Tag Archives: News

Enthusiast News

SPEED TV: “THE AMERICA’S SUPERCAR”

Our friends at Saleen sent the following announcement:

“The America’s Supercar” – Speed TV
Debuts Saturday April 7th 8:00pm E/T
Repeats Sunday April 8th 2:30pm E/T, Monday April 9th 2:00pm E/T and Saturday April 14th 4:00pm E/T

This special features the creation of the Saleen S7 Supercar. It follows the S7 from the drawing board, through wind tunnel to testing the prototype in Wales, and to the assembly line in Irvine where race cars and street cars are built side by side. This not to be missed special will also feature the story of an automotive pioneer, Steve Saleen, who built an uncompromising car whose sole purpose was to beat the world?s best car.

SPEED TV: The American Supercar
http://www.speedtv.com/programs/495

Click here to participate in the discussion.

Automotive News

FORD HOT RODS

By: N.A. on March 31, 2007
Original Article: PRESS, THE

IN BRIEF–DRIVE

A run of 100 retro hot rod replicas of the 1932 ‘flathead’ V8 Deuce Coupe is to start next month at the Saleen’s facility in Troy, Michigan, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the car. The first has already been snapped up by a collector, who paid $NZ480,000 at the Barrett-Jackson classic car auction. The other 99 will be sold through US Ford dealers at $NZ225,000.

Product Review

SALEEN SIMPLY SUPER

By: N.A. on March 30, 2007
Original Article: RECORD, THE (KITCHENER/CAMBRIDGE/WATERLOO, ON)

Auto expert Mark Perleberg of NADAguides.com, a leading U.S. vehicle pricing and information website, recently tested the 2007 Saleen S281 and the 2007 PJ/Saleen Special Edition in a weeklong, side-by-side and back-to-back comparison.

And now he weighs in on both cars’ features and handling.

“Since 1984, Steve Saleen has been remanufacturing new stock Ford Mustangs with a flare that only a businessman with a racing background could pull off,” said Perleberg. “Saleen has emerged as a leader in squeezing the most out of new stock Ford Mustang GTs, giving them near Super Car qualities at a relatively low price.”

Perleberg says the 2007 S281 features more of what all great performance cars need, more horsepower.

Up an additional 30 hp from 2006, the S281 now musters up 465 ponies, and according to Perleberg, acceleration that keeps the car’s passengers pinned to the back of their seats when the supercharger kicks in.

Along with this power, the car features a race-craft suspension that virtually eliminates the loose rear end feeling you typically find in stock Mustangs, with a confidence the car will go anywhere you point it at high speeds.

Perleberg says the 2007 Saleen S281 also features a comfortable day-to-day ride for a car of this nature.

Combined with a tail extension, body cladding and an upgraded interior in the mid-$50,000 US price range, Perleberg says the 2007 Saleen S281 has all the makings of a Super Car with the roots of a Mustang.

Next up, Perleberg tested the 2007 PJ/Saleen Special Edition, a high-performance 302 cubic inch V8-powered car with 370 hp and 370 ft/lb of torque.

Perleberg says the 2007 PJ/Saleen Special Edition is a modern-day rendition of the Boss 302 that raced in the SCCA Trans Am Series in the early 1970s, with less horsepower than its S281 sibling, but it feels quicker due to the normally aspirated engine with a torque that chimes in at 4,000 rpms.

“The 2007 PJ/Saleen Special Edition gives you truckloads of pull when you mash the throttle down in any gear,” Perleberg said.

“Handling is confident and very predictable with a somewhat lighter feel than the S281.”

Press Release

START YOUR ENGINES FOR THE GREAT AMERICAN RUN!

Following in the high-octane wheel tracks of the hugely successful Cannonball Rally, a cavalcade of outrageous cars, daredevil drivers and madcap thrill seekers will make history in just four months time when the lights go green for the Great American Run.

Set to be the largest motor event in North America, four-hundred drivers will set off from four different destinations, slugging it out on a coast to coast race to one final destination in an epic extravaganza of man against machine. The limited entrance quota is almost fulfilled, meaning few chances remain to be in with a chance of walking away with a limited edition Cannonball Rally 600bhp Saleen Mustang and automatic entrance into next year’s $1 million event.

With one hundred drivers per route, the Great American Run start line spans four cities – Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; Washington D.C. and New York City, NY.

After a cross-country trek through strategic checkpoints in destinations like New Orleans, Indianapolis, San Antonio and Las Vegas, all roads will eventually lead to Los Angeles. But before crossing the finish line, every competitor will be given the chance to spin their wheels at the historic Willow Springs Raceway. Pitting thoroughbred Ferraris against muscle-bound Fords, breeding counts for nothing on the Great American Run.

“Whether you’re tearing up the pavement in a Lamborghini or a Lincoln, Mini or Maybach, it’s not the metal that counts but the spirit you bring it with,” explains Tim ‘Maverick’ Porter, event organiser and veteran of seven European Cannonball Runs. “The trophy does not necessarily go to the first team to cross the finish line. Rather a target time has been set for each stage of the rally. The winning title will be given to the driver posting the nearest time overall.”

An adventure of a lifetime or race against time? The choice is yours. Pitting professional petrol heads against those of a more sedate nature, the Great American Run covers 3000 miles in just one week.

Starting on July 29, the 2007 event harks back to the Hollywood heydays of the early 1980s when Burt Reynolds’ Cannonball movie inspired a generation of road rallies.

This version of the event however has a thoroughly modern twist – a limited edition Saleen S281 ‘Extreme’ Mustang custom-built and modified by Saleen Inc., manufacturers of the world’s fastest production car, gifted to the title holder.

The stunning performance vehicle benefits from an additional 50 horsepower upgrade on the standard 550 horsepower, 525 lb-ft of torque, Saleen’s patented racecraft suspension, six-speed transmission, graphics package and internal and external performance enhancements.

The last to roll off a production line of twenty-five, the prize Mustang bears an 18 carat gold plated chassis placard attesting to its limited edition status. Its twenty-four siblings are for the exclusive use of race entrants.

Entrance to the 2007 Great American Run is strictly limited to 400 drivers and their sidekicks. To reserve your place for the adventure of a lifetime, visit www.thegreatamericanrun.com. For competitor information in the UK call +44 (0)1403 276191 or US toll free on +1 800-619-8593.

Editors Note: Please direct all press queries to Rebecca Appleton. Tel +44 208 123 5178 or email Rebecca@topposition.co.uk. High resolution images, editorial comment, archived press information and interviews are available on request.

Lifestyle

RARE SALEEN MUSTANG FOR SALE IN CLINTON

By: MICHELLE KOETTERS on March 28, 2007
Original Article: PANTAGRAPH, THE (BLOOMINGTON, IL)

Mar. 28–CLINTON — A rare version of an American automotive icon is for sale at a Clinton car dealership. Anderson Ford Mercury has a Parnelli Jones Boss 302 Mustang in its showroom — one of only 500 that specialty vehicle manufacturer Saleen built and released for public sale.

The car honors Parnelli Jones, a legendary race car driver from the 1960s and 1970s.

The Central Illinois dealership expects a serious collector eventually will purchase the muscle car for about $60,000, co-owner Randy Anderson said.

The dealership received the car last week because of its reputation for selling high performance vehicles and parts, said Anderson. The company’s Anderson Ford Motorsport division specializes in designing and building high performance parts for Mustangs; clients come from throughout the world.

Meanwhile, the Boss 302 is an exact replica — but with all new technology — of the Mustang Jones used to win the Trans Am Series racing event in 1970, Anderson said.

“It is one of the most breathtaking, gorgeous cars out there right now. It’s a showstopper,” Anderson said.

The Mustang’s orange-yellow color makes it stand out, Anderson said. In addition, it has a modified engine with 400 horsepower, customized black and orange leather interior, special breaks for fast stops, as well as a suspension that makes it drive like a go-kart, he said.

Mustangs are a popular car right now because people love the look and comfort of the sports car, Anderson said. The dealership’s Mustang sales are up about 30 percent from five years ago.

“What has increased the most is the exotic Mustang,” Anderson said. The dealership has 10 of the exotics, including the Shelby GT 500, the Shelby GT, Roush and Saleen, all priced from $30,000 to $60,000, Anderson said.

“It’s just a gorgeous car to look at,” Anderson said. “No matter if you’re a Ford fan or not a Ford fan, everyone loves the look of a Mustang.”

Automotive News

ALL MUSTANGS, ALL THE TIME: GALPIN FORD DEVOTES ENTIRE SHOWROOM TO CAR

By: JULIA M. SCOTT on March 22, 2007
Original Article: DAILY NEWS (LOS ANGELES, CA)

Mar. 22–NORTH HILLS — On the surface, car dealer Galpin Ford’s decision to devote an entire showroom to a car that has not been selling well seems counterintuitive.

Sales of Mustangs dropped 19 percent in January and February compared with last year as the newness of the latest Mustang model wore off and buyers waited for the next model to come out.

But showcasing the iconic sports car is a smart move, several analysts said.

“You have to look beyond Mustang sales,” said Kevin Tynan of Argus Research Corp. “If you open a Mustang showroom, you become a beacon for Mustang enthusiasts.”

In other words, fans will come to ogle Mustang eye candy, creating the buzz and foot traffic that is the lifeblood of a dealer.

The move already seemed to be working on Wednesday, the opening day of the showroom.

An hour before the start of an autographing session, dozens of Mustang fans had filled up the parking lot with models dating back to 1970. Many said they came for the signature of race car driver Steve Saleen, whose latest design was on display in the showroom.

Saleen and race car driver Parnelli Jones customized the 2007 Mustang that is named after them. It is one of 500 made and sells for $60,565.

Michael Shore came with his father, Allen, from Simi Valley to meet Saleen. Shore, a business major at California State University, Northridge, said he wasn’t going to leave until he had Saleen’s signature.

“It’s kind of inspiring because he started as a race car driver and a car enthusiast,” said Shore, 20, as he snapped pictures of Mustangs parked next to his black 2000 Saleen Speedster. “And he built this whole empire.”

Inside, banners dotted the chrome-laced showroom, which used to house sport utility vehicles and trucks. Three Mustangs were parked in the bright, airy space.

Saleen and Jones were on hand to toot the car’s horn.

“What’s unique about this car is literally everything,” said Saleen as he pointed out dual-colored leather seats, a race car suspension system, and two names scrawled on the dash. Both he and Jones signed each of the 500 cars.

Devoting an entire showroom to a single model is unusual, but not very expensive if you have enough space. All it takes is switching the cars and slapping up a few posters.

“It’s an option that a mega dealer can look at,” said analyst David Healy of Burnham Securities Inc.

Galpin certainly has the space. Its sprawling campus in North Hills stretches across 60 acres.

Galpin is the No. 1 Ford dealer in the country and also sells the most Mustangs, according to George Pipas, Ford’s domestic sales analysis manager. The nationwide decline in Mustang sales, which was similarly felt at Galpin, is part of a bigger trend in the coupe market, he said.

“It’s not just a Mustang thing,” Pipas said. “The whole category was off 38 percent.”

The dedicated showroom will help turn those figures around at Galpin. Aside from attracting potential customers, it will help the dealer hone its sales pitch and focus Mustang hype, said George Peterson, president of the consulting firm Auto Pacific in Tustin.

“Your salespeople can be trained very strongly on Mustang and its basic competition so they can do a more effective sales job,” Peterson said.

The showroom will also increase revenues of aftermarket wheels, stereos, performance-enhancing parts, and paint jobs that Galpin sells at its Auto Sports center.

Total revenues from aftermarket products may not be a significant factor, but the profit margin is incredible, analyst Tynan said.

Mustangs are the No. 1 car Galpin customizes, said Vice President Beau Boeckmann.

“It’s one of those cars that people love to customize and make their own,” said Boeckmann, who appears on MTV’s “Pimp My Ride,” which is filmed at Galpin’s Auto Sports center.

Chris Lawson was looking at the customized Mustangs parked in front of the showroom Wednesday evening. She has had “six or seven” Mustangs in her lifetime.

“I have been in love with Mustangs since I was 10 years old,” said Lawson, a 45-year-old caregiver who lives in Reseda. “Take the rest of them and leave the Mustangs behind.”

Press Release

ERINWOOD FORD ANNOUNCES ITS SECOND ANNUAL DRIVING FOR DOLLARS CONTEST

Scratch and win contest gives contestants the chance to win up to $10,000 towards the purchase of a new or pre-owned Ford.

Toronto, Ontario (PRWEB) March 12, 2007

One of the largest Toronto Ford dealers, Erinwood Ford, has announced its second annual Driving For Dollars contest.

Driving For Dollars takes place from Thursday, March 1 to Thursday, May 31, 2007. The scratch and win contest allows contestants the chance to win the vehicle they test drive or up to $10,000 towards the purchase of that vehicle. Any new 2007 or 2008 Ford model and all pre-owned vehicles are eligible for the contest . With SUVs such as the Ford Explorer to the two-door compact Ford Focus, and over 100 pre-owned vehicles in stock; a complete selection of cars is available.

“Last year, the contest was a huge success,” Sean Hallett, CEO of Erinwood Ford states. “It was so successful that we’ve decided to make it an annual event.”

To participate in the contest, contestants must test drive any new or pre-owned vehicle at the Ford dealership. The driver will then receive a scratch and win card to determine whether they are a winner. Odds of winning are 1 in 20.

One entry per driver and household. The complete rules of the Driving For Dollars contest can be found by visiting Erinwood Ford.

About Erinwood Ford
Located in Canada’s oldest and largest auto mall, the Erin Mills Auto Super Centre, Erinwood Ford is one of the largest volume Ford dealers in the Greater Toronto area. Erinwood Ford is also the GTA’s first and only retailer of Saleen, limited edition, high performance mustangs.

Specializing in the sales of new Ford cars and trucks, as well as all pre-owned makes and models, they are “committed to being the best dealer you will ever do business with.”

Press Contact:
Joanne Yulo
2395 Motorway Boulevard
Mississauga, ON,
L5L 1V4
905.828.1600

###

Enthusiast News

PERFORMANCE ON DEMAND BY SALEEN CANADA

By: ERIC DESCARRIES on February 22, 2007 | Updated: February 22, 2007 at 9:27
Original Article: AUTO.LAPRESSE.CA

Joe Visconti, president of Saleen Canada could more than double the capacity of its body shop. Photo: Patrick Sanfacon, La Presse
Joe Visconti, president of Saleen Canada could more than double the capacity of its body shop.
Photo: Patrick Sanfacon, La Presse

The Texan Carroll Shelby was the first to discover the Mustang performance potential in 1965. He managed to convince Ford to change versions of high-performance and racing and make marketing. The Californian Steve Saleen took over in the eighties. This wizard automobile could see that there was a demand for its Mustang in Canada, but for Saleen US to import Mustangs that meet Canadian legal requirements and return them to the country once modified, made no sense from the point of economic view.

That was when the Montreal Joe Visconti suggested a deal with the transformation of Saleen Mustangs in Canada. It’s trade in exotic cars or luxury, in Dorval, Auto Bugatti, had already established a fine reputation. The American businessman hesitated because he believed in his own team. Mr. Saleen sent his vice president Fred Blum to Auto Bugatti. What Blum saw in the body shops of the Quebec company surprised him so much that he advised Saleen to trust Joe Visconti even mentioning that their work would be higher than Californian workshops.

Ford of Canada Joe Visconti helped to build a network of a dozen Ford dealers to display the Saleen product. In the first year, Saleen Canada found 27 buyers of S-281 Mustangs, quite a feat for a great car. In 2006, forty brand new enthusiasts have ordered their Canadian Saleen, but Mr. Visconti expects that it will need to build 80 to 100 next year.

Here is the S-331 pickup truck
This increase in production is due to the arrival of another vehicle within the Saleen range, the S-331. This is a pickup based on the Ford F-150. Saleen Canada workshops have had to work extra hard to build their copy, just in time for the Auto Show in Montreal. The truck had quite a success there and the manufacturer has twenty firm orders for the S-331, available in a basic version with 325 horsepower V8 ($59,000 USD) or supercharged 450 horsepower ($69,000 USD). Incidentally, the Saleen S-281-based 335 horsepower has a base price of $58,000, while the supercharged 465 horsepower Supercharged starts at $68,000.

These vehicles come in their original form to Dorval workshops where Saleen Canada technicians start by changing the mechanical (different suspension, souped, redesigned exhausts) before moving on to the body shop where the original bumpers are replaced by Saleen parts. The instrumentation and several interior details are also replaced by parts from Saleen. Wheels and original tires are replaced with performance parts.

It will enlarge!
The Saleen body shop is already busy despite its 12,000 square feet of surface. It can modified a dozen cars a day, a capacity that could double. But Mr. Visconti believes that it will not be sufficient (they are also repairing luxury cars). Of the thirty people who work at Auto Bugatti / Saleen Canada, fifteen are assigned to the body and the exterior finish. There is even a program to accept individual customer cars who want to turn their Mustang GT into a Saleen, if only partially.

[Source: LA PRESSE]