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Automotive News

THE FRIENDLY GIANT

By: PETE LYONS on April 14, 2008
Original Article: AUTOWEEK, VOL. 58 ISSUE 16

He’s a firm giant, too, and Dan Gurney is making sure more than his name
goes into Saleen’s new Mustang

“If my name’s on it, I want a very user-friendly automobile. It should be able to withstand a certain amount of abuse and still not work up a lot of perspiration. It’s an elusive thing, but it’s well worth reaching for.”

Dan Gurney’s name is indeed on this car, and it sure is a name worth protecting.

That’s why one of the great drivers of American auto-racing history-who is also a longtime manufacturer of race cars (Eagle) and motorcycles (Alligator), though he’s never produced a street car-has been personally involved in developing Saleen Automotive’s new Gurney Signature Edition Mustang.

In particular, Gurney has been insistent that its ride and handling meet his exacting, distinctive standards, never mind that only 300 will be made and selling the entire run probably would require no more than his name.

Not that Saleen CEO Paul Wilbur had any such plot in mind when he approached Gurney about five months ago. A fellow race driver with keen appreciation for the sport’s history, Wilbur certainly knew that Mr. All-American Racer has never been able to keep his hands off his cars-cars that have won in Formula One, IndyCar, GTP and so many other spheres.

So, although this project is a direct follow-up to Saleen’s successful 2007 venture with Parnelli Jones and his own version of the Mustang, Wilbur fully expected Gurney to call for something different.

How different is it? For one thing, the Parnelli edition’s V8 was “honed and bored” to the historic Trans-Am displacement of 302 cubic inches and was rated at 400 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Gurney’s retains the standard 281 cid (4.6 liters) of Ford’s sohc, three-valve engine, but Saleen adds its supercharger package, wherein the belt-driven, twin-screw blower with intercooler nestles neatly in the engine’s V. Power is 465 hp at 5800 rpm, with torque of 425 lb-ft at 4000 rpm.

“It’s a doggone nice engine. It feels good,” is Gurney’s verdict. “And it still feels light.”

The cars differ in style, too. Gurney’s celebrates the two times he raced a Mustang for Shelby American in 1969, before the cars grew separate rear wings. That suits Gurney just fine. “If you have a choice between gaudy and stealth, give me stealth every time.”

True, “stealth” isn’t quite the word for the car’s graphics package, but at least owners will be able to peel off their magnetic number roundels. (The first production car, pictured here, which will become Gurney’s own, had decals applied amid the inevitable rush to make its world premiere at the recent New York auto show.)

There are other unique elements-hood, fascia, interior trim, five-spoke wheels, new Pirelli Corsa tires-but what makes this edition special is Gurney’s personal touch on the suspension. He’s been flogging a mule car on roads and tracks around Southern California, working with Saleen engineers Derk Hartland and Steve Stafford to capture that elusive user-friendliness.

He explains what that means: “Usually, you’re driving below what you consider to be the margins of the particular road. Now, if you have mis-calculated and you find yourself approaching a turn too rapidly, or maybe getting close to driving over the double line, a user-friendly car says, ‘Aw, don’t worry. I’ll just help you turn some more. I still have some margin left.’ That’s a great feeling to have!”

In contrast to many Saleen buyers, who Wilbur says are track-focused and willing to accept a harsher street ride, Gurney wants his signature car to blend high performance with highway comfort. “You’ve got a spectrum,” he says; he wants a full-spectrum car.

Above all, he wants one that doesn’t demand “a high-strung, kind of razor-sharp driver in order to cope with it. If you’re unfamiliar with the road and the conditions, and you find yourself going slightly too fast, if you’re in a car that’s razor-sharp in terms of its reaction to your input, then it can be a serious problem.”

He demonstrated to AutoWeek on an autocross course how close he is to reaching his goals. In his hands, his 001 car is magic, of course, but even in ours, it feels marvelously responsive and quick, predictable and stable, flat and taut but not tight. Yes, it’s very user-friendly, very forgiving. In half a lap, we started throwing it into moves we knew would provoke many others to bark or bite, but this car just seemed to be laughing.

As Gurney quipped through his timeless grin, “Even though you’ve got the tail out, it’s controllable, it doesn’t give up. It gives you confidence that you shouldn’t have!”

Last-minute tuning was ongoing at the time of our test, dialing in the final ride heights and spring and damper rates and differential lockers. And Gurney still had to put his stamp on his car’s open-road, rough-road behavior. What a ride-along that would be …

“This is kind of funny,” he commented. “Here I am approaching 77, wanting to do a signature car. It’s probably something they don’t want to broadcast, how old this old fogy is, but it doesn’t change the sportiness and the user-friendliness and the ‘I’ll work with you’ kind of attitude that the car exhibits, once you get it right, and I think that’s an ageless situation.”

We could not resist asking, does Gurney have any notion of a race-off between his Mustang and that of his old racing rival and enduring good friend Jones? That famous face crinkled again.

“You know, as a joke, when they asked me if I’d do it, I said, ‘Yes, if you can make mine handle better and be a little faster than Parnelli’s.’

“I’m sure Parnelli’s is a very good car. But, we’ll have to see.”

Enthusiast News

SHAKER SUPERCHARGED! FOR PARNELLI JONES & SC OWNERS

In January, SPEEDLAB announced “Shakercharger” — a supercharger option for Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition models which retains the shaker hood. With a price estimated at about $6499.99, it should be releasing between now and June.

For S281 SC owners, the kit consists of a Shaker hood conversion. While pricing has not yet been established, it will likely include a stock Ford hood modified to accept the Shaker scoop.

The guys at SPEEDLAB are collecting a waiting list of names to be notified when kits are available. There is no deposit required to be put on this list.

Please call 1-800-888-8945 for more information and to get your name on the waiting list. Tell them you heard about it at SOEC.org.

Click here to participate in the discussion.

Editorial

SALEEN OWNERS AND ENTHUSIASTS CLUB TO LAUNCH NEW COMMUNITY FORUM

Greetings,

Some of you already know we have our new forum online — finally. I regret it took so long, but it took a few server software upgrades and some blocks of spare time (coinciding with bouts of enthusiasm) to work through the kinks and bring the ideas to life. Some ideas are still to come to fruition.

The new forum launched Tuesday night, and is the final major link in David’s vision of what the Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts website should be. Interestingly, like myself, he is not yet a Saleen owner, but someday hopes to be.

Many of you may not know that this hard-worker has certainly put a thousand hours (if not two thousand or more) into the content available at SOEC’s website, never mind the re-design of Saleen Alley and his contributions to the forum. Thank goodness for his yearn for learning and his willingness to dedicate his blood, sweat and tears into this. It is a collection of works that we all should be proud of, and hopefully it will help us to stay motivated to increase our presence in the Saleen hobby.

This forum launch also concludes the phase-out of content at saleenclub.net as it has been migrated over to soec.org. Some of you may recall that in 1998 or 1999 we lost our original domain name, soec.org, and were forced to come up with saleenclub.net. Back in early 2003 soec.org became available again, and we snatched it up. And starting about two years ago when David wanted to re-do the website, we launched the new content on soec.org — starting with a clean slate.

All e-mail addresses — and even links to “existing” saleenclub.net content — are in the process of being migrated to their new counterparts, or soon will be. When the phase is complete, anyone attempting to visit saleenclub.net will instead be routed to soec.org, and likewise with the e-mails, so nothing should get lost.

Those of you who have not yet registered for the forum — please register and let me, Wayne or David know if you need a hand.

Thanks,

Jim

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Press Release

SALEEN REVEALS SUPERCAR CONCEPT THE “S5S RAPTOR” AT THE NEW YORK AUTO SHOW

New York, NY (March 20, 2008) – Saleen’s all new concept vehicle, the S5S Raptor made its world debut today on the floor of New York City’s Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center. The S5S Raptor unveiling comes amidst several other Saleen announcements including a partnership with Dan Gurney, Rockstar Games and the integration of several first time seen ASC products, featured on two existing Saleen vehicles.

“We are extremely proud of the Raptor. It is the car that enthusiasts are waiting for America to produce and Saleen is just the company to answer that call,” said Paul Wilbur, Saleen President and CEO.

The S5S Raptor represents the first ground up vehicle to be conceived by the new Saleen management team and the most extensive demonstration of the combined capabilities of Saleen engineering and the ASC creative team.

“The Raptor is just a glimpse of things to come from Saleen,” says Chief Technical Officer, Chris Theodore. “Our company is unique in that we have the experience and knowledge behind some of the most exciting performance vehicles built over the past 20 years. Beyond the S7 Supercar, our team members have been involved in the Viper, Prowler, Ford GT, and the products of Chrysler SRT and Ford’s SVT performance groups. These ‘lessons learned’ are evident in the Raptor concept and we will continue to build upon them as the company evolves.”

The Raptor is a two seat mid-engine super car that competes in size and style with core offerings from the most notable of Italian exotic car makes, but with a segment leading 650hp and 630 lb-ft of torque provided by a Saleen 5.0L Supercharged Engine – the source of the “S5S” designation. Unlike its competitors, the Raptor is designed to digest cellulosic ethanol. “This is the same ethanol formula,” states Wilbur, “that is the official fuel of the 2008 American Le Mans Race Series and the IRL.” The higher octane rating of E85 results in more power. It is a combination that will send the Raptor screaming to 60 mph in a g-force generating 3.2 seconds. With ethanol power, the car is both mean and clean!

Saleen’s use of cellulosic ethanol is right for us for two reasons:

  • It maintains consistency with our racing heritage, as many of the racing formats (IRL, American Lemans, etc) are now adopting ethanol as the racing fuel of choice.
  • It also helps our environment through cleaner tailpipe emissions as well as reducing America’s dependency on foreign oil.

While Saleen is a small, specialty vehicle maker, we share in the responsibility to do what we can to support our environment, without compromising on our brand values.

Compromise does not enter into the conversation at all. The Raptor’s hand-built 5.0L cubic inch engine with its patented twin-screw supercharger delivers its 650 horses at 6300 rpm and hits max torque at just 4400 RPM. This power sits on call beneath the knob of a close ratio 6-speed manual, or optional paddle shifting sequential gearbox. It’s a combination that send Raptor’s rigid aluminum chassis screaming to a top speed of over 200 mph.

As power is nothing without control, the double wishbone suspension and rackand- pinion steering of the S5S is augmented by ABS traction control and stability control systems. The brake system features 15-inch (381 mm) front rotors with 6 piston calipers, and 13-inch (308 mm) rear rotors with dual piston calipers for maximum stopping power. Road holding traction is provided by the 275/35 ZR20 and 315/35/ZR20 Pirelli Rosso tires that wrap the 20” forged aluminum front and rear wheels respectively. The unique black-diamond and carbon fiber finish on the wheels make them as stunning as they are strong.

“We spent a great deal of time on the design of the Raptor,” says Marques McCammon, General Manager of Saleen Automotive. “The vehicle’s bold shoulders are reflective of an aggressive American attitude, reminiscent of Can-Am race car styling cues, but delivered with modern sophistication. If you see a little Chaparral or McLaren design influence in this car, you are right.”

The aesthetics for the Raptor were developed by ASC Creative Services, America’s largest independent automotive design firm. “This vehicle was an aggressively compressed program that combined the traditional methods of three-dimensional clay sculpting with sophisticated digital modeling tools,” said Steve Nowicki, ASC Creative Services Director. “The vehicle is distinctive in a way that I think the world is going to love. The primary designer on this program was Dave Byron, a CCS graduate and passionate member of ASC’s Design team”.

Raptor’s unique sun flair yellow paint accentuates the cars beautiful body forms. The interior of the car can be illuminated by the sun or the city lights through the solar-tented scenic roof that covers the cockpit. Detailing is transformed from mere aluminum on the vehicles wheels and exhaust by their black-diamond powder coat finish.

“In all the S5S Raptor is a work of art aimed to take your breath away,” said McCammon. “It is aggressive and sexy at the same time.”

According to Saleen executives, the S5S Raptor could enter the market in as little as two years, and should it go forward, it would carry a base price of approximately $185,000 MSRP.

Click here to participate in the discussion.

Press Release

ASC INCORPORATED PARTNERS WITH SISTER COMPANY, SALEEN, TO DELIVER INDUSTRY LEADING PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

New York, NY (March 20, 2008) – ASC, America’s Tier 1 automotive supplier of design and open air /body systems integrations and Saleen, America’s premiere automotive enthusiast brand have come together to deliver two new market-leading innovations wrapped in industry-leading style and performance:

  • ASC’s “InfiniStor” Power Tonneau System, featured on the Saleen S331SC, is sure to attract the attention of truck enthusiasts for its increased functionality and improved aesthetics.
  • ASC’s “SKYVu” Scenic Roof System, featured on the S281SC, is a natural evolution to Saleen’s market leading Scenic Roof, captivating the hearts and minds of coupe owners.

“The marriage of ASC and Saleen represents the perfect combination of performance and new product innovation,” stated Steve Laurain, General Manager of ASC. Marques McCammon, General Manager of Saleen Automotive replied, “ASC has been leading the market with engineered body system integrations for over 40 years and they have the largest independent automotive design organization in the U.S. I can’t think of a better partner for Saleen.”

InfiniStor Power Tonneau system

The new InfiniStor Power Tonneau System, featured on the S331 Supercharged sport truck, is a true innovation in truck accessories and feature content. The key fob actuated power tonneau system provides the consumer the opportunity to access the truck bed from either the cabin or tailgate side of the bed with the push of a button. This allows smaller cargo to be dropped into the bed in much the same way that you would access the trunk of a car or SUV.

For larger cargo, drive the tonneau system from the rear to the front to open the entire bed as the tonneau collapses to a small footprint of just under two feet. With the system in the closed position, Infinistor delivers security for cargo by virtue of the self locking drive system.

“The InfiniStor is designed to provide pick up truck manufacturers with real feature content in the truck bed,” said Laurain. “The system has production vehicle snow loading capacity equivalent to any convertible top in the industry and has been shown to increase fuel economy in some truck applications.”

InfiniStor’s automotive grade coated acrylic fabric top covers are both colorfast and durable as they are made from the same materials that ASC uses on Toyota’s market leading Solara convertible top and the Jeep Liberty “Sky Slider” Roof. The system and all of its components have been thoroughly developed to ensure robust function in hot and cold weather and in clean and dirty environments.

What’s best is that the system will fit nearly any truck bed in the market, can work seamlessly with most bed rail cargo systems, and if need be, can be easily removed from the bed all together when carrying extra large loads.

SKYVu Scenic Roof system

The second punch from the Saleen / ASC duo is the all new “SKYVu” scenic roof system. SKYVu is the ultimate hybrid of a scenic roof and a sunroof with the open air feeling of a convertible. This power roof system replaces the entire roof of the Saleen S281SC with glass allowing the consumer to experience a sun drenched cabin than can only be found in a Scenic Roof equipped Saleen coupe.

Then, at the push of a button, the glass paneled roof lifts open and slides over the vehicle backlight to reveal a roof that is completely open to the SKY.

“In the SKYVu, we have achieved a convertible experience without the weight penalty, and without the compromise of the coupe roofline that usually comes with the convertible,” said Chris Theodore, Chief Technical Officer of Saleen and ASC. “The result is a safer, faster, open air vehicle experience.”

SKYVu leaves the roof rails of the vehicle intact, allowing the vehicle to maintain core coupe structure that leads to chassis rigidity critical to ride and handling performance and does not compromise structural integrity of the vehicle in roll-over scenarios. It is a system based on proven and robust technologies that ASC executives say can be integrated into nearly any production coupe application.

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Press Release

SALEEN PARTNER’S WITH AN AMERICAN ICON TO CREATE AN AMERICAN LEGEND

New York, NY (March 20, 2008) – Saleen Automotive, America’s premiere automotive enthusiast brand for over a quarter of a century, announced today at the New York Auto Show that it has entered into a partnership with American automotive legend Dan Gurney for creation of a special Gurney Signature Edition Mustang. ”It is amazing that just two years ago Saleen was standing on stage here at the Javitz Center with Parnelli Jones and today we are with his long time rival and friend, and truthfully one of America’s racing heroes, Mr. Dan Gurney,” said Saleen President and CEO Paul Wilbur.

All 300 of the Gurney Signature Edition vehicles will feature Saleen’s 465 Hp supercharged 281 cubic inch engine, short throw shifter, and 3.73 Max Grip rear axle. In addition, the vehicles will have custom two-tone seats that feature either blue or red AlcantaraTM inserts designed to keep your rear end planted firmly behind the wheel. The legendary Gurney Eagle© logo is featured on the steering wheel and several other places around the car.

The exterior reflects the look of Dan’s 1969 Trans Am series Mustang, masterfully recreated in a fashion that honors history but looks aggressively towards the future. The heritage styled Gurney Edition body kit, ‘duck bill’ rear spoiler and ‘stinger’ style hood all come together in harmony with the carefully placed graphics and die cut Gurney Eagle insignia. “I am pleased that they could make a car that is so beautiful but still so true to my old race car. At the end of the day, all I really want is a car that is faster than Parnelli’s” said racing great, Dan Gurney.

Saleen executives were not prepared to make that statement, but what they did say is: “this is likely the best all around 281 supercharged car that Saleen has ever built,” commented Saleen General Manager, Marques McCammon.

“Dan Gurney has always been about business on the track. His cars were light, fast and handled like they were on rails,” said Saleen Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Chris Theodore. “I’ll admit we added a little weight when we added the blower to this car, but you will be shocked at how this car cuts through a corner.”

The Gurney Signature Edition gets its dynamic ability from the specially tuned Racecraft suspension, Generation-II Watts-Link Rear End, and super sticky Pirelli Corsa tires. This is a suspension combination that has never before been featured on a Saleen vehicle, and one that received the personal stamp from Dan Gurney himself.

“It is like a dream come true to spend time on the tarmac with the Gurney’s. Together, we will create a package that I am sure that market will love,” said Chassis and Dynamics Lead Derk Hartland.

The Gurney Signature Edition Mustang is slated to begin production this April and should start appearing in dealers later that month. With production being limited to only 300 cars, the Gurney Edition is sure to be a must have amongst collectors. In honor of Mr. Gurney’s ‘All American Racer persona the cars will be offered in only three colors: Torch Red, Performance White, and the feature color Vista Blue. One hundred of each color will be made with contrasting color graphics and interiors, and a set of “#2” roundels to truly relive the Gurney experience.

The most important piece of the car to me is Dan Gurney’s signature on the center of the dash,” commented Wilbur. “ I view it as the stamp of approval by one of America’s greatest drivers”

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Press Release

STEVE SALEEN ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF SMS LIMITED

March 13, 2008 – Orange County, California. Steve Saleen announced today the formation of “SMS Limited”, Lifestyle Performance Automobiles, the pinnacle brand in his portfolio of companies. As a professional race driver and innovative businessman, Steve is well known as the founder of numerous Steve Saleen Brands including Saleen Autosport in 1983, Saleen Productions in 1993, Saleen Speedlab in 1997, Saleen Performance in 1999, Saleen, Inc. in 2001 and now SMS Limited in 2008. In the years of building the many brands, Mr. Saleen oversaw and participated in every aspect of the business, product development, sales and marketing. His latest endeavor will focus on the expansion into the high-end of the diverse American Muscle Car and Global Supercar markets.

“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 Steve Saleen, Chairman and CEO of SMS Limited. “SMS will enable us to do what could not be done at Saleen, Inc. due to 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.”

“We are currently developing our Signature Series of ultra high performance vehicles and technical performance parts which will address the new American Muscle Car offerings”, discloses Mr. Saleen, “our charter focuses on delivering the best solutions at the best performance value to the varied world of the automotive enthusiast, be they Dodge, Chevrolet or Ford faithful.”

“Supercar fans will be delighted to learn about the all-new vehicles and new technology we are currently developing”, reveals Mr. Saleen “these cars will deliver superior performance and innovation for both the track day enthusiast and the passionate on-road driver”. “These vehicles have been engineered to meet the demands of the world’s most challenging race tracks”. Mr. Saleen continues, “Sportscar racing enthusiasts will be excited about the upcoming announcement of our return to racing in the American LeMans Series. You will hear more about that very soon.”

“Developing and manufacturing cars is one thing, but selling them is quite another” continues Mr. Saleen, “We will be bringing our new and unique automotive lifestyle retail experience to a number of global markets. Watch out for more interesting news on our distribution and retail plans in a few weeks”. Mr. Saleen concludes “The time is right; we have the talent, the new technology, the funding and the drive to achieve our goals. We will be the brand of choice for the community and culture of the automotive enthusiast”.

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Press Release

PHIRE BRANDING COMPANY NAMED MARKETING AND BRANDING PARTNER FOR SALEEN

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ — Phire Branding Company, a full- service design, advertising, and brand consultancy firm headquartered in Ann Arbor, has been named Marketing and Branding Partner by Saleen. Phire Branding first began working with Saleen in late 2007.

Headquartered in Troy, MI, Saleen creates high performance vehicles meant for an exclusive few. The vehicles are a perfect mix of power and craftsmanship, and the brand enjoys a loyal following in the world of automobile enthusiasts.

As Marketing and Branding Partner, Phire Branding Company has first conducted extensive discovery and positioning work. This phase included a brand audit, both internal and external surveys, as well as the gathering of industry information and a competitive analysis, setting a strong new foundation for the Saleen brand.

Based on their findings, Phire Branding will conceptualize and create dynamic marketing materials ranging from traditional to interactive in order to best capture this new positioning. Specific initiatives included brand positioning, corporate ID materials, communications plan, and brand core creation. Following the initial branding, Phire will also be responsible for complete website development and implementation, online and print ad campaign, and internal documents.

“We are truly excited about working with Saleen.” said Jim Hume, Phire Principal. “They create works of art for the road, and we are responsible for bringing the passion of the company to the forefront in an aggressive and highly-designed manner. Saleen is making changes for the better, and we want the materials to reflect their enthusiasm.”

“Phire Branding is one of the best collection of creative minds I have encountered,” stated Marques McCammon, General Manager for Saleen Automotive Division. “They really immerse themselves in your brand and your buyer and as such, their results are generally spot on.”

About Phire Branding Company
Through myriad capabilities, Phire Branding Company creates breakthrough solutions to plan, position/reposition, execute, and nurture strong brands for a wide range of clients. Their website is www.phirebranding.com.

About Saleen
Saleen Inc, celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2008-09. With roots in racing, its vehicles go well beyond the expected, providing a unique style and unmatched power to car enthusiasts and dreamers alike. Vehicles include the H302 Supercharged, the S331 Sport Truck, S281 Supercharged, and the S302 Extreme.

SOURCE: Phire Branding Company