Tag Archives: News

CAR DEALERSHIP FILES SUIT AGAINST NET COORDINATOR

By: HUGH R. MORLEY on December 2, 2009
Original Article: RECORD, THE (HACKENSACK, NJ)

Dec. 2 – A Clifton Ford dealership that hired an Internet coordinator to boost its online marketing strategy says he instead hurt the company’s image by vandalizing the Web site.

A lawsuit filed by Fette Ford Inc. against the former coordinator, Robert Brandoff, says he used insider knowledge and passwords learned on the job to deface the Web site after the company terminated his employment.

Brandoff, of Pearl River, N.Y., posted “numerous expletives” and defamatory statements about the dealership on the site, disconnected e-mail links and altered car prices, the suit filed in U.S. District Court in Newark says.

The changes prompted some customers to visit the dealership looking to buy vehicles at the altered prices, the suit says. In one case, according to the suit, Brandoff changed an advertisement to offer a 2007 Mustang Saleen Coupe at $40,000 less than the manufacturer’s recommended price, for $19,995.

As a result, the dealership suffered “great financial and economic injury in amounts that are continuing,” the suit says, adding that Brandoff “significantly and irreparably damaged” the company’s reputation.

Brandoff could not be reached for comment. Fette Ford and its attorney, Jack T. Spinella of Paramus, did not return a request for comment.

The suit accuses Brandoff of fraud, violating the state Computer Related Offenses Act and conversion, or taking ownership of someone else’s property.

The suit asks the court to stop the former coordinator from doing further damage, and seeks compensation.

Fette Ford says it hired Brandoff in February 2008, after Internet sales increased the year before. The dealership terminated him 10 months later, according to the suit, which gives no reason for his departure.

Six months after that, and three days after Brandoff visited Fette Ford and talked with former co-workers, a customer told the dealership that its Web site carried defamatory statements about the company and displayed altered prices, the suit says.

Four months later, the dealership discovered that numerous e-mail links on the site had been changed, effectively shutting down features that were the “backbone” of the marketing campaign — such as those that enabled visitors to ask for information and price quotes, the suit says.

Fette Ford investigated the changes, and referred the matter to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office. Investigators there identified the Internet address of the person who made the changes and subpoenaed records, confirming that it was Brandoff, the suit says.

The Prosecutor’s Office said it referred the case to the Clifton Police Department. A spokesman there said the department does not expect to file charges.

[Source: Record, The]

2010 S281 SEMA DISPLAY

From our friends at Saleen Performance Vehicles.

Team SPV
Team SPV

[Source: Saleen Performance Vehicles]

2010 SALEEN S281: DYNAMIC IN FORM AND FUNCTION

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Nov. 4, 2009 – Saleen Performance Vehicles today unveiled the first in its 2010 premiere line of high-performance cars, the 2010 Saleen S281. The introduction took place at the annual SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This is the second Saleen vehicle launched this year, following the 2010 435S introduced in August.

The S281, based on the 2010 Ford Mustang, displays a premium level of design consideration, both exterior and interior, with performance to match. It builds on the Saleen tradition of offering limited-edition, high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts who are looking for an exhilarating driving experience, with refined driveability for real-world road conditions.

“For more than 25 years the Saleen name has stood for excellence in design, engineering, and driving dynamics,” said Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles. “The new S281 is an excellent example of what those words mean when we craft concepts into real cars. Our team has done a terrific job; I’m proud of them and proud to be offering this car to our customers.”

The S281′s exterior design features carefully crafted sculptural detailing, with lines and forms that flow naturally and suggest suppleness, power and agility. It features an understated yet imposing grille and front fascia, and a refined treatment of the familiar Saleen extended rear fascia and trunk lid with a simple, elegant, integrated wing.

“Our goal was to create the most visually enticing American sports car ever,” said David Byron, design director at Saleen Performance Vehicles. “Ford provided the perfect launching pad with the 2010 Mustang, which allowed our team to create a car that’s world class and authentically Saleen. We painstakingly toiled over every bend and break in the body and every stitch and fold in the interior.”

The S281′s 4.6-liter V8 engine is equipped with a Saleen Series VI.5 twin-screw supercharger and dual-stage intercooler. It produces 485 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, sent to the rear wheels through a short-throw, five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential with 3.73:1 final drive ratio.

The Saleen Racecraft suspension system is new, and includes specially tuned, single-rate front and rear springs; nitrogen-pressurized front struts and rear shocks with a wide range of damping adjustments; and a specially tuned front sway bar with performance pivot bushings.

The interior features new, leather sport seats with Ultra-Suede inserts, highlighted by chevron-like Ultra-Suede red tabs in the seatback bolsters, and unique treatments of the gauges, steering wheel, center console and shifter. There also are contrasting Saleen logos in the door panels, and Saleen logos in the door sill plates that illuminate when the door is opened.

Additional exterior highlights include unique, 20-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso high-performance tires, and Saleen S281 Supercharged fender badging.

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SEMA 2009 COVERAGE

From Jarred Williams.

Dear SOEC members,

Not too sure where to start except to say that SEMA was by far my best car experience. I spent the past couple days with Ford Motor Company, and the Advertising Manager of Automobile Magazine, Patrick Cannon (Source Interlink Media Group). It was quite a unique experience as I was under assignment to collect footage and amateur photos of the event and speak to my experience. I was fortunate enough to share it with my best friend (and fellow Saleen owner, Chris Jones) and he too was shocked by the large crowds and the plethora of modded vehicles (mostly Camaro’s, lol). We met and spoke with many great people and admired all of the over-the-top displays that showcased their products.

The day had started with an editor from Automobile Magazine, going over the itinerary for the day. The specific assignment was to compile footage for a contest sponsored by Ford Motor Company. The footage would then be featured to compete against other submissions by other guests of Ford Motor Company and Automobile Magazine. Our first priority was speaking to Jess Albright and David Byron about the launch of their new product, the Saleen S281. We were able to set up a video interview with David to inform us about the all new S-line, as well as the 435S. Both vehicles were quite impressive and it was exciting to see that the S-line was remaining true to it’s heritage, inspired by none other than Steve Saleen. It was also exciting to see that Saleen had a very passionate bunch working hard to bring a quality vehicle to market. The all-new S281 is nothing short of amazing with it’s Octane Red custom color amongst other features that make this “Unmistakably Saleen”.

We were also able to break away to get a signature by Steve Saleen at the SMS booth. During the signing, my cohort explained how his late Saleen #20 ’04 S281SC, was totaled when Steve began to entice Chris into a future SMS product. We were able to speak with Steve Atneyel about the engineering involved in the new line. The parts line-up are grade A quality with some of visual designs by none other than Phil Frank. Steve is on the right track with this new product line. SMS.

The rest of the day was spent taking footage of different press conferences and conversing with the Marketing Director for the Ford Mustang. We were able to hear what went into making the all new 2010 Mustang, as well as give constructive feedback and/or insight into the future of the vehicle. It was very exciting to hear Fords (undisclosed) upcoming plans for the Ford Focus RS and hopes of it coming to the US soon. During the event, we were able to see all the different styles of Mustangs coming to market such as Steeda’s Mustang and Vaughn Gittin’s unique design. We had the opportunity to interview Daniel Verlarde who was the winner of the ’10 Unleashed Mustang. You may have seen his ad’s featured in Motor Trend with the tattoo on his arm, (created by L.A. Ink) transferred to his Mustang. Ford also pushed the excitement of the all-new SVT Raptor and various upgraded models (including R and XT models). There was a simulator at the Ford Booth that put you in the seat of an SVT Raptor on a dirt track. It was intense at times but none-the-less, great fun!

Wrapping up the day included unloading all of our footage and photos to an editor and going around collecting autographs from various stars of SEMA. Although we spent most of the day collecting information from exhibitors, we did enjoy playing Forza Motorsport 3 at the “Turn 10 Studios” booth. The simulator put you in the driving seat of a custom made XBOX setup with steering wheel and pedals. An experience completely different from the typical wireless controller that comes with the XBOX 360. Me and my cohort were not able to compete directly with each other at this booth however, Hyundai had a nice little setup of an XBOX station featuring Forza 3 with their own “Genesis” coupe. You of course had the option to change your vehicle and track to your liking.

Last but not the least, Ford created a test track with drivers from Bondurant Racing (located in AZ). There were Ford Fiesta’s galore for invited guests to drive and observe. We were fortunate enough to drive the manual model through the track; testing braking, body roll and acceleration. The Euro-only model comes with Ford’s new Sync, as well as a promising fuel economy to compete with the likes of Toyota and Honda hybrid models.

It was great to see what SEMA exhibitors go through to get their product to market quickly. The SEMA brand allows for creative competition and encouraged a wealth of knowledge amongst buyers and the media. It’s impossible to leave the show not wanting to attend again and again. WOW! I will not ever forget the amazing experience I had and hope to attend the 2010 SEMA show!

[Source: Jarred Williams]

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SMS 296 SUPERCHARGER WITH DUO-PATH INDUCTION FOR 2010 4.6L MUSTANG UNVEILED AT SEMA

Las Vegas, NV – November 3 – SOEC/Saleen Forums News — At the opening day of the 2009 SEMA Show, Steve M. Saleen and his SMS Supercars unveils the production version of the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System for the 2010 Mustang featuring the efficient SMS Duo-Path™ Induction (patent pending).

With over 30 years of racing and supercharger experience, Steve M. Saleen and the SMS design team have partnered with the leaders in the industry to create the ultimate solution for performance enthusiasts with their innovative SMS 296 Supercharger™ System. The new supercharger is able to boost under-hood horsepower by up to 45% in a variety of engine configurations. The SMS 296 Supercharger™ System is standard on the 475- and 650-horsepower 2010 SMS 460 Mustang, the 500- and 700-hp 2010 SMS 570 Challenger and the 550- to 750-hp 2010 SMS 620 Camaro. The system can also be ordered separately and installed into existing vehicles through SMS Superparts, Steve Saleen’s Performance Parts Division.

The SMS 296 Supercharger™ System is the eighth generation supercharger system to grace the engine bay of a Steve Saleen vehicle. This modular system is designed to fit a wide variety of modern vehicles and engines including Dodge Challenger R/T and SRT8, Chrysler 300, Charger R/T and SRT8, Camaro LS and two generations of Mustang GT.

SMS 296 Supercharger™ System features the LYS32M3 compressor module by Lysholm® for SMS, which puts out an astounding 32 cubic meters of air per minute. This patented screw compressor technology increases horsepower while reducing fuel consumption compared to similarly powered normally-aspirated engines.

SMS Six-Pack™ Intercooler System

The patented SMS Six-Pack™ Intercooler System features six cylindrical 0.2mm micro-fin Laminova® intercoolers which provide more than 60% additional cooling, flow efficiency, reduced pressure drop and air charge temperature cooling compared to traditional box-type intercoolers. This optimized system features 2.5 gallons of coolant, single-pass coolant flow, a 90 l/min water pump, dual-line coolant hoses and a high-volume dual pass heat exchanger to handle the most extreme horsepower configurations.

SMS Duo-Path™ Induction

The SMS 296 Supercharger™ System for the 2010 Mustang features the innovative, efficient and beautiful SMS Duo-Path™ Induction, which divides the cold air induction behind the throttle body and air box into two symmetric paths to the rear intake of the compressor. This dual-path system maximizes the flow cross section in the tight engine compartment of the Mustang, while also functioning as an aesthetic enhancement by obscuring the clutter associated with the top of the engine.

SMS Power Boost Efficiency

The innovation and internal efficiencies of the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System enable the system to deliver major horsepower gains within a 5-7 PSI boost range in most engine applications, with the benefit of reduced component fatigue for longer engine life.

SMS Tailor Made™ Options

The SMS 296 Supercharger™ System innovation continues on the outside as well with SMS Tailor Made™ custom finishes and powder coat color options for those horsepower enthusiasts who wish to match the impact under the hood to their rear wheel output! SMS offers custom-built systems to most specifications from its extensive list of options, including polishing, painting and anodizing of the castings and components.

SMS Superparts

At the 2009 SEMA Show, Steve Saleen also announced the formation of SMS Superparts. A subsidiary of SMS Supercars, the new venture will be a source for all Mustang, Mopar and Camaro enthusiasts to locally locally the new SMS296 Supercharger and have it installed.

Please visit www.smssupercars.com for more information. For a broad understanding of the workings of superchargers please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercharger. SMS Supercars and SMS Superparts will be at SEMA, in the Main Hall at booth 24965.

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[Source: SMS Supercars]

STEVE M. SALEEN ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF SMS SUPERPARTS BUSINESS AT SEMA SHOW 2009

Las Vegas, NV – SOEC/Saleen Forums News – November 3, 2009 — Today, at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Steve M. Saleen, President and CEO of SMS Supercars, announces the formation of his nationwide sales, distribution and installation network SMS Superparts. On its own display area, SMS Superparts shows a virtually unmodified 2010 Ford Mustang with the new SMS 296 Supercharger under the hood, as well as a production version of the 2010 SMS 570X Challenger in Sour Grape Green. Centerpiece at the impressive display was the SMS 296 Supercharger. Says Saleen: “We are excited to launch our newest addition to the SMS Supercars family right here at SEMA, where it all happens.”

To have a strictly SMS Superparts display was a conscious choice on my part. I wanted to underline the importance of the aftermarket business, the passion of the enthusiasts and the true Steve Saleen fans. Right now, SMS Superparts is actively looking for installers around the country, who will be selling Mopar, Mustang and Camaro enthusiasts the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System and all other performance parts from SMS”. While the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System is standard on all SMS Signature Series Cars – the SMS 570 and 570X Challengers and SMS 460 and 460X Mustangs have been launched so far – it can also be ordered as an aftermarket performance solution through SMS Superparts.

Says the Head of SMS Superparts, Jon Clark: “SMS Superparts is your one-stop-shop for all your performance needs, starting with the awesome, patented SMS 296 Supercharger™ System, through the SMS S4 Suspension, wheel and tire packages, to aerodynamic body parts and our famous SMS Red Butterfly™ Induction hood. This way, every enthusiast out there with a 2008 or newer Dodge Challenger, a 2005 or newer Ford Mustang and – coming soon – a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro can personalize their car with genuine Steve Saleen designed and produced parts. Only SMS Superparts can rely on Steve’s 30 year experience in racing, development and retail.” SMS Superparts plans that its nationwide network of retailers and qualified installers in the major markets will become the point of contact for customers purchasing performance components from SMS Superparts and having them installed. SMS 296 Supercharger™ Systems installed by Steve Saleen-qualified retailers will come with the full factory warranty from SMS Supercars.

While Mr. Saleen expects the SMS Superparts top seller to be the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System, he envisages that most of his fans will not stop there; “I see people fitting our SMS 296 Supercharger™ System to an existing Mustang or Challenger and coming to us for more. We offer high-performance suspension and brake systems, aerodynamically efficient body parts and our patented butterfly hood – which looks and performs great, – as well as smaller components that make each car unique. And for those of you whose partner has one of those cars – Christmas is just around the corner, and you can find everything on our website http://www.smssuperparts.com/,” says Steve Saleen with a smile. Christmas is in 51 days….

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[Source: SMS Supercars]

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE AUTOMOTIVE ENTHUSIAST COMMUNITY

November 2, 2009

Since acquiring Saleen Performance Vehicles earlier this year, we have been working tirelessly to usher this iconic brand into a pulse-quickening new chapter. During this time, there has been a lot of speculation and innuendo – some of it quite astounding – about our commitment, and about our capabilities.

The purpose of this letter is to provide some facts about the new Saleen.

To begin, we are committed to our customers. This past summer, we announced a comprehensive warranty policy to support dealers as well as owners of recent model-year Saleen cars. In addition, we have extended support to the Saleen Club of America, the premier organization for enthusiasts of the marque.

We are also committed to the brand’s future, and are actively developing the next generation of Saleen products. In July, we presented the 2010 Saleen 435S in Myrtle Beach. Deliveries of this potent V8 coupe began in September.

This Wednesday, at SEMA (Booth #21658), we will unveil a dramatic new addition to the Saleen legend: the 2010 Saleen S281. We expect the enthusiast community will like what they see when we pull the cover off at 9:30 a.m. PST in Las Vegas.

In terms of capabilities, I am immensely proud of the technical prowess of the Saleen core team and our affiliate companies. Power-Tec, our advanced power components arm, has created a remarkable new supercharger system for the 2011 Saleen Mustang. Control-Tec, our engine controls group, has been pivotal in advancing the sophistication of our new cars’ calibrations through the application of the same innovative processes and tools used by their OEM customers.

Simply put, the technological expertise of our corporate family is unmatched in the specialty vehicle world. And make no mistake, these are men and women who live and breathe high performance all day, every day.

Looking ahead, our cycle plan will take Saleen to new levels of achievement in terms of performance, refinement, quality, and value. We will deliver exclusive American exotics designed to reward the most demanding drivers in the world – automobiles that fulfill and extend our promise: “Power in the Hands of the Few.”

We are dedicated, passionate, and thrilled about our mission. Keep your seatbelt fastened; there’s a lot of excitement just up the road.

Sincerely,

Mike Shields
CEO

p.s. Please visit us at Saleen.com, Power-Tec.com, and Control-Tec.com.