From our friends at SMS Supercars.
[Source: SMS Supercars]
Tag Archives: SMS Supercars
SEMA 2009 COVERAGE
From Jarred Williams.
Dear SOEC members,
Not too sure where to start except to say that SEMA was by far my best car experience. I spent the past couple days with Ford Motor Company, and the Advertising Manager of Automobile Magazine, Patrick Cannon (Source Interlink Media Group). It was quite a unique experience as I was under assignment to collect footage and amateur photos of the event and speak to my experience. I was fortunate enough to share it with my best friend (and fellow Saleen owner, Chris Jones) and he too was shocked by the large crowds and the plethora of modded vehicles (mostly Camaro’s, lol). We met and spoke with many great people and admired all of the over-the-top displays that showcased their products.
The day had started with an editor from Automobile Magazine, going over the itinerary for the day. The specific assignment was to compile footage for a contest sponsored by Ford Motor Company. The footage would then be featured to compete against other submissions by other guests of Ford Motor Company and Automobile Magazine. Our first priority was speaking to Jess Albright and David Byron about the launch of their new product, the Saleen S281. We were able to set up a video interview with David to inform us about the all new S-line, as well as the 435S. Both vehicles were quite impressive and it was exciting to see that the S-line was remaining true to it’s heritage, inspired by none other than Steve Saleen. It was also exciting to see that Saleen had a very passionate bunch working hard to bring a quality vehicle to market. The all-new S281 is nothing short of amazing with it’s Octane Red custom color amongst other features that make this “Unmistakably Saleen”.
We were also able to break away to get a signature by Steve Saleen at the SMS booth. During the signing, my cohort explained how his late Saleen #20 ’04 S281SC, was totaled when Steve began to entice Chris into a future SMS product. We were able to speak with Steve Atneyel about the engineering involved in the new line. The parts line-up are grade A quality with some of visual designs by none other than Phil Frank. Steve is on the right track with this new product line. SMS.
The rest of the day was spent taking footage of different press conferences and conversing with the Marketing Director for the Ford Mustang. We were able to hear what went into making the all new 2010 Mustang, as well as give constructive feedback and/or insight into the future of the vehicle. It was very exciting to hear Fords (undisclosed) upcoming plans for the Ford Focus RS and hopes of it coming to the US soon. During the event, we were able to see all the different styles of Mustangs coming to market such as Steeda’s Mustang and Vaughn Gittin’s unique design. We had the opportunity to interview Daniel Verlarde who was the winner of the ’10 Unleashed Mustang. You may have seen his ad’s featured in Motor Trend with the tattoo on his arm, (created by L.A. Ink) transferred to his Mustang. Ford also pushed the excitement of the all-new SVT Raptor and various upgraded models (including R and XT models). There was a simulator at the Ford Booth that put you in the seat of an SVT Raptor on a dirt track. It was intense at times but none-the-less, great fun!
Wrapping up the day included unloading all of our footage and photos to an editor and going around collecting autographs from various stars of SEMA. Although we spent most of the day collecting information from exhibitors, we did enjoy playing Forza Motorsport 3 at the “Turn 10 Studios” booth. The simulator put you in the driving seat of a custom made XBOX setup with steering wheel and pedals. An experience completely different from the typical wireless controller that comes with the XBOX 360. Me and my cohort were not able to compete directly with each other at this booth however, Hyundai had a nice little setup of an XBOX station featuring Forza 3 with their own “Genesis” coupe. You of course had the option to change your vehicle and track to your liking.
Last but not the least, Ford created a test track with drivers from Bondurant Racing (located in AZ). There were Ford Fiesta’s galore for invited guests to drive and observe. We were fortunate enough to drive the manual model through the track; testing braking, body roll and acceleration. The Euro-only model comes with Ford’s new Sync, as well as a promising fuel economy to compete with the likes of Toyota and Honda hybrid models.
It was great to see what SEMA exhibitors go through to get their product to market quickly. The SEMA brand allows for creative competition and encouraged a wealth of knowledge amongst buyers and the media. It’s impossible to leave the show not wanting to attend again and again. WOW! I will not ever forget the amazing experience I had and hope to attend the 2010 SEMA show!
[Source: Jarred Williams]
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SMS 296 SUPERCHARGER WITH DUO-PATH INDUCTION FOR 2010 4.6L MUSTANG UNVEILED AT SEMA
Las Vegas, NV – November 3 – SOEC/Saleen Forums News — At the opening day of the 2009 SEMA Show, Steve M. Saleen and his SMS Supercars unveils the production version of the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System for the 2010 Mustang featuring the efficient SMS Duo-Path™ Induction (patent pending).
With over 30 years of racing and supercharger experience, Steve M. Saleen and the SMS design team have partnered with the leaders in the industry to create the ultimate solution for performance enthusiasts with their innovative SMS 296 Supercharger™ System. The new supercharger is able to boost under-hood horsepower by up to 45% in a variety of engine configurations. The SMS 296 Supercharger™ System is standard on the 475- and 650-horsepower 2010 SMS 460 Mustang, the 500- and 700-hp 2010 SMS 570 Challenger and the 550- to 750-hp 2010 SMS 620 Camaro. The system can also be ordered separately and installed into existing vehicles through SMS Superparts, Steve Saleen’s Performance Parts Division.
The SMS 296 Supercharger™ System is the eighth generation supercharger system to grace the engine bay of a Steve Saleen vehicle. This modular system is designed to fit a wide variety of modern vehicles and engines including Dodge Challenger R/T and SRT8, Chrysler 300, Charger R/T and SRT8, Camaro LS and two generations of Mustang GT.
SMS 296 Supercharger™ System features the LYS32M3 compressor module by Lysholm® for SMS, which puts out an astounding 32 cubic meters of air per minute. This patented screw compressor technology increases horsepower while reducing fuel consumption compared to similarly powered normally-aspirated engines.
SMS Six-Pack™ Intercooler System
The patented SMS Six-Pack™ Intercooler System features six cylindrical 0.2mm micro-fin Laminova® intercoolers which provide more than 60% additional cooling, flow efficiency, reduced pressure drop and air charge temperature cooling compared to traditional box-type intercoolers. This optimized system features 2.5 gallons of coolant, single-pass coolant flow, a 90 l/min water pump, dual-line coolant hoses and a high-volume dual pass heat exchanger to handle the most extreme horsepower configurations.
SMS Duo-Path™ Induction
The SMS 296 Supercharger™ System for the 2010 Mustang features the innovative, efficient and beautiful SMS Duo-Path™ Induction, which divides the cold air induction behind the throttle body and air box into two symmetric paths to the rear intake of the compressor. This dual-path system maximizes the flow cross section in the tight engine compartment of the Mustang, while also functioning as an aesthetic enhancement by obscuring the clutter associated with the top of the engine.
SMS Power Boost Efficiency
The innovation and internal efficiencies of the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System enable the system to deliver major horsepower gains within a 5-7 PSI boost range in most engine applications, with the benefit of reduced component fatigue for longer engine life.
SMS Tailor Made™ Options
The SMS 296 Supercharger™ System innovation continues on the outside as well with SMS Tailor Made™ custom finishes and powder coat color options for those horsepower enthusiasts who wish to match the impact under the hood to their rear wheel output! SMS offers custom-built systems to most specifications from its extensive list of options, including polishing, painting and anodizing of the castings and components.
SMS Superparts
At the 2009 SEMA Show, Steve Saleen also announced the formation of SMS Superparts. A subsidiary of SMS Supercars, the new venture will be a source for all Mustang, Mopar and Camaro enthusiasts to locally locally the new SMS296 Supercharger and have it installed.
Please visit www.smssupercars.com for more information. For a broad understanding of the workings of superchargers please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercharger. SMS Supercars and SMS Superparts will be at SEMA, in the Main Hall at booth 24965.
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[Source: SMS Supercars]
STEVE M. SALEEN ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF SMS SUPERPARTS BUSINESS AT SEMA SHOW 2009
Las Vegas, NV – SOEC/Saleen Forums News – November 3, 2009 — Today, at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Steve M. Saleen, President and CEO of SMS Supercars, announces the formation of his nationwide sales, distribution and installation network SMS Superparts. On its own display area, SMS Superparts shows a virtually unmodified 2010 Ford Mustang with the new SMS 296 Supercharger under the hood, as well as a production version of the 2010 SMS 570X Challenger in Sour Grape Green. Centerpiece at the impressive display was the SMS 296 Supercharger. Says Saleen: “We are excited to launch our newest addition to the SMS Supercars family right here at SEMA, where it all happens.”
To have a strictly SMS Superparts display was a conscious choice on my part. I wanted to underline the importance of the aftermarket business, the passion of the enthusiasts and the true Steve Saleen fans. Right now, SMS Superparts is actively looking for installers around the country, who will be selling Mopar, Mustang and Camaro enthusiasts the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System and all other performance parts from SMS”. While the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System is standard on all SMS Signature Series Cars – the SMS 570 and 570X Challengers and SMS 460 and 460X Mustangs have been launched so far – it can also be ordered as an aftermarket performance solution through SMS Superparts.
Says the Head of SMS Superparts, Jon Clark: “SMS Superparts is your one-stop-shop for all your performance needs, starting with the awesome, patented SMS 296 Supercharger™ System, through the SMS S4 Suspension, wheel and tire packages, to aerodynamic body parts and our famous SMS Red Butterfly™ Induction hood. This way, every enthusiast out there with a 2008 or newer Dodge Challenger, a 2005 or newer Ford Mustang and – coming soon – a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro can personalize their car with genuine Steve Saleen designed and produced parts. Only SMS Superparts can rely on Steve’s 30 year experience in racing, development and retail.” SMS Superparts plans that its nationwide network of retailers and qualified installers in the major markets will become the point of contact for customers purchasing performance components from SMS Superparts and having them installed. SMS 296 Supercharger™ Systems installed by Steve Saleen-qualified retailers will come with the full factory warranty from SMS Supercars.
While Mr. Saleen expects the SMS Superparts top seller to be the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System, he envisages that most of his fans will not stop there; “I see people fitting our SMS 296 Supercharger™ System to an existing Mustang or Challenger and coming to us for more. We offer high-performance suspension and brake systems, aerodynamically efficient body parts and our patented butterfly hood – which looks and performs great, – as well as smaller components that make each car unique. And for those of you whose partner has one of those cars – Christmas is just around the corner, and you can find everything on our website http://www.smssuperparts.com/,” says Steve Saleen with a smile. Christmas is in 51 days….
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[Source: SMS Supercars]
MEET STEVE SALEEN AT SEMA SHOW 2009 – SMS SUPERCARS BOOTH
Automotive icon Steve Saleen will be autographing for fans attending the world’s largest aftermarket industry trade show known as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 n
Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 n
Wednesday, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 n
Thursday, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 n
Location: SMS Supercars booth#24965, Central Hall
SMS SUPERCARS DEBUTS 570X CHALLENGER
STEVE SALEEN VISITS WITH ADAM CAROLLA ON CARCAST
- Adam Carolla with Steve Saleen
Adam Carolla and Steve Saleen talk about Steve’s background, the S7 Supercar and the new SMS 570X Challenger and his daughters Mollypop Pink Mustang. Then a quick lane change into Investments cars. Adam and Sandy come up with some interesting choices as usual. A quick pit stop with Skype calls. Ace and the Professor talk one end of of the road to the other with Replica cars to box stock Mustangs. And yes, you guessed it, we feature one of Adam’s Italian cars, his Dino Ferrari 308GT4 and then a wrap with John Salley’s First Car. Enjoy the ride!
Click on this link to visit adamcarolla.com and listen to the CarCast
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[Source: Adam Carolla]
SALEEN MUSTANG CREATOR TO DISPLAY CARS, SIGN AUTOGRAPHS AT FOOD LION AUTOFAIR
Steve Saleen’s name has appeared on more than 11,000 high-performance Mustangs over 25 years, and he is celebrating that milestone with a special display and autograph sessions at 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, during the Sept. 10-13 Food Lion AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Saleen was a successful Formula Atlantic racer in the early 1980s when he realized that a few simple improvements could make Ford’s popular Mustang perform on par with more expensive sports cars. Borrowing his sister’s white 1984 Mustang hatchback with 5.0-liter V-8 and five-speed transmission, Saleen designed a package that would transform the pleasant pony into a modern muscle car. He upgraded the suspension with stiffer springs and shock absorbers and installed a set of exotic alloy wheels. To aid its high-speed handling, this first Saleen Mustang received an aggressive front air dam, low side skirts, and a rather large rear wing. The final touch was a banner of vinyl lettering across the top of the windshield announcing “Saleen Mustang.”
Saleen kept his prototype and sold two cars to West Coast Ford dealers before the ’84 season closed. Those first three cars, and every Saleen Mustang since, received a unique production number separate from the Ford VIN, a practice that enhances their collectible status.
Steve Saleen took his cars racing in 1986 and won four Sports Car Club of America championships in ’87, giving his company the first of many competition trophies.
Due to federal emissions regulations, Saleen was not allowed to modify the 225-horsepower Mustang engines, so he hired a former Environmental Protection Agency official in 1988 and put him to work certifying a 300-horsepower V-8 for limited production. At the time, such a challenge was unprecedented for a small-volume manufacturer, but it resulted in the 1989 Saleen SSC, a car that enthusiasts still refer to as the “super Mustang.” Not only was the engine more energetic, but the suspension, brakes, wheels and tires, transmission and rear axle were designed especially for that model. The leather-covered interior was fitted with a massively powerful sound system, four-point rollbar and a unique “rear speaker enclosure” that eliminated the back seat. All 161 SSCs were white hatchbacks.
Saleen’s 10th anniversary in 1993 coincided with the final year of the “square” Mustang, a design Ford introduced in 1979. Steve Saleen chose to send the so-called “Fox” body on its way with a bang and developed the supercharged, 450-horsepower SA-10. Only nine of the black hatchbacks were built – all wearing the latest and greatest go-fast parts the company’s catalog had to offer.
Five years later, the SA-15 embodied all that was holy to the Saleen faithful, this time in the form of 10 yellow convertibles with supercharged, 320-horsepower V-8s. Matching yellow 18-inch alloy rims, a composite hood, unique leather interior, and a fiberglass cover over the rear seats made the birthday model stand out from the standard Saleen Mustang.
Another five years flew by, and, for 2003, Saleen offered six pearlescent white SA-20 convertibles with 375-horsepower V-8s and a “Speedster” appearance package similar to that on the SA-15. The hefty sticker price, $54,357, included airfare for two to the Saleen plant in Irvine, Calif., one night’s lodging, a celebratory dinner with Steve Saleen and attendance at the company’s annual car show.
Recently, Steve Saleen left Saleen Inc. and launched a new company called SMS Ltd. to manufacture niche-market, ultra-performance vehicles out of new Chevrolet Camaros, Dodge Challengers, and, of course, Ford Mustangs. To recognize his 25th anniversary, Saleen built a single 720-horsepower silver hatchback he intends to keep for personal use.
The Food Lion AutoFair is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Saleen Mustang with a special display that will include an SSC, SA-10, SA-15, and SA-20 – all owned by collector and longtime Saleen enthusiast Debbie Blaylock, of Asheville. Rounding out the exhibit will be a 2007 Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition model built to celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary of its first SCCA championship. Steve Saleen will be on hand Friday, Sept. 11, to meet fans and sign autographs in the Showcase Garage from 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m.
Enthusiasts can enjoy the Saleen 25th anniversary display during the Sept. 3-6 Food Lion AutoFair. The Fall Food Lion AutoFair annually attracts more than 100,000 visitors. It features more than 50 car club displays and more than 7,000 vendor spaces that offer a huge array of automotive parts and memorabilia. More than 1,500 collectible vehicles of all makes and models will be available for sale in the car corral that rings the 1.5-mile superspeedway.
Food Lion AutoFair hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults while children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. On Friday, Sept. 11, in honor of their public service, all police, fire and emergency workers showing a badge or ID will receive free admission to the Food Lion AutoFair. Parking for the event is $5.
For more information, contact the Charlotte Motor Speedway events department at (704) 455-3205 or visit the Food Lion AutoFair event page.
MICHAELS LAW GROUP: JURY TEACHES TOYOTA A LESSON ON HOW TO TREAT ITS SUPPLIERS
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Aug. 25 /PRNewswire/ — Ending nearly two years of litigation, an Orange County jury recently voted unanimously in favor of SVP International and against Toyota Motor Sales, USA, awarding significant damages to the Toyota supplier.
SVP was hired by Toyota in August 2007 to design and engineer a high-performance version of the Tundra truck that would serve as Toyota’s entrance into the high-performance vehicle market. This case was of national importance, as it was Toyota’s first attempt at entering the high-performance segment. SVP expected that after the high-performance Tundra was completed, it would build other high-performance vehicles for Toyota, possibly including the premier Lexus brand.
SVP, a company founded by race-car driver Steve Saleen and entrepreneur Wayne Grafton, was selected by Toyota through a lengthy competitive bid process. Yet, after Toyota contracted with SVP, and after SVP began working on the project, Toyota cancelled the project with SVP and later cancelled the program altogether. When Toyota refused to recognize SVP’s contract or any of the work that SVP had performed, Michaels Law Group filed suit against the manufacturer in the Orange County Superior Court.
Jonathan Michaels, founding member of Michaels Law Group, had the following to say: “What was most disappointing about this case is the way that Toyota handled it. They knew that a contract for the project had been issued, and that SVP had begun working on the project and had incurred expenses, yet they completely disregarded SVP altogether.”
The jury apparently agreed with Michaels’ assessment. After a 4-week trial, the jury returned a unanimous verdict against Toyota, awarding significant damages to SVP. “This case is important in that it shows that small businesses have a voice,” says Michaels. “Toyota is not above the law, and we are not afraid to prove it to them.”
Following trial, Toyota entered into a confidential settlement agreement with SVP, whereby SVP agreed to not disclose the amount of the jury verdict.
ABOUT MICHAELS LAW GROUP
Located in the heart of Newport Beach, Michaels Law Group is a full service business law firm, specializing in complex litigation and advanced business transactions, with a specialty in the automotive industry.
Founding member Jonathan Michaels, an avid car collector and automotive enthusiast, has litigated cases against nearly every automotive manufacturer and has been involved in structuring some of the most significant automotive transactions to date. With this unique background, Michaels Law Group has become well-known in the automotive industry as the “go to” firm for business transactions and automotive-related disputes.
If you’d like to schedule an interview with Jonathan Michaels, please contact Kelly Pion at 949.581.6900 or email Kelly at kpion@michaelslawgroup.com.
RELATED LINKS
http://www.michaelslawgroup.com
[SOURCE Michaels Law Group]
STEVE SALEEN PRESENTS: 2010 SMS 460 MUSTANG
Orange County, California. (July 20, 2009) Yesterday, Steve Saleen and his company SMS Supercars unveiled the first CAD illustrations of the 2010 SMS 460 Mustang at the “Mustangs Northwest Roundup” event in Seattle. The SMS 460 Mustang will be the only Mustang authorized to bear Steve Saleen’s name, to use the benefit of his heritage and to incorporate his performance innovations derived from over thirty years of racing and manufacturing experience. Steve Saleen, President and CEO of SMS Supercars: “The SMS 460 Mustang embodies everything I stand for. It reflects my unrivalled tenure in the Mustang business, my passion and love for the Mustang brand.” The SMS 460 Mustang’s striking design separates it from any other vehicle in the market. Chief Creative Officer of SMS, Phil Frank notes, “Steve Saleen’s new SMS 460 Mustang is a dramatic, timeless and iconic visual statement that confidently leads the pack, continuing the evolution of the image of the Steve Saleen brand.” The SMS 460 Mustang is in final tooling and prototype testing stages and the market launch is planned for later this year.
The SMS 460 Mustang will offer a 4.6 liter V8 engine featuring 470 hp and 427 ft-lb of torque, while the even more powerful SMS 460X Mustang engine with all new internals and extensive headwork pumps out 655 hp and 600 ft-lb from the enlarged 5.0 liter V8. Both use the new (patent pending) SMS 296 Supercharger for their incredible horsepower and torque gains. Transmission options are a 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual on the 460 or a 6-speed SMST manual on the top of the line 460X. Performance for both cars is striking.
The SMS 460 Mustang accelerates from 0 to 60 in under 4.5 seconds, while the 460X manages the same in closer to 4. In addition to engine output, handling, road holding and braking improvements, the 2010 SMS 460 Mustangs will feature Steve’s signature Watt’s linkage suspension with all-new geometry. New SMS 15” six piston front and 13” four piston rear brakes deliver impressive stopping power to match the jaw-dropping acceleration. The SMS 460X Mustang will also feature the unique (patent-pending) Steve Saleen Red Butterfly Induction System. The interior with all-new Alcantara and leather SMS performance seats features the patented Signature Series chevron stripes. Multiple seat chevron and SMS unique exterior colors are available through the SMS Tailor Made options.
Steve Saleen receives Lee Iacocca Award for “dedication to excellence”
On July18, 2009, Steve Saleen was honored with the prestigious Lee Iacocca award for dedication to excellence in perpetuating an American Automotive Tradition during the “Mustangs Northwest Roundup”. Says Steve: “I am humbled to receive this award, it reflects my over thirty years of ongoing involvement in the passion and love for Mustangs.”
About Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars – Speed, Science and Style
Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars, a company founded by renowned race driver and automotive icon Steve Saleen, is a manufacturer of high-end lifestyle performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars designs, engineers, tests, certifies, manufactures and assembles all of its own products and vehicles. SMS Supercars’ first products, the SMS 570 and SMS 570X Challengers were launched in early 2009, with the SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustang models destined for market entry later in 2009. Customers interested in buying the only authorized Steve Saleen Mustang can contact SMS Supercars directly at www.smssupercars.com or by calling (714) 400-2121.
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[Source: SMS Supercars]