trimmed cabin, surrounding the performance enthusiast with luxury and comfort. Snake logos embroidered into the seat backs finish the package.
“We’ve taken leather design trends to a new level by using it on almost every exposed surface in the GT500,” says Rogman. “Leather has long been a performance fashion accessory for enthusiasts, from jackets to racing gloves, so it perfectly matches all the other driving oriented cues.”
The Shelby GT500 script and Cobra image are repeated on the steering wheel cap. Behind the wheel are titanium-faced gauges swapped in location so that the tachometer is dominant visually for the driver. The chrome accessories inside the cabin have been replaced with a satin aluminum finish, including the aluminum shift lever knob that is nicely positioned for quick, positive shifts of the six-speed transmission.
SVT and Shelby: The Legends Grow
With the look and legend one would expect from Carroll Shelby and the kind of power and performance enthusiasts have come to expect from SVT, the GT500 show car points to a brand new era in Ford Motor Company’s performance future. “Carroll Shelby is truly a living automotive legend, a Ford performance legend,” says Martens. “It’s a dream come true to be able to put the Shelby name on a Mustang again.”
Carroll Shelby first put his name on a Mustang back in 1964 when he was asked to inject some high performance into the brand-new pony car. The result was the GT350R, a lightweight, handling-focused race car that earned the Mustang its first performance credentials. Subsequent Shelby Mustangs included a street version of the race car, the GT350, and what was known as the “rent-a-racer” Mustang, the GT350H, a joint project with the Hertz rental car corporation.
The ultimate Shelby Mustang of the era was the GT500KR, or “King of the Road.” Powered by a big block 428-cubic inch “Cobra Jet” V-8, the GT500KR was one of the most powerful, and memorable, muscle cars of that period. Shelby Mustang production ceased in 1970 with a total volume of 14,559 units.
The Ford Special Vehicle Team brought performance back to Mustang in 1993. After 12 years and with nearly 80,000 high-performance Mustangs on the streets, and a total SVT vehicle production nearing 145,000 vehicles, SVT is primed for growth with the GT500 serving as the foundation for other performance Mustang projects.
By bringing together Carroll Shelby and Ford SVT, the company’s commitment to performance becomes as powerful as at any time in its history – including the famed “Total Performance” days of the 1960s. From the Ford GT supercar, the GT500, to a rejuvenated Ford Racing Performance Parts program – performance and racing adds luster to its proud brand heritage.
“SVT has been and will remain the leader in performance vehicle engineering and marketing,” says Martens. “SVT remains unique in offering the total performance experience. The return of Carroll Shelby to our performance family only strengthens our firepower.”
By: AMY WILSON on March 7, 2005
Original Article: AUTOMOTIVE NEWS., VOL. 79 ISSUE 6137
Dateline: DETROIT —
A management upheaval is unfolding at the supplier that operates the Ford GT assembly plant.
Rich Rinke, the 43-year-old COO at Saleen Inc., is out. CEO Steve Saleen fired Rinke in late January and several other employees in late February.
Saleen Inc. is best known as a West Coast Mustang tuner. But with its experience building the Saleen S7 supercar, the company was tapped by Ford Motor Co. to assemble the GT sports car.
Steve Saleen and Ford say the management changes are not related to the GT program or any of the quality glitches that the sports car has experienced. They also say the changes have not affected GT production, which is rolling again after a seven-week shutdown because of a recalled part.
In an interview last week, Steve Saleen downplayed the significance of the shakeup. “The facts are we made some management changes,” he said. “None of them affected the GT.”
But the terminations did involve employees who had been involved with the GT project.
GT players
Saleen hired Rinke, who is part of a Detroit-area car dealership family, in 2002 after Ford executives recommended him.
Rinke supervised Saleen’s conversion of a former door factory in Troy, Mich., into a mini-assembly plant. The 180,000-square-foot plant paints and assembles every GT, a five-day process. The plant recently began building the Saleen Mustang. Saleen ships the GTs to Ford’s Wixom, Mich., assembly plant for installation of the engine, transmission, seats and interior trim.
Steve Saleen acknowledges that Rinke did a good job setting up the Troy plant. Early in the program, Rinke even worked on prototype GT body panels in his home workshop.
Rinke said that he was fired in part because he requested a medical leave to deal with a family illness. Rinke also said Steve Saleen was punishing him for a dispute over business practices.
Steve Saleen declined to explain why he fired Rinke and several other employees. On Feb. 23, Saleen fired Joe Tori, the general manager of his GT assembly plant.
Tori, 47, worked for Saleen for a year and took over supervision of the assembly plant last fall. Ford executive Hau Thai-Tang called Tori “one of the key guys” at the plant.
Tori said that Steve Saleen told him he was fired in part for failure to meet financial and production goals on the GT project. Tori said his team had hit all of those targets.
New manager
In the wake of the firings, Saleen promoted Brian Walsh, general manager of its Irvine, Calif., plant, to oversee the Troy plant. Walsh started at Saleen less than a year ago.
Before joining Saleen, Walsh had no automotive manufacturing experience. But Walsh has managed production lines in other industries, most recently at appliance maker Thermador, Saleen said.
Thai-Tang, director of Ford’s Special Vehicle Team with oversight of the GT program, said Ford is comfortable with Steve Saleen’s management abilities and the team still in Troy.
“I’m interested in the results and not so much who’s back there in the kitchen stirring the pot,” Thai-Tang said. “That’s Steve’s call.”
Ford has some employees in the plant to monitor Saleen’s daily GT production. After its recall-related shutdown, the plant resumed maximum production capacity during the week of Feb. 28 — ahead of schedule. The plant produces nine GTs a day.
Tori said Saleen’s future with Ford’s niche car projects depends on its management of the GT program.
He said: “Opportunities like the GT don’t come along that often.”
LOS ANGELES, March 7 — Dunlop Tires announced today that it has been selected to supply two high-powered Saleen Inc. limited-edition performance cars.
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 275/35R20 tires will be standard equipment on the 4.6-liter, 325-horsepower Saleen Mustang S281 coupe, convertible and speedster models, Dunlop said. This is the first original-equipment fitment for the SP Sport Maxx tire.
To cater to the sport compact-car tuner market, Saleen’s nitrous- compatible Focus N2O features European rally car styling and agile, nimble performance. The sport compact will ride on Dunlop SP Sport FM901 tires, 215/40R17 on the front and 215/45R17 on the rear.
Andy Traicoff, director of Dunlop consumer tire marketing, said Saleen and Dunlop both “target ‘in-the-know’ drivers, who share passion for their performance vehicles and the driving experience.
“They know the differences between performance cars and performance tires. They understand the importance of lap times, 0-to-60 mph acceleration, g forces in a slalom and braking capability.
“Enthusiasts understand that it’s not just a Mustang. It’s a Saleen Mustang. It’s not just a Focus. It’s a Saleen Focus. And they understand that not all performance tires are created equal,” Traicoff said.
Saleen founder and president, Steve Saleen said, “I have a tremendous passion for cars, for racing cars and for driving. It’s not just the need for speed; it’s the thrill of driving a fast car. Saleen and Dunlop are a perfect fit.”
For 20 years, Saleen has transformed the southern California tradition of car performance building into a science. His manufacturing business has developed a system of mass customization. And many of his cars find their way into the movies, such as his Saleen Mustangs in 2 Fast 2 Furious and Hollywood Homicide.
Dunlop’s Traicoff said the brand’s flagship ultra-performance tire — the SP Sport Maxx — on the Saleen Mustang “enables drivers to experience pure racing-inspired technology every day.”
The SP Sport FM901 ultra-performance tires on the Focus N2O are engineered specifically for sport compact performance cars. The tire’s extreme directional tread pattern and wide tread profile provide exceptional handling, grip, even treadwear and a radical appearance that’s well suited for driving enthusiasts, Traicoff said.
Dunlop, a global tire brand for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company , has an excellent reputation among performance car enthusiasts. Well known for its prestigious original-equipment fitments, Dunlop is also a key supplier to sport compact enthusiasts featuring “tuner” tire sizes and race series sponsorships. For more on Dunlop tires, go to http://www.dunloptires.com/ .
Saleen vehicles can be purchased through authorized Saleen dealers. Each Saleen comes with serialized console and engine bay plaques that verify the authenticity of the vehicle. For more information, visit http://www.saleen.com/ .
