By: N.A. on September 22, 2007
Original Article: DAILY TELEGRAPH, THE (SYDNEY)
Right-hand-drive converted models of the latest Ford Mustang GT have been approved for sale in Australia.
Performax International this week announced it would import coupes and convertibles from the US for conversion for Australian roads following ADR approval.
A company spokesman says the 4.6-litre V8s will be available at $115,000 ready for registration throughout Australia, with a four-year 120,000km warranty.
Ford Australia does not import the cars and the company is not liable for warranty claims or servicing.
The hot Mustang Shelby GT500 Coupe, with a supercharged 5.4-litre engine, will be available at $179,990. The high-performance Saleen Mustang is also on their agenda.
By: JASON TRAHAN on August 19, 2007
Original Article: DALLAS MORNING NEWS, THE (TX)
Aug. 19–Chris Wilks’ car probably got him in trouble early Saturday morning. But it also got him out.
About 2:20 a.m., he was driving his black 1999 Saleen Mustang home in Cedar Hill after a night out with friends. At Clark and Wheatland roads, a Chevy Avalanche pulled alongside. A man inside tried to get his attention, but Mr. Wilks, 25, is used to that.
“I get looks every single day I drive that car,” he said.
But this time, offering a compliment isn’t what the other motorist had in mind.
“The light turned green, and he pointed a gun straight at me and pulled the trigger,” Mr. Wilks said. The shot missed both him and the car.
Mr. Wilks floored it, and the muscle car’s 425-horsepower engine enabled him to quickly leave the Avalanche behind.
It eventually caught up, however, and the gunman fired twice more, missing each time, according to a police report.
Mr. Wilks, who has worked as a stunt driver, lost his pursuers again, dialed 911 and eventually turned around and began chasing them to get a license plate number.
After nearly three miles at speeds above 100 mph, the pickup lost control, crashing through a fence and striking a backyard shed at Trees Drive and Middleton Road.
As neighbors began congregating, a propane tank inside the shed exploded, setting the house on fire. No one was injured, and part of the house near the garage was damaged.
Police recovered a .45-caliber pistol. They arrested Arturo Avila, 18, of Grand Prairie and Christopher Nevarez, 19, of Arlington on charges of aggravated assault. Each was being held at Lew Sterrett Justice Center in lieu of $25,000 bail late Saturday.
Mr. Wilks said police told him that if he hadn’t had such a quick car, he might not be alive.
So, will he keep it?
“To be honest with you,” Mr. Wilks said, “I really don’t think so.”
Saleen and ASC Combine Competencies to Build Niche Vehicles
Paul Wilbur
IRVINE, CA – August 11, 2007: Hancock Park Associates, the primary investor in Saleen Incorporated, recently completed the acquisition of assets of American Specialty Cars Incorporated (ASC). Paul Wilbur, current President and CEO of ASC, was today appointed to the role of President and CEO of Saleen, as well. The strategic alignment of these two niche vehicle manufacturers will create a complete portfolio of products and services for future Saleen vehicles, aftermarket accessories and vehicles created for the world’s original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
“Paul is one of the most dynamic automotive executives in the U.S. automotive industry with more than 26 years of industry experience; 21 years with OEMs and five years in the Tier 1 supply business,” said Kevin Listen, a Hancock Park Associates partner. “His knowledge of the specialty vehicle business is paramount as he leads Saleen and begins to grow ASC’s specialty open air and creative services businesses. We expect a lot of good things to happen under Paul’s leadership.”
In the near-term, both ASC and Saleen will remain as separate companies, although the long-term vision is to strategically integrate the two operations. While each company will maintain its unique focus, both companies have common platforms as low volume, specialty vehicle manufacturers. The combined group will be comprised of OEM, Tier 1 and aftermarket business units.
Along with Wilbur, Saleen will also be supported by Chris Theodore, the retired vice president of product development at Ford Motor Company, best known as the “father of the Ford GT program.” Theodore will lead new product development for both companies and be its chief technology officer. Marques McCammon will assume the daily responsibilities at Saleen.
With great enthusiasm, the teams are currently working together to launch the 2008 Saleen model line, in addition to equipping all supercharged Ford Harley-Davidson Edition F-150s with Saleen’s patented twin-screw supercharger and painting all 2008 Dodge Vipers. The group is especially looking forward to combining its efforts to produce the next generation of Ford Mustang and F- 150-derived vehicles due out within the next two years.
“The combination of Saleen’s powertrain and chassis expertise, along with ASC’s body engineering and design capabilities is no accident,” says Wilbur. “Moving forward, both companies are excited to develop innovative products for the automotive industry. Together, the two companies will have the expertise to design, engineer and manufacture amazing new specialty vehicle products. The synergies of the two companies create a clear leader in the niche vehicle business. I am also very excited to join the talented team at Saleen.”
ABOUT ASC
ASC is a supplier of highly engineered and designed roof systems, body systems and other specialty-vehicle systems for the world’s automakers. ASC also continues to have strong capabilities in Creative Services with one of the largest vehicle design capabilities found outside the OEM community. The company was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Southgate, Michigan. For more information, visit www.ascglobal.com.
ABOUT SALEEN
Since the company’s inception in 1984, Saleen Incorporated has produced over 12,000 complete and EPA-certified vehicles and is a nine-time Manufacturers’ Champion in GT sports car racing. Saleen manufactures the American supercar — the Saleen S7, as well as the S281 Mustang, S331 Sport Truck and the Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang. Saleen also supports OEM partner niche vehicle initiatives, including projects such as the Ford GT, supercharged Harley-Davidson Edition F-150 and the Dodge Viper program. Saleen’s manufacturing facilities are located in Irvine, California and Troy, Michigan. For more information, visit www.saleen.com
Our friends at Saleen, Inc sent this photo of a newly constructed S331 Supercharged model. Saleen serial 07-0397T wears optional Extreme Rainbow paint and is shimmering in the sunlight outside their Troy Michigan production facility. This one-of-a-kind S331 is headed to Maroone Ford in Margate, Florida.
The Saleen Store is having an Anniversary Sale this weekend!!
Today and tomorrow you can get 10% off of everything in-stock including parts (and labor for installs). We don’t normally discount labor, but IT’S THEIR 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!
Anyone interested in parts or labor can email Spring Cook for details as she will be in and out of the store.
For apparel and accessories inquiries, they can email or call 949-SALEEN1.
They’re at Irvine Spectrum Center (near Nordstrom’s/Target) and they’re open from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. 7 days a week.
By: BEVERLEY LYONS and LAURA SUTHERLAND on July 26, 2007
Original Article: DAILY RECORD, THE
ROCK Radio DJ Kieron Elliott is revving up his engine for the famed Cannonball Run.
In the race across the USA, daredevil Kieron and his co-pilot, Real Radio MD Billy Anderson, will travel in a 600bhp Saleen Mustang for the race from New York to LA on July 29.,
Kieron said: “Getting the opportunity to do this is a dream. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and complete the race.”
2008 Extreme Makes its World Debut with More Than 600 Horses and One Bad Attitude
IRVINE, Calif., July 24 /PRNewswire/ — The cars are the stars in DreamWorks’ new hit movie “Transformers,” and the Saleen S281 Extreme is receiving rave reviews as everyone’s favorite bad guy. Appearing in various scenes, the Extreme — disguised as a deceptive police car code-named “Barricade” — pursues lead character Sam Witwicky, played by Shia LaBeouf, and ultimately battles his “Autobot” protector, a 1976 Chevrolet Camaro named “Bumblebee.”
Saleen delivered multiple S281 Extremes to the “Transformers” set for filming, but none were equipped with the new Saleen-supercharged 302 cubic- inch engine of the soon to be released 2008 model. Debuting in late-summer 2007, the new Extreme is expected to set a new benchmark for performance vehicles in its class. Designed by the same engineering team as the Saleen S7, the new Extreme will be the first vehicle to deliver true super car performance in a production sports car.
“Fans of the movie can see the Extreme police car on display at The Saleen Store in Irvine, California,” said Mike Simmons, chief marketing and sales officer of Saleen Inc. “What’s even more exciting is they can actually purchase the production model from their local Saleen certified dealership, without the police badging and vicious alter-ego, of course. The 2008 Extreme is a limited production vehicle of only 200 units and a waiting list is already starting. However, we have two more attainable S281 models that have the same body style as the “Barricade” car. They might not destroy ‘Autobots’ as easily, but they are plenty fast and fun to drive.”
About the 2008 Saleen S302 Extreme
As the headliner of Saleen’s “S” model line, the 2008 S302 Extreme will boast a redesigned and supercharged version of the company’s highly acclaimed and potent 302 engine introduced in 2007. Although official specifications are still under wraps, the new powerplant will produce well in excess of 600 horsepower.
This new Extreme model will replace the current 550 horsepower model. The S281/S302 model line also includes the 335 horsepower S281 3-Valve, as well as the 465 horsepower S281 Supercharged. All three S281/S302 vehicles share like styling cues, but each maintains its own personality, driving dynamics and performance elements.
Exact specifications and performance ratings for the new 2008 S302 Extreme will be released at the time of the launch in late summer 2007. As true with all Saleen vehicles, the 2008 Extreme will be fully certified to meet federal safety and emissions standards.
Individuals can go to www.saleen.com/transformers.htm to find more information regarding Saleen’s involvement in “Transformers” and to learn about the Saleen Extreme and other Saleen models.
Since the company’s inception in 1984, Saleen has produced over 12,000 complete and EPA-certified vehicles, more than any other specialty automobile manufacturer. In addition, Saleen has equipped more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide, further emphasizing their capabilities and commitment to excellence.
A nine-time Manufacturers’ Champion in GT sports car racing, Saleen manufactures the American supercar – the Saleen S7, as well as the S281 Mustang, S331 Sport Truck and the Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang. Saleen also supports OEM partner niche vehicle initiatives including projects such as the Ford GT, Supercharged Harley-Davidson Edition F-150 and the Dodge Viper program. Saleen’s manufacturing facilities are located in Irvine, California and Troy, Michigan.
As most of you are aware, I recently resigned from Saleen, Inc. It was with a heavy heart that I did so as this company has been my life’s work and the realization of so many of my aspirations. My staff and your support over the years have pioneered an industry and proved that anything is possible. I believe in what we have built together and will never waiver in my loyalty to you.
It is important to me that you know that I have tremendously enjoyed having the opportunity to meet so many of you and in many cases made life long friends all over the country. You have helped me build my dream, and, along with my staff, I consider all of you to be the spirit of Saleen.
My new position as CEO of ZXNA will be a monumental and challenging endeavor. I am honored that I was asked to be a part of this historical achievement in bringing the first vehicles from China into North America. Although, it appears to be a completely different role for me, the same principals apply when your goal is engineering for U.S. certification and dealer development. Of course I will miss all that horsepower, at least for now, but my future does include more Steve Saleen vehicles and I will also be attending as many of my usual Mustang car show events as possible. So please continue to bring those Saleens out so that I get an opportunity to meet even more of you!
If you have any questions for me, please feel free to post them on the SOEC website’s forums at soec.org and I will attempt to answer as many as possible.
By: DONOHOE GRAEME on July 13, 2007
Original Article: SUN, THE
Hunk in 1m Dollar US road race
DAREDEVIL TV star Kieron Elliott is revving up to win $1million by outrunning US cops in a real-life Cannonball Run dash across America.
Kieron, 33, is one of more than 400 hellraising petrol heads taking part in a wacky race from New York to Los Angeles on July 29.
The flying Scotsman, above, from Airdrie, will take the wheel of a Mustang Saleen for the 2,900-mile coast-to-coast trek.
And the former River City star has a few tricks up his sleeve to foil cops – just like screen hero Burt Reynolds in the classic Cannonball Run flick.
Keiron, now breakfast DJ for Rock Radio 96.3FM, has air support to help him win – drafting in a HELICOPTER to help avoid police. He grinned: “Cannonball Run has to be one of the best films ever and we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves.
“The helicopter will be going ahead to look out for cops so we have a ticket to go as fast as we want.”
Kieron – who played cancer sufferer Duncan Robertson in the BBC soap – will be racing with radio pal Billy Anderson.
Parties
The super-rich racers stump up Pounds 5,000 just to take part.
Kieron and Billy hope to be a hit with the ladies at the riotous parties being thrown along the route to LA.
Kieron beamed: “We’ll be wearing our kilts the whole way. I’m really looking forward to the parties.”
Kieron will be phoning in with daily updates for his Rock Radio show – and listeners will have a dream chance to win his super-fast Mustang.
