Tag Archives: News

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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SALEEN-ASC COMBINE MOTOR CITY GRIT, CALIFORNIA GLAMOUR

By: JOSEPH SZCZESNY on May 13, 2008
Original Article: EDMUNDS.COM

TROY, Michigan — Behind the introduction of the Saleen S5S Raptor at the New York International Auto Show in March is the story of a corporate reorganization that blends two companies previously struggling on their own.

The new Saleen Inc. combines Motor City grit of the former ASC and the California glamour of the former Saleen operations in finely calibrated balance, said Paul Wilbur, CEO of the new Saleen.

Wilbur told AutoObserver that the Raptor is the first project in which both sides of the house have contributed. It combined the efforts of Saleen engineering and ASC’s creative team, which usually labors in anonymity for big clients such as General Motors.

About half of the company’s $180 million to $200 million in revenue comes from the specialty car business nurtured by Saleen; the other half comes from making convertible tops for Toyota, Chrysler, General Motors and Mitsubishi, business developed by ASC.

Hancock Park Associates, a Los Angles-based private equity basically created the new company when it first bought out founder Steve Saleen’s remaining interest in Saleen itself and then picked key ASC assets in bankruptcy court, said Wilbur, an executive at ASC prior to the reorganization in the summer of 2007.

ASC, or American Specialty Cars Inc., which was based in Southgate, Mich., and traces its roots back to the old American Sunroof Co. founded in the 1960s. Businessman and racecar driver Steve Saleen founded the original Saleen Inc., in Irvine, Calif., in 1984 to build what he described as an American super car.

Specialty Cars for Big Automakers

Chris Theodore, a former Chrysler and Ford executive credited with being the father of Ford’s GT, serves as the combined company’s chief technical officer. He said the Raptor, with its aluminum space frame, sleek design and 650-horsepower engine designed to run on cellulosic ethanol and with a price tag of about $185,000 is a glimpse of things to come from Saleen.

Theodore said the reorganized company is already in discussions with big carmakers, looking to add some specialty cars spice to their product lines. “There is a lot of interest,” he said.

Design and engineering of concept cars like the Raptor, which Theodore and Wilbur estimate Saleen could build in about two years once financing and business case are approved, is only part of the company’s story.

Wilbur said Saleen has concentrated its vehicle-making operations just outside of Detroit. “Our (Michigan) facility has one of the most sophisticated low-volume, paint facilities in North America. When you combine that with the phenomenal automotive talent pool that is available in Michigan, it’s a natural step,” Wilbur said.

The paint system, the heart of the Michigan operation, was installed earlier in the decade when Saleen had a contract to paint Ford GTs before they went back to Ford for final assembly. Since last fall, the system in the Troy, Mich., plant has also painted the Dodge Viper for Chrysler, Theodore said.

Building a New Saleen Brand

Marques McCammon, Saleen’s marketing chief who came from Chrysler’s performance SRT group, said his mission is to take the Saleen brand into a new era, following the departure of the company’s founder in the spring of 2007. Under Saleen, the company had produced more than 12,000 vehicles, including the S7, as well as the S281 Mustang, S331 Sport Truck and Saleen/Parnelli Jones limited-edition Mustang. A limited edition Dan Gurney Mustang is also in the works.

The new company already is taking orders for the Sterling Edition Mustang, which creates from a stock Mustang “a completely different car,” as McCammon describes with a 620-horsepower engine, new suspension, steering gear and transmission. The buyer receives a company-paid trip and guided tour of the plant that builds the $100,000 car, dinner with company executives, a photo album, letter of authenticity and a serialized car cover. “We are a vehicle manufacturer, but we take it to the next level,” McCammon said.

Steve Saleen Moves On

Meantime, Steve Saleen recently founded a new company in Southern California, SMS, as a niche manufacturer of lifestyle ultra-high performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. Just this week the new company introduced the first in a line of Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles, the SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger. The street legal cars are based on the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T with a 5.7-liter Hemi engine rated at 500 or 700 horsepower. Steve Saleen signs the limited edition cars.

[Source: Edmunds.com]

STEVE SALEEN’S SMS LIMITED ANNOUNCES SIGNATURE SERIES CHALLENGER SMS 570™ AND SMS 570X™

May 12, 2008 – Orange County, California. Steve Saleen and his new company SMS are pleased to introduce the first product in his line of Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles, the SMS 570™ Challenger and SMS 570X™ Challenger.

As a professional racecar driver and innovative businessman, Mr. Saleen is well known as the founder of a number of Steve Saleen brands including Saleen Autosport, Saleen Productions, Saleen Speedlab, Saleen Performance, Saleen, Inc. and now SMS. In the years of building the many brands, Mr. Saleen oversaw and participated in every aspect of the business, in product development, sales and marketing. Mr. Saleen‘s latest endeavor will focus on the expansion into the high-end of the diverse American Muscle Car markets.

The fully certified and street legal SMS 570™ Challenger and SMS 570X™ Challenger will be based on the all-new and exciting 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T platform and will feature a SMS Supercharged 5.7L Hemi with respective power ratings from 500 to over 700 horsepower! Both models are fully equipped with a compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components including: drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

“The horsepower and torque that we are developing from the SMS Supercharged Hemi is phenomenal” explains Billy Tally, SMS Chief Technical Officer, “combined with suspension and braking improvements our SMS Challenger will be an incredibly capable, refined and tractable automobile.”

Each of these limited edition vehicles will be personally signed by Steve Saleen as part of the SMS Signature Series product line complete with unique badges and graphics. Production numbers will be limited per year depending on the model, and the opportunity to be one of the few owners is limited to a first-come, first-served basis, so prospective customers need to act now as production is commencing in the fourth quarter of 2008.

“The Dodge Challenger is a great canvas to start with” notes Phil Frank, Chief Creative Officer, “the SMS Challenger will help define our design DNA as we introduce some exciting and functional aesthetic innovations to this already great platform.”

“I am drawing upon 25 years of rich experience in the automotive industry to address the rapidly expanding global market of automotive lifestyle vehicles, technical performance parts, accessories and apparel” explains Mr. Saleen “SMS is enabling us to do what could not be done at Saleen, Inc. due to the their heritage with the Ford dealer network and Ford vehicles. We are using this freedom, along with our new technology developed at SMS, to create world-class specialty vehicles.”

SMS Limited

SMS is a niche manufacturer of lifestyle ultra-high performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. SMS designs, engineers, tests, certifies, manufactures and assembles all its own products and vehicles.

World Headquarters

The 150,000 sq.ft. facility in Southern California, is designed for collaboration, efficiency and security. The state-of-the-art-design, development, prototype, machining, testing and composites groups support manufacturing, production, the SMS race team and clients.

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TECHCO INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES DYNOJET SERVICES

ANAHEIM, Calif. / April 29, 2008 / — Techco International today announced its new DynoJet 224xLC Dynamometer service is now available to serve performance enthusiasts throughout Southern California.

Capable of accurately measuring the rear wheel horsepower, torque, speed, RPM and air/fuel ratio of any 2-wheel drive vehicle, this dynamometer features Eddy Current Load Absorption as well as Torque Cell and Dynamic Load Control software that performs loaded tests including step, sweep and aerodynamic drag simulation. If you have a specialty, exotic, hot rod, modified Ford GT or even a stock Mustang, Techco professionals can cater to your dyno needs.

Techco will also soon start offering engineering, tuning and maintenance services, as well as performance parts, and is housed under the same roof as SMS Limited USA.

To make an appointment for a dyno run, or for more information, please contact Techco at (714) 408-9550 or customerservice@techcointl.com

Company Website: www.techcointl.com

Driving Directions: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/3125+E.+Coronado+Street+Anaheim+CA+92806/

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SALEEN INTRODUCES NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE 302 “CRATE” ENGINES

Troy, Michigan (April 28, 2008) – Saleen is offering, for the first time in company history, its high performance 302 cubic inch (5.0L) premium crate engines for sale through its Speedlab Aftermarket Division. The engine will be available in either short block or long block varieties to satisfy the most seasoned of engine builders and power enthusiasts.

Saleen offers the same OEM quality, durability and precision-built engines used today in Saleen built performance vehicles. The legendary 302 engine has already made its rightful return to the performance stage in Saleen product offerings such as the Parnelli Jones Edition, Heritage Series, and the new 25th Anniversary Sterling Edition. Consumers now have the opportunity to upgrade their existing vehicle with a high performance Saleen 302 crate engine.

“This addition to our aftermarket product lineup was a no brainer,” says Carlos Duran, Manager of Saleen’s Speedlab Aftermarket Division, “This engine is currently at high production rates, which allow for quick delivery to Saleen Speedlab consumers. We want to provide our customers with the utmost in confidence relating to this new line of products.”

PERFORMANCE

The 302 cubic inch crate motors (available in both long and short blocks) are available for naturally-aspirated or supercharged applications. Based on the 4.6L 3V Ford aluminum block, the entire internal package is upgraded with premium Saleen engineered forged pistons, rods, crankshaft and valve train components, and camshaft that will exceed the requirements of even the professional engine builder. The basis of our performance data is from the current 2008 Heritage Saleen platforms. Our packages will range from 390hp (normally-aspirated 302 engines) to 580hp (supercharged 302 engines) using existing EPA certified induction and exhaust systems. Furthermore, these packages can be further upgraded with 6 speed transmissions, high performance clutch/flywheels, higher performance rear end differentials, Watts link rear suspension kits and, of course, superchargers.

“We are very excited to put the 302SC long block engine into the drag racing circuit this year under the hood of the Saleen Speedlab/JDM Engineering performance drag car”, states Michael Lingo, Vice President of Operations & General Manager – Aftermarket Division, “We are planning to place the vehicle on display throughout the season; proving the durability and reliability of the Saleen motors in the most demanding environment imaginable.” The 302 crate engines will launch in May, 2008 and will be available for purchase direct from the factory or through select Saleen SpeedLab dealers. Call today at 800-888-8945 to speak directly with your Saleen SpeedLab specialist.

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DAN GURNEY SIGNATURE EVENT: SATURDAY MAY 24, CAMPBELL FORD IN NILES, MI

Update 5/20/08: Due to a scheduling conflict, Dan Gurney will not be appearing, but the event will still take place with the S5S Raptor.

A note from Ron Ward at Campbell Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen:
Campbell Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen in Niles Michigan is please to announce a Dan Gurney Signature Event, Saleen and Mustang car show on Saturday, May 24th 2008. The store will be open from 9am to 5pm.

We would like as many members of your club to come in to show off your rides and meet Dan Gurney as well as see Saleens Concept super car the S5S Raptor and the new 2008 Saleen H281SC Dan Gurney Signature Limited Edition. The support of your club will be welcome as we will set up an open lot in front of our store, put up a tent, supply hot dogs and refreshments for all to enjoy.

Please let me know if and how many of your members would like to participate. Everything is free.

Thanks and look forward to hearing from you.

Ron Ward
Internet and Fleet Sales Manager
Campbell Ford Lincoln Mercury Saleen
2801 S. 11th St.
Niles, Mi. 49120
www.SaleenPerformanceDealer.com

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APTERA MOTORS TAPS NEIL HANNEMANN AS SVP OF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & MANUFACTURING

Accomplished Automotive Industry Veteran to Manage Product Development of Ultra Green Vehicle; California Rollout to Begin in Q4, 2008

April 23, 2008 09:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Neil Hannemann
Neil Hannemann

CARLSBAD, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aptera Motors announced today that the ultra-green auto company has hired niche automotive industry veteran, Neil Hannemann. He joins the Aptera Family today as SVP of Program Management and Manufacturing.

“Neil is a major piece of the puzzle for Aptera”

“Neil’s career spans more than 30 years including specialty vehicle development positions with GM, DaimlerChrysler, Saleen, Ford, and McLaren. He has successfully launched half a dozen limited production cars. That is an amazing track record and one Aptera looks to leverage as we prepare for consumer rollout in Q4, 2008,” says Aptera CEO and co-founder, Steve Fambro.

Hannemann, a GMI grad (BSME), started early in his career at GM, where he worked at the assembly plant. He then assembled and directed an engineering team responsible for the aerodynamic development of the NASCAR Winston Cup cars, including the design and manufacture of stamped steel racecar body panels, composite front and rear fascias, and Lexan windshields. From there, Hannemann did a stint in a crash sled lab and went on to spend many years with DaimlerChrysler, where he focused on hard-core product development in chassis, suspensions, powertrain, and body structures. During his time there, Hannemann also held the Viper and NASCAR program manager posts.

“While most engineers would consider the Viper and NASCAR manager positions the culmination of a career, Neil took his life’s work to new heights at Saleen, where he managed the development of the S7, a limited-production, 200mph American Supercar—one of the most extraordinary cars the world has ever seen,” added Fambro.

Next, Ford Motor Company hired Hannemann to run its supercar GT program, where he choreographed vehicle design and resolved many integration issues in association with Lear Corporation and other leading suppliers. Upon completion of the GT, Hannemann moved on to McLaren Automotive—another household name in the niche car industry—overseeing all aspects of engineering and technical integrity for products, including a new mid-engine sports car for Mercedes-Benz. He has since been consulting on race vehicle engineering and low-volume, niche vehicle design.

“I’m so pleased to join the Aptera Team,” said Hannemann. “The major difference between the Aptera and most of the other vehicles that I have helped to develop is that the other vehicles—Viper, Saleen, Ford GT, McLaren—are exotic cars that are luxury goods for affluent folks. The Aptera is a vehicle that could change the face of personal transportation for almost everyone. It can provide affordable personal transportation that has a very low impact on our planet. I look forward to contributing my expertise to day-to-day operations and putting the company’s groundbreaking green vehicle on the road.”

“Neil is a major piece of the puzzle for Aptera,” said Aptera co-founder, Chris Anthony. “His extensive experience in successfully bringing high-performance niche vehicles to market is second to none. Neil’s breadth of knowledge in aerodynamics and alternative materials were also huge selling points. We are thrilled for him to join the Aptera Family.”

About Aptera
Aptera makes the most efficient passenger vehicles in the world. Their first production model, the Typ-1, will be available in December 2008 at a cost of about 30K. The all-electric version gets 120 miles per charge, while the hybrid version gets 300 MPG. With these results, Aptera aims to change the way the world thinks about transportation. And with its commitment to efficiency and safety, the company is poised to lead a new era of vehicle design. California residents can reserve a vehicle now by placing a fully refundable $500 deposit at www.aptera.com.

Contacts for Aptera
Tisha Doré, 760.505.9676
tisha@szpr.com