Tag Archives: Saleen

Motorsports News

MOTORSPORT: JAMIE’S RARING

By: RUSSELL ATKINS on April 29, 2006
Original Article: COVENTRY EVENING TELEGRAPH

Warwickshire’s leading sportscar ace is shaping up for the season ahead with a steely resolve and heightened expectations.

Jamie Derbyshire has remained with the Balfe Motorsport team in the FIA GT championship, and this year the squad has snapped up a brand new 650bhp, seven-litre Saleen S7R for the Leamington-based star and team-mates Shaun Balfe and Neil Cunningham.

Jamie said: “The team got the car late which has put a bit of pressure on, meaning there has been a limited amount of testing compared to what we would have liked to have done. We are still playing catch up a bit, but overall preparations have gone pretty well.”

After covering 150 laps at Silverstone where the car “didn’t miss a beat,” the team headed to the official FIA GT test at Dijon-Prenois in France.

The 28-year-old said: “We saw the test as an opportunity to iron out a few little gremlins. We had to learn the track and lost a day’s running with a misfire and gearbox problems, but considering we didn’t run on new tyres and weren’t really chasing times we fared pretty well.”

Indeed, the Saleen showed as high as third on the timesheets at one point, ultimately finishing the two-day test ninth having showed encouraging pace in tricky conditions.

Jamie said it was still a case of getting accustomed to the car and getting some laps under his belt before the campaign starts.

He explained: “A lot of the teams have had experience of their cars in previous seasons, whereas we are still having to get to grips with the Saleen. We just kept a low profile and left the test pretty pleased.”

“The Mosler we raced last year was a road car turned into a race car, whereas the Saleen is the other way round. It feels much stiffer, there’s a lot less bodyroll and there’s a big difference in power. It’s got 150bhp more which translates into a lot more grunt when you put your foot down. The carbon fibre brakes allow you to brake a fair bit later too.”

Balfe Motorsport are up against some serious opposition in the FIA GT series, with big-budget operations and monster machines from Maserati, Aston Martin and Corvette.

Jamie said: “All the cars are pretty capable, so it’s just a question of getting a good basic set-up. The competition will be tough, with 11 top-line GT1 cars and some very quick drivers. Maserati have a massive budget and their car is designed purely to go out there and win GT races. The Aston Martin is a freshly-engineered GT car too, and the Zakspeed team has a big pedigree in Champ Cars and the DTM (German Touring Cars).”

One advantage Jamie does possess is familiarity with the family-run Balfe Motorsport outfit, having raced for the team not only last year but also in 2003, when he and driving partner Shaun Balfe came within a whisker of lifting the British GT crown.

He added: “It’s nice having continuity and knowing everyone there. It’s a very relaxed feeling and one less thing to have to worry about, meaning we can just get stuck in and straight down to business. It’s a very good relationship.”

Jamie said he was particularly looking forward to the Spa 24 Hours at the end of July, after Le Mans one of the most prestigious round-the-clock races in the world and the undisputed jewel in the crown of the FIA GT campaign.

Looking at the bigger picture, podiums are very much the aim, and Jamie has set himself the objective of securing a top five championship finish at the end of the year.

He said: “Lady Luck would definitely have to play a part for us to win a race but there’s always an outside chance. We just want to pick up points and see where we end up.

“We have to really turn it on at Silverstone and show what we can do. It’s always a bit of guesswork as to how competitive you will actually be in pre-season testing, but we are quietly confident.”

Silverstone is the opening round of the series on May 7, and a circuit where Jamie has enjoyed considerable success in the past. Last year he stormed to victory over a strong field in the inaugural Silverstone 24 Hour race, an experience he said would be useful in preparation for the Spa challenge later this year.

A repeat performance on home soil next weekend would be the perfect way to get his 2006 campaign off to a flying start.

Press Release

THR DEBUTS SALEEN 06 SC-01 CONVERSION W/ A BANG…W/ $6000 SERIES VI GIVEAWAY

THR Texas Hot Rods, the leader in Mustang Performance, is debuting the brand new Saleen 2006 Aftermarket Conversion at Fun Ford Weekend in Houston April 28-30. As an introduction for the Saleen line, THR will also raffle a $6000 Series VI supercharger to be given away at the end of the weekend.

news_2005_THR_logo

El Paso, TX (PRWEB) April 25, 2006

THR Texas Hot Rods (http://www.texashotrods.com), the leader in Mustang Performance, is debuting the brand new Saleen 2006 Aftermarket Conversion at Fun Ford Weekend in Houston April 28-30. As an introduction for the Saleen line, THR will also raffle a $6000 Series VI supercharger to be given away at the end of the weekend.

THR completed the first All Aftermarket Saleen 2006 Conversion (THR SC-01) in April 2006. These vehicles feature the complete line of aftermarket parts available from Saleen, and can be purchased as a parts only package or converted as a numbered THR.

As an introduction to this line and as part of the debut of the THR 2006 SC-01 Mustang, THR will raffle away a $6000 supercharger at the upcoming show in Houston. The Supercharger will be given away at the end of the weekend.

THR will have the complete line of Saleen parts available in stock at the show. It was also have available Saleen & THR apparel, THR’s new line of wheels, and a THR vehicle for sale at the show.

For more information on THR products & Saleen aftermarket parts, see the complete selection at http://www.texashotrods.com.

For more information on the event, see the show schedule at http://www.funfordevents.com.

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Liz Metzger
TEXAS HOT RODS
915-593-6225

Automotive News

NEW TOYS FOR WORLD’S: RICHER GIRLS AND BOYS

By: N.A. on April 15, 2006
Original Article: GOLD COAST BULLETIN, THE

NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW

LEXUS has unveiled its LS 600h hybrid – which combines a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine and a pair of electric motors – at the New York International Automobile Show.

Billed as a high-performance car with extra electric boost rather than a fuel-sipping eco-warrior, it has a total output of about 324kW.

No fuel consumption figures have been released as yet, but Lexus promises ‘power and performance on a par with modern 12-cylinder engines, with fuel efficiency that matches a conventional V8 unit’.

Also flying in the face of higher oil prices are two higher performance versions of the Ford Mustang which went on show in New York.

Saleen dished up its Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang, named after the legendary US race car driver. Its V8 engine produces 275kW.

The Shelby GT-H version of the same was unveiled with a promise it will be available for rental at some US Hertz locations.

Named after another racer, Carroll Shelby, it has 25 per cent more power than the Mustang GT.

Press Release

THE SALEEN / PARNELLI JONES LIMITED EDITION MUSTANG DEBUTS

Design Celebrates Racing Legend, Parnelli Jones, and Delivers 370 bhp

April 13, 2006, New York, New York – Specialty automobile manufacturer, Saleen, (www.saleen.com) expands its product lineup and celebrates legendary racecar driver, Parnelli Jones, by announcing the Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang.

Parnelli Jones and Steve Saleen, New York Auto Show
Parnelli Jones and Steve Saleen, New York Auto Show

Steve Saleen, President & CEO of Saleen, said, “Parnelli Jones is an American racing icon. In the fifties, sixties, and seventies Parnelli won just about every race that he appeared in, including the Indy 500. 1970 was the year that the SCCA Trans Am Series boasted the most competitive field ever, and Parnelli Jones and his Boss 302 Mustang competed against the likes of Mark Donahue and Dan Gurney, and there he captured the championship. Our relationship began in 1987 when Parnelli raced for me on the Saleen team, and helped us win our first SCCA Manufacturer’s Championship at Sebring, Florida. I can’t think of any other individual that brings with him the unique connection between championship winning Mustangs and Saleen.”

Parnelli Jones commented, “It’s a true honor to have a special edition Saleen wearing my name. This impressive car takes me back in time – it makes me want to take it for a run around the track. I’m sure that this car will be an adrenaline-pumping experience for anyone who has the chance to own or drive one. I think that this car is going to evoke nostalgia not only for Steve Saleen and myself, but for everyone that lays their eyes on it.”

Advanced & Authentic

In 1970, spectators wore bell bottom pants and mood rings and watched Parnelli in his Grabber Orange Boss 302 Mustang with black striped hood, cross the finish line to take numerous checkered flags and overall championship.

Today’s Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang reflects the same authentic vintage attitude but comes complete with a new Saleen 302 cid V-8, 3-valve engine. This engine produces a whopping 370 horsepower at 6000 RPM, and with 370 ft-lb of torque at 4000 RPM. The high compression engine transforms a normal drive into an exciting thrill ride. Awakening the senses, the new Saleen engine is equipped with a high compression, high revving valve train, utilizing forged pistons, rods, and crankshaft and a lightweight, aluminum flywheel. Top-performance calibrations are thanks to Saleen’s PowerFlashTM technology.

Also included in this Limited Edition are new Saleen 302 valve covers. Completing the authenticity and providing additional high performance capabilities is the new exhaust system that provides a low-resonating sound that is a legacy of Saleen.

Classic & Contemporary

“We designed this commemorative vehicle to capture the raw, aggressive feel that Parnelli raced with, and created a racing revolution,” continued Steve Saleen.

The new Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition comes in one color, Grabber Orange. Period correct details include a black striped “shaker” hood, race-style hood pins, black trunk deck, and 302 side stripes.

Completing the overall effect, the new Limited Edition comes with Saleen performance styling including front fascia with racing-style air dam, side skirts, rear fascia, rear 1970 replica wing, trunk insert license plate panel with chrome trim, rear window quarter panels, and a racing-style billet gas cap. Demonstrating further the authenticity of this retro-beauty, Parnelli’s racing number, 15, removable and reusable static cling race decals, and the Ford blue oval are displayed – just like the one that appeared on Parnelli’s 1970 Boss 302 Mustang.

Signature decals of both Steve Saleen and Parnelli Jones show above the door roof rails, and an all-new Saleen Parnelli Jones logo appears throughout the exterior and interior. Borrowed from the seventies are the restyled rear window louvered sport slats, which is an essential part of the overall styling.

Saleen Racecraft Suspension

Keeping with both Steve Saleen’s and Parnelli’s race ancestry, the Limited Edition is designed utilizing Saleen’s own precision suspension. However this all new, yet classic Watts-Link suspension is derived from racing and performance applications, and offers the purest in race-type handling. The superior springs, shocks and swaybars provide even greater performance capabilities enabling the tires to remain firmly on the road even in extreme cornering.

Rounding off the Limited Edition are the Minilite-style 19”x9” front and 19”x10” rear racing wheels which prominently display the Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition center cap, which reflects the cool racing heritage from which they were bred. The car is outfitted with high-performance Pirelli 275x40x19 front, and 285x40x19 rear tires, and offers race-car-like stopping with Saleen 14” brakes.

Racetrack Revisited

Strap yourself inside the Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition and you’re back in time! A time when driving meant extreme passion for the car, the race – and all about the win! Experience the beautifully coordinated orange and black racing-style seats which envelop the driver and the passenger. Grip the steering wheel, grab the special Limited Edition gear shift knob, view the integrated twin gauge pod that reflects oil pressure and temperature, and vintage instrumentation panel with its black background and white characters, and you’re there! Turn the key, blip the throttle, take her for a couple of laps around the track, or around the block, and you can easily imagine you’re at Laguna Seca driving with a racing legend – and the checkered flag is yours!

Feel the Spirit

“Parnelli Jones is an extraordinary example of a legend maker. Even after nearly four decades, his abilities and visions for the sport has very few equals. I anticipate that Parnelli’s racing spirit will come alive in every Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition that we manufacture. Capping on our motto, ‘Power in the Hands of a Few,’ we will produce a limited number – up to only 500 – in honor of Parnelli winning the Indy 500 in 1963,” said Steve Saleen.

Inspired from Parnelli’s original 1970 Boss 302 Mustang, the ‘Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition’ lives and breathes all things inherently Parnelli – and all things Saleen!

Availability and Pricing

Certified Saleen Ford dealers throughout the United States are now taking orders for the Saleen Parnelli Jones Limited Edition that will be distributed this Fall as a 2007 model. MSRP is estimated to be in the mid-to-high $50,000 for this limited production vehicle. Taxes, designation charges, and other fees may apply. For complete information about the Saleen / Parnelli Limited Edition please see: http://www.saleen.com/S302.htm. For a local Saleen dealer please visit: http://www.saleen.com/dealerLocator/DealerLocator.aspx.

Click here to participate in the discussion.

Press Release

SALEEN TO SPONSOR TEXAS HOT RODS IN FIRST ALL-SALEEN AFTERMARKET ENHANCED 2006 MUSTANG

Saleen, the premier automotive brand for the Ford Mustang, has chosen to sponsor Texas Hot Rods in creating an all-Saleen aftermarket parts enhanced 2006 Mustang. This vehicle will begin as an all stock vehicle and will be transformed to showcase Saleen’s complete line of aftermarket parts.

news_2005_THR_logo

El Paso, TX (PRWEB) March 9, 2006

Saleen, the premier automotive lifestyle brand for the Ford Mustang, has chosen to sponsor Texas Hot Rods in creating an all-Saleen aftermarket parts enhanced 2006 Mustang. This vehicle, a Screaming Yellow 2006 Mustang, will begin as an all stock vehicle and will be transformed to showcase Saleen’s complete line of aftermarket parts.

The vehicle will showcase the following items. Body kit and wing, Supercharger, Supercharger hood, Suspension, Exhaust, Graphics- all badges on vehicle, Saleen seats, Chrome Wheels and Tires, Brakes, HID Light Package.

It will be dynoed before the transformation and after to showcase the power difference with the upgrades. Once complete, the THR Saleen 06 will be featured in Saleen and THR advertising, as well as taken throughout the US to various events including Fun Ford Weekend and NMRA shows. The project is scheduled to begin March 10th and to be completed by March 20th. All modifications will be by Saleen personnel at the Saleen plant in California.

Saleen Inc. has been the premier specialty automotive manufacturer for over 20 years. With its superior quality products, its aftermarket parts have always been a staple to Saleen owners. Now every Mustang owner can have the same quality and artistry of the complete Saleen parts line.

Saleen has carefully chosen a select few to market its complete line of products. Texas Hot Rods was the first private dealer chosen to represent Saleen’s aftermarket line of products. Texas Hot Rods is quickly becoming the leader in Mustang performance parts, and like Saleen strives for both quality and performance in all the lines it represents.

The complete Saleen product line is available at Texas Hot Rods through the toll free order line 877-50-STANG (877-507-8264) or via the website at http://www.texashotrods.com.

Texas Hot Rods is the premier retailer of Ford Mustang aftermarket performance parts and cars. For further information, please contact us at 915-593-6225.

# # #

Liz Metzger
TEXAS HOT RODS
915-593-6225

Motorsports News

MOTORSPORT: JAMIE’S CHALLENGE

By: LUKE HAMER on February 15, 2006
Original Article: COVENTRY EVENING TELEGRAPH

Jamie Derbyshire has agreed to race for Balfe Motorsport team for the GT1 class of the FIA GT Championship.

The Warwickshire GT star will be taking to the wheel of the 650bhp Saleen S7R for the first time next month along with last years partner Shaun Balfe and Neil Cunningham.

He decided to stay with the team as they moved up from GT2 after a winter of considering his options that saw him test a Le Mans Prototype.

The Spirit VW and Hyundai Group-backed racer will not be fazed by the increase in power or speed as he steps up to the top flight as he completed a season in a Lister Storm back in 2004.

He is thrilled to be continuing his steep learning curve in the sport and is relishing the chance to test himself against some of the best drivers and cars in the division.

“I’m looking forward to the GT1 class, its definitely going to be incredibly competitive this year, ” he said. “I don’t think we can challenge some of the cars like the Aston Martins on out right pace, but knowing how well the team can run the car I know we can be challenging for the podium.”

Press Release

LAMINATED GLASS GAINING GROUND AT 2006 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

APPROXIMATELY 1.3 MILLION VEHICLES PRODUCED ANNUALLY
WITH LAMINATED GLASS

DETROIT, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ — More than 40 production and concept vehicles on display at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) tout laminated glass in side and rear windows, as well as roof applications, as reported by the Enhanced Protective Glass Automotive Association (EPGAA). Laminated glass has become a mainstream technology in the automotive industry, with approximately 1.3 million vehicles produced annually with laminated glass.

“It is the goal of the EPGAA to educate the industry and consumers on using laminated glass in applications other than windshields,” said Mike Sanders, EPGAA President and director for DuPont Automotive Safety Systems. “We are pleased to see the continued increase in adoption of laminated glass; it shows that automakers and consumers alike are realizing the extended benefits of this technology.”

Laminated glass is a high-impact resistant glass technology that automakers and car buyers have trusted for use in windshields for more than 60 years. In addition to windshield applications, laminated glass is being developed specifically for use in side and rear window, and roof applications. Laminated glass provides four key benefits, to help protect vehicle occupants:

Safety
In addition to meeting global automotive safety standards, laminated glass could help save up to 1,300 lives annually and reduce occupant ejection — according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Security
With a tough plastic interlayer or film composite, laminated glass provides significant increases to intrusion resistance — enough to deter most would-be thieves.

Sound Reduction
The interlayer in laminated glass helps provide protection from outside wind and road noises, keeping the car interior quieter and more comfortable. This benefit allows automakers to offer consumers a vehicle with additional value without significantly increasing the cost of the vehicle. Acoustic studies note that laminated glass reduces interior noise by three to four decibels, allowing for better conversation and use of entertainment equipment.

Solar Protection
With the help of an available infrared (IR) reflective coating, laminated glass provides several benefits to the interior of vehicles. Testing has shown vehicles equipped with laminated glass parked in the sun with the windows closed may reduce the effects of solar heat by up to 18 degrees F (10 degrees C) compared to standard tempered glass.

Laminated glass also offers several benefits from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays to protect vehicle occupants and interiors from the damaging effects of the sun. UV rays cause interior vehicle fabrics to fade and degrade, leather to age, and plastic and vinyl to crack, which laminated glass can help to prevent. According to the Australian Radiation protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPNSA), the laminated glass interlayer also screens up to 95 percent of damaging UV rays, providing a UV protection factor of 50+ SPF.

About the EPGAA
The Enhanced Protective Glass Automotive Association (EPGAA) is composed of laminate and glass providers to provide information and overall education on the development of laminated glass for added vehicle security, occupant comfort and safety. Currently, DuPont Automotive; Glasstech, Inc.; Guardian Industries Corp.; PPG Industries, Inc.; Saint-Gobain Sekurit; Sekisui America Corporation and Solutia Automotive are members of the EPGAA. For more information on the EPGAA, visit http://www.epgaa.com .

[SOURCE Enhanced Protective Glass Automotive Association]

Automotive News

IF THEY BUILD IT, WILL THEY COME?

By: JOHN GITTELSOHN on January 5, 2006
Original Article: ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, THE (SANTA ANA, CA)

Jan. 5–Henrik Fisker, a designer of BMWs and Aston Martins, has introduced his first car under his own name, the Fisker Tramonto, a $234,000 sport coupe designed at his Orange County studio.

Steve Saleen, the Irvine builder of racecars and customized Mustangs, unveiled his newest venture Wednesday: a high-performance pickup truck.

Both the Fisker and Saleen vehicles are debuting at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens to the public Friday. Both auto designers embody the emergence of Orange County, long a home to auto design, as a budding center of auto production.

Saleen made more than 5,000 cars in 2005, half at his factory in Irvine and half at his plant in Troy, Mich. Fisker plans to build his first 150 Tramontos at a factory in Europe, before opening a facility somewhere near his Irvine studio.

“Saleen and Fisker are further along than others, but they’re not the only ones,” said George Peterson, president of Auto Pacific, a Tustin consulting and marketing firm.

For years, Orange County has been an international magnet for auto design studios: Volvo, Land Rover, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz among the Europeans; Mazda and Hyundai representing Asia.

It also hosts numerous world-renowned auto customizers and craftsmen, ranging from hot rod king Boyd Coddington of La Habra to the Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters Inc. of Fountain Valley.

What’s new is the growth of auto production, a trend enabled by advances in design technology and a growing market for specialized cars. Eric Noble, president of The CarLab, an independent auto research studio in Orange, compared the growth of companies like Saleen and Fisker to the recent proliferation of microbreweries to compete with mega-brewers such as Miller and Anheuser-Busch.

“If you’re going to brew a beer for a community, why not do it there?” Noble asked. “If the technology allows you to design, build and manufacture in proximity to the market, why wouldn’t you? If you’re going to build cars for Southern California, why not do it here?”

Fisker Coachbuild, as the company is formally called, derives its name from the early 20th-century European tradition of creating one-of-a-kind bodies with handcrafted appointments on top of factory-built chassis. But the company logo — a blue and orange circle pierced by two bars — was inspired by Southern California’s car culture.

The bars represent the auto designer’s pen and carving tool. The orange represents the sun setting over the blue Pacific “Southern California is the largest luxury car market in the world,” said Fisker, 42, a native of Denmark who settled in Orange County in 2003. “I live in Newport Beach because I think you need to live and breathe it.”

Beyond their shared Orange County origins, the new Saleen truck and Fisker sports car both represent customization of mass produced vehicles. The Fisker Tramonto is built on a Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG chassis while the Saleen S331 Supercharged truck rests on a Ford F-150 Lariat chassis.

Saleen is introducing his model at a time when truck sales have been hit by high fuel prices. But it doesn’t faze him or officials at Ford, which sold more than 900,000 F-series pickups in 2005.

“Having somebody like a Saleen take the F-150 and add his level of performance enhances our product,” said Doug Scott, Ford’s manager of truck group marketing.

“It’s a much bigger pie than the one for high performance sports cars,” said Saleen, a native of Whittier and former auto racer who designed his first car in 1984. “Where the trend is really going from the automotive standpoint is toward niche marketed, segmented vehicles. We’re speaking to individuals.” Saleen’s supercharged truck boosted the engine’s power by almost 50 percent to 450 horsepower, improved the suspension and enlarged the brakes to accommodate the truck’s 23-inch wheels — compared to 18-inches on the standard F-150.

Saleen also left his fingerprints all over his truck’s styling. He swelled the front bumper and grille to help the bigger engine inhale more air. The truck’s sides taper aerodynamically, like a woman’s waist. Tailpipes vent in front of the rear wheels, creating the truck’s rumble, leading to its nickname: Thunder.

The first trucks, 2007 models, are scheduled to be in about 170 dealer showrooms this summer, including Santa Margarita Ford, Sunset Ford and Villa Ford in Orange County.

Saleen has not set a price, but expects to charge at least $5,000 more than the F-150 Lariat’s $31,180 manufacturer’s suggested retail price. The truck still costs — and looks — like a Ford.

In Fisker’s case, it’s hard to see the Mercedes inside the Tramonto. He and his partner, Bernhard Koehler, enlarged the SL55’s wheels, enhanced the suspension, added horsepower and redesigned the interiors. They kept the SL55’s convertible hardtop, which folds into the trunk like an elaborate piece of origami.

But they completely transformed the Mercedes’ body — substituting 60 percent of the original steel and aluminum shell with carbon fiber to lighten the vehicle’s weight. They designed narrow slits for taillights and a grinning mesh-covered front grille inspired by the silhouette of the F-22A “Raptor” fighter plane.

Fisker and Koehler announced their company’s formation in January 2005 and put the first Tramonto on the road seven months later, a tribute, they said, to their design methods, details of which they said are proprietary.

The obsidian-black coupe and a second Fisker model, called the Latigo CS, have clocked almost 7,000 miles on their odometers as they travel to car shows.

“Our idea was to build a real car that works,” Fisker said.

Neither Saleen nor Fisker would disclose their privately-held companies’ financial data. They raised capital from investors and car enthusiasts around the nation. One of them, Dag Wilkinson, a Dana Point real estate developer, said he hopes to recoup his money in three years, although he’s not interested in buying a Fisker.

“My Puritan streak tells me I shouldn’t spend that much on a car,” Wilkinson said.

Press Release

SALEEN DEBUTS NEW SPORT TRUCK S331 – UNITING FUNCTIONALITY WITH RADICAL PERFORMANCE

Saleen Sport Truck Unveiled at Los Angeles Auto Show 2006

January 4, 2006 – LA Auto Show, Ford Booth, West Hall — Saleen, (www.saleen.com), the premier manufacturer of limited edition, high-performance vehicles, today marked a new paradigm in sport truck performance with its debut of the pre-production Supercharged Saleen Sport Truck S331, at the LA Auto Show.

Steve Saleen, president and CEO of Saleen, said, “We set out to produce the perfect high-performance truck. The Saleen Sport Truck integrates higher horsepower, superior suspension, and aggressive styling with the best in functionality. Our sport trucks are the perfect answers for individuals whose lifestyles take them from the beach to the mountains to the country club, all in a day. They are also the perfect sport trucks for individuals who are passionate about what they drive – they’re for individuals who require sports-car-like handling and performance, yet whose lives require the utility of a pick-up truck. These Saleen Sport Trucks are exceptionally versatile high performance vehicles.”

On Target

“Trucks account for half of all new vehicle sales in America. Our certified dealers and countless consumers have been requesting us to manufacture a high-performance Saleen truck. By introducing both the 3-Valve and the Supercharged Saleen Sport Trucks we believe that we are right on target with the market. The big difference is that the new Saleen Sport Trucks will give consumers the extreme performance, expressive styling, exceptional value, and the exclusivity that comes from the experience of driving and owning a Saleen – all in a fully-functional truck,” Steve Saleen continued.

Both Saleen Sport Truck models will start in the Super Cab style and will feature a 5.4L, 3-valve SOHC V-8 engine, and are scheduled to be available at certified Saleen dealers in July as 2007 models.

Haulin’ Attitude

The Saleen Supercharged Sport Truck packs a punch at 450 bhp @ 5200 RPM, and with 500 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 RPM which is due in part to the unique, patented, high-flow Saleen Series VI integrated twin-screw supercharger. Here, air is compressed through the twin screws and then runs through the dual-stage, water-to-air intercooler, which reduces the intake air temperature. With this cool, dense air, the Saleen Powerflash™ performance calibration system radically increases the power and performance.

In recognizing the trend of consumers wanting more choices, the Saleen Sport Truck will be offered as a normally aspirated, 3-Valve Sport Truck, which offers 325 bhp @ 5000 RPM, and with 400 lb-ft of torque at 4000 RPM.

Sounds Like Thunder

Every thought has gone into taking the Saleen Sport Trucks’ performance to the extreme. Both the 3-Valve and Supercharged trucks are equipped with a unique integrated Saleen exhaust system with twin side pipes, which produce a unique appearance that enhances power, performance, and sound. Because of the increased horsepower and distinguishable Saleen sound, the engineers at Saleen have affectionately named the truck, “Thunder.”

Saleen Racecraft Suspension

Designed to raise handling to new levels, Saleen Sport Trucks are equipped with Saleen Racecraft suspension. The front systems include N2 struts with linear-rate coil-over springs, a tubular anti-roll stabilizing bar and urethane pivot bushings throughout. Because it’s all about performance, calibrations are specifically set to a high-performance level.

The rear Saleen Racecraft suspension consists of a live axle, leaf springs and N2 shocks. The overall Saleen suspension system reduces load transfer which improves handling under braking and hard cornering.

The truck’s overall styling is complete with front and rear Saleen seven spoke, 23” forged wheels, on high-performance BFG 305/40 series tires. For responsive braking the Saleen Sport Truck comes equipped with power assisted 4-wheel ABS brakes. The front brakes have 15.0” slotted and vented disks with Saleen ABS 6-piston calipers, while the rear brakes are 13.7”.

In total, the Saleen Racecraft suspension elevates performance without sacrificing the quality of the truck’s ride, its load, or towing capacity.

A Real Looker

Great aerodynamics and exceptional styling are engineering feats that have been Saleen hallmarks for decades, and the aero and styling of the Saleen Sport Trucks are truly exceptional. The Saleen Sport Trucks’ superior aerodynamics come from specially designed injection molded components made from Thermoplastic Olefins (TPO), built to withstand the demands of the truck. All Saleen front and rear fascias, side skirts are uniquely Saleen – built to be rugged and durable, yet stylish and performance enhancing.

The stylish Saleen front grille is also designed for improved aerodynamics. The Supercharged Saleen Sport Truck integrates a unique hood with exhaust venting grille. The Saleen Sport Truck also has side fender vents, rear spoiler, and attractive tailgate panel.

Interior Design

No longer just for utilitarian uses, the racing-derived, totally upgraded interior of the Saleen Sport Truck has double-stitched leather sport seating throughout. The exclusive interior also incorporates a jewel-like instrument panel, featuring a twin-gauge pod display, integrated silver panels and bezels, double-stitched leather console armrest, and Saleen race-style pedals.

Raising the bar, Saleen will begin offering a number of Saleen Sport Truck options. These options will further enable owners to uniquely personalize their Saleen Sport Trucks. Some of the Saleen options that will be available include: HID headlamps, bedliners, tonneaus, tow packages, motorcycle, bike and gun racks, sound and entertainment systems, GPS, ski racks, and heavy-duty toolbox, and as you’d expect, there will be nothing standard about the Saleen options.

Timeline

The 2007 Saleen Sport Truck is scheduled to be in full-scale production in both Irvine, California and Troy, Michigan facilities in July 2006, and will run true to the manufacturer’s pedigree, which has been standard with every Saleen S281 Mustang and S7 supercar.

Each Saleen Sport Truck is fully-certified and carries a 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty through Saleen, and will also possess the Saleen production bumper number, as well as an interior dash plaque.

Pricing

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 3-Valve Saleen Sport Truck with standard equipment is expected to start in the high $30,000’s, and the Supercharged version is expected to start in the high $40,000’s.

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Press Release

SALEEN ANNOUNCES S7R RACE PROGRAM TO COMPETE AT LE MANS 24-HOUR ENDURANCE RACE

European Race Program Supports Growing International Sales of Saleen S7

Los Angeles Auto Show, Concourse Hall, Saleen Booth #C6, January 4 /PRNewswire/ —

Saleen, Inc., the manufacturer of limited edition, high-performance vehicles, today announced that Saleen, in conjunction with Oreca Groupe, have formed a partnership for an all out two-car effort towards one of the most prestigious races in the world, the 24-Hour of Le Mans.

Oreca will also sell, service and support all European race cars for parts, sales, as well as provide technical services. Oreca will also be the repair center for Europe.

Saleen is delighted to partner with one of the most professional and respected race organizations in the world. This combination of Saleen and Oreca will give the European teams campaigning Saleens a local base for new cars, parts, service, repairs, and racecraft to help bring the cars to the winner’s circle.

“The time is right time for Saleen to have a full European program. Globally, the S7 has grown in market presence and recognition, and with our new race program we will further showcase the racecraft and winning attributes of the S7R,” said Steve Saleen, president and CEO of Saleen. “Since the introduction of the S7 in 2001, all prior teams have had to be serviced from the U.S. Now, with the addition of Oreca to the program we can provide better service to our customers abroad.”

Hugues de Chaunac, president of Oreca commented, “We’re excited about our relationship with Saleen. For over a quarter of a century Oreca has been helping major car manufacturers win. We anticipate that Saleen the S7R will be one of our most ambitious and successful programs.”

Historically, the S7R has dominated racetracks worldwide. In 2001, the S7R performed flawlessly at the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring race taking home the win. The S7R later set a new track record at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans. By the end of 2001, the S7R also resulted in an additional 4 championships — 2 in Europe, and 2 in the U.S. To date the S7 has 50 wins, and over 60 pole positions in races around the world.

“We’re looking forward to this is a new chapter in the S7R’s racing heritage,” added Steve Saleen.

The Saleen S7R race program schedule is to be announced.

About Saleen
Since the company’s inception in 1984, Saleen has produced over 10,000 complete and EPA certified vehicles, more than any other specialty manufacturer. In addition, Saleen has equipped more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide, further emphasizing their commitment to excellence.

An eight-time Manufacturers’ Champion in GT sports car racing, Saleen’s corporate facilities include research, design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities, as well as the coating/paint division. Saleen also has manufacturing facilities in Troy, Michigan where the assembly and paint of the Ford GT supercar is accomplished. Additional Saleen manufacturing sites are located in Canada and Saudi Arabia. For more information please visit www.saleen.com.

Contact: PR Dept.
+1-(949)-598-4900
www.saleen.com

Web site: http://www.saleen.com

SOURCE: Saleen, Inc.