SMS 570 Dodge Challenger revealed!

Steve Saleen is determined to show everyone that his new company is different from the old one. He did so by renting out a rave club in Orange County. When the cover of the mystery vehicle was removed, it revealed the new SMS 570 Challenger.

The first SMS 570 Challenger, in fact. And it's headed to Barrett Jackson for auction after it's unveiling. The 570 is a mean looking machine, with revised body panels and red butterfly induction hood flaps.

The shade of purple that adorns those revised fenders is a shade of purple that is similar to Plum Crazy, but Saleen dubs it "Plum Insane."

The SMS Signature Series 570 Challenger does most of it's damage from under the hood, however. The already potent 5.7L Hemi sports a supercharger, raising horsepower to 500 in base trim and going all the way up to 700 horsepower.

There are also a host of suspension, brake, and interior changes to make the package a complete turnkey supercar. Production is set to begin at the end of January, with prices expected to be in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. 2010 SMS Mustangs and Camaros should follow later this year, according to Steve.

PRESS RELEASE

Steve Saleen and his company SMS are well on the way to production with the first vehicle in
the line of Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles. The SMS 570 Challenger will
be the first vehicle with a host of aesthetic and functional innovations including the patented
SMS Red Butterfly Induction™ hood and a full compliment of SMS ultra-high performance
components including: drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

"When you combine Steve Saleen and Dodge Challenger you get the pairing of two
powerhouse automotive icons." - Edmunds/Inside Line


Steve Saleen presents the SMS 570 Challenger

The fully certified and street legal SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger will be
based off the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T platform and will feature a SMS designed and
engineered SMS 296 Supercharger atop the 5.7L Hemi, with power ratings from 500 to over
700 horsepower respectively.


Steve Saleen presents the SMS 296 Supercharger

"Who wants a Steve Saleen Supercharged Challenger? We Do!" - Dodgepedia.org

The MSRP's for the 2009 SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger are targeted to
start at $60,000 to $70,000 respectively with production commencing in 2008. Both models
will carry a bumper-to-bumper factory warranty.

This is an exciting opportunity for the Mopar community to finally take part in the ultra-high
performance niche production vehicle market! So act now to reserve yours.

"We're big fans of Steve Saleen. He's created some pretty incredible Mustangs over
the last 25 years, and any guy that successfully builds his own supercar gets major
props in our book." – Autoblog


Steve Saleen presents the SMS 570 Challenger

Each of these limited edition vehicles will be personally signed by Steve Saleen as part of the
Signature Series product line, complete with unique badges and graphics. Production
numbers will be limited per year depending on the model, so the opportunity to be one of the
few owners is limited to a first come first served basis. So act now, by placing your pre-
production orders though any Dodge dealer in the US. Or call us directly for more details.


SMS

We are a niche manufacturer of lifestyle ultra-high performance vehicles, technical
performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. We design, engineer, test, certify,
manufacture and assemble all our own products and vehicles.

"I am drawing upon 25 years of rich experience in the automotive industry to address
the rapidly expanding global market of automotive lifestyle vehicles, technical
performance parts, accessories and apparel" explains Steve Saleen, Chairman and
CEO of SMS.

For more information please contact our sales department at: (714) 400-2121 x:216

www.smssupercars.com

Steve Saleen announces 2010 Signature Series Mustangs

It seems like yesterday when the 2010 Ford Mustang finally made it's official debut, and the hype has been non stop. Tuners have expectedly jumped on the wagon to develop parts and special edition versions of the Mustang. With the economy as flat as it is, a series of new pony cars this year and next will hopefully help to revive the aftermarket.

Steve Saleen has announced the first special edition of the new car, called the Signature Series 460 Mustangs. Each will features a supercharged version of the 4.6 liter V8, starting out at 475 horsepower and going all the way up to 650. The mechanicals of the new Mustang are largely carryover from the previous model, which is good news for enthusiasts as a full market of parts is already available.

Aerodynamic enhancements for the SMS Mustang will be penned by noted designer Phil Frank, and the cars will also feature upgrades for the drivetrain, suspension, tires, wheels and more upscale interior. Check the press release below for more details.

[Source: SMS Supercars]

PRESS RELEASE:

Dec 14, 2008 - Orange County, California. Steve Saleen announced today that he and his new company SMS (Steve's initials) will design, engineer, certify and manufacture an all-new family of ultra-high performance Mustangs. Steve's 25 year legacy with the Mustang will continue into the next quarter century with the launch of his 2010 Signature Series SMS 460 Mustangs.

The introduction of the SMS 460 Mustangs keeps Steve Saleen in the saddle with the model that made him famous as a manufacturer of high performance sports cars. Since leaving his former company, Saleen, Inc., Steve has entered exciting new territory with SMS. The first products to wear the new badge - the SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger, will begin shipping in late January.

"After 25 years of rich Mustang heritage, I am excited to begin work on the 2010 model" explains Steve. "Ford has hit the spot with the excellent new Mustang package and has provided me with an outstanding starting point. "The SMS 460 Mustangs will be truly world class performance vehicles and they will be available though the entire Ford dealer network!"

Hinting at the character of his latest creation, Steve says, "We are carrying over a host of performance features and innovations from my SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary model, which is a stunning performer and an aesthetic beauty!"

The fully-certified and street-legal SMS 460 Mustangs are based on the exciting 2010 Mustang GT platform and will feature an SMS Supercharged 4.6L engine with power ratings from 475 to over 650 horsepower! Both models will feature extensive design refinements and performance innovations, including the patented SMS Red Butterfly Induction™ hood and a full compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components. Look for all-new and upgraded drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

"The 2010 Mustang already has an exciting and sculptural exterior, as well as new, up-scale interior," notes Phil Frank, SMS Chief Creative Officer. "The SMS 460 Mustangs will evolve our design DNA in a more aggressive and aerodynamic direction."

Each of these limited edition vehicles will be hand signed by Steve Saleen as part of the SMS Signature Series product line, complete with unique badges and graphics. Annual production volume will be restricted, adding to the exclusivity of ownership. Contracts are issued on a first-come first-served basis and deposits are now being accepted for early production numbers scheduled for build in the second quarter of 2009.

Interested customers can contact SMS Supercars directly by calling (714) 400-2121 or by logging onto to www.smssupercars.com.

1 of 1 Saleen.....Windstar?!

Filed away in ideas that never quite made it to production lies this one off, Saleen Windstar minivan. Outrageous customized minivans have been around since the hippie days, and we've seen lots of modified ones, including a V8 powered Aerostar. But we recently came across this gem on eBay, a prototype produced for Tim "Tool Time" Allen.

This isn't just a Windstar with a Saleen sticker and some ground effects. This is a real, live Saleen with custom-made carbon fiber mirrors, valve covers and steering wheel. The double-nostril hood is custom-made as is the gauge cluster and the fender flares over the Z-rated 18-inch Rikens. Underhood is a Saleen supercharger atop the Ford V6. The eBay auction says more than $100,000 was spent on the monster minivan's production.

Tim Allen originally teamed up with Saleen to try and produce this version of the Windstar, but when Ford ceased production of the van all plans were cancelled.

Luckily the van wasn't, and lately has been used as a promotional tool for Port-A-Board, a company that makes collapsible skateboards. It was founded by Brett Gregory, who is a producer of Tim Allen's upcoming movie. And since the Saleen Windstar is still in the family, the winning bidder can choose to have a photo session with their new vehicle and Tim Allen himself. After six bids, the auction is up to $3,650 without hitting the reserve. You can place your bid here.

Saleen Automotive up for sale

Image via WikipediaSaleen is much more than just hot-rodded Mustangs and S7 supercars, and now, it's also for sale. Founder Steve Saleen departed in 2007, deciding that it might be more interesting to try and import a Chinese pickup truck for Chamco, and starting up a new performance company, SMS.

Saleen's eponymous company does work for automakers; the company built the Ford GT and Dodge's Viper gets its paint and some subassembly work at Saleen, too. Saleen's board has hired an advisor to investigate what level of interest there might be from potential buyers. Recent economic developments aren't going to make it an easy sale, but Saleen would like to sell itself by early 2009.

Ford Mustang SEMA roundup: Trufiber

The Annual SEMA auto show is coming fast. Set in Las Vegas on November 4-7th, there will undoubtedly be tons of musclecar variants on display, most highly modified and showing off the latest wares from aftermarket manufacturers.

As one would expect, there are going to be tons of Mustang variations. We'll be breaking them all down for you over the next couple of days.

2006 Ford Mustang GT by Trufiber

Powertrain/Drivetrain Type and Modifications: 4.6L OHV 24V V-8; 465.1 hp, 437.2 lb-ft of torque; EEV-V engine electronics; TR 3650 five-speed manual transmission; 10psi polished high-output Whipple twin-screw supercharger; Fluidyne high-volume air-to-water intercooler; dual Ford GT fuel pumps; Samco Sport red silicone coolant hoses; Pi-Thon polished billet hose locks; Mac Performance polished stainless radiator cover and fuse box cover; Stage III clutch with billet flywheel; Scott Drake billet-aluminum fluid caps

Chassis Type and Modifications: Front and rear Eibach Pro-Kit coil springs; power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; 14-in. Saleen/Stoptech slotted and vented front disc system with four-piston calipers; Brake Designs Inc. drilled and slotted rear rotors with stock calipers; 20-in. custom Raceline wheels with spin-on knockoffs; 20-in. Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires

Exterior Modifications: Custom paint by SW Body and Paint; Trufiber front fascia, GTS III ram air hood, custom front fenders and carbon-fiber chin splitter; Saleen HID headlights and "PJ" rear quarter-window covers; Cervinis ducktail rear spoiler; Street Scene side scoops and rear bumper fascia; 3D Carbon headlight splitters; painted mirrors by HCM

Interior Modifications: Katzkin Leather seating; custom-painted center console to match car color and stripes by HCM

Twin Turbo Saleen Parnelli Jones Mustang on Ebay

While Ebay in general can be a helpful shopping tool and present some great deals, sometimes it is just a tease that has us all thinking wishfully. In this case, seeing a Parnelli Jones Mustang that has been twin turbocharged by it's owner, said editor has feelings to the latter.

With it's Trans Am inspired looks and super exclusivity thanks to only 500 being built, the Parnelli Jones edition trumps pretty much all of the other thousands of Mustang special edition variants. Most owners figure to have put their copies of the car in a hermetically sealed chamber to preserve it's value.

But not this particular owner. He added dual 57mm Precision turbos, upgraded forged pistons, aluminum heads, a full three-inch exhaust system, and much, much more. In total, the motor produces 768 horsepower and 769 lb-ft torque -- at the wheels! The exterior remains stock, providing as much of a sleeper look as possible when one's car is painted grabber orange.

As of this writing, the car is up to $41,000, which isn't a bad deal at all considering. So if you have the funds and the driving ability to handle this one, here's the link.

First Drive: 2009 Saleen Dark Horse Mustang

Well, first drive may not be totally accurate. The folks over at Autoblog had more of a "first ride" in the 2009 Saleen Dark Horse Mustang, as they were relegated to the passenger seat.

You can't blame Saleen for wanting to be cautious with their new marque ride. The horse that they rode in was the very first one off the assembly line, and the only one built so far.

The "ride" occurred at Willow Springs Raceway outside of Los Angeles. The car was given an official introduction by CEO Chris Theodore, followed by a ride along with Derek Hartland, Saleen's chassis engineer.

The Dark Horse is a brutally fast version of the Mustang. The supercharged V8 pins you to your seat during acceleration while massive 15-inch cross-drilled rotors with 6-piston calipers pitch you forward just as hard.

The car handles as well as it accelerates, biting corners with ferocious grip thanks to Saleen shocks, springs, and their second generation watts-link system. The combination of supercharger whine and deep V8 rumble sounds great, backing up the Dark Horse's menacing appearance.

All of this performance and exclusivity comes at a price, of course. And the price of entry is steep, right around $90,000. Only 25 will be built, with production beginning in November.

The Saleen Dark Horse is obviously one of the best performing Mustangs you can buy, and the rarity of the car makes it a fabulous collectible. Unfortunately this will also mean that most, if not all of them will be locked up and not driven or enjoyed. Such is the way with ultra low production special edition vehicles.

2009 Saleen Dark Horse Extreme Edition

If it takes you more than five seconds to say the name of a car, it has to be good. The baddest and meanest Saleen Mustang to date has arrived, and it's officially called the Dark Horse Extreme Edition.

The Dark Horse is basically an extreme edition Mustang with a few added options including the new Speedlab SuperShaker option. The horse pumps out 620 horsepower and 600 lb ft of torque utilizing the Saleen Port Matched Series VI Integrated Screw type supercharger.

Other features include a unique Flat Black exterior graphics package, fender identification badge, Saleen serialized engine plaque, Navigation System and sport leather seating with Alcantara inserts.

According to Ceo Chris Theodore, the “Dark Horse is the meanest, darkest and fastest Saleen yet."

Saleen to introduce "Dark Horse" Mustang

With the 2010 Mustang set to debut in November, time is running out for special edition versions of the current pony car. Saleen is going out with a bang in respects to the current model with it's recently announced "Dark Horse" Mustang.

The super 'stang will feature the 620 horsepower V8 from the S302 Extreme plus the SuperShaker system that combines a functional ram air system with Saleen's twin-screw supercharger system - a first for a Saleen production car.

The "Dark Horse" will sport the Heritage body style and have additional features exclusive to the model. Production will begin in the Fall of 2008, and only 25 will be produced.

The car will officially debut next week, we'll bring you additional details when that happens.

2009 Saleen Mustang Lineup

In 2009, Saleen Mustangs will be moving a little upscale. Much like your modern automotive manufacturer, Saleen can afford to bump up it's models now that it has a "base model" in it's Racecraft brand. The line will also be limited since production of the 2009 Mustang is rumored to be limited to around 45,000 units to make way for the new 2010 model.

“The campaign for the year is titled ‘the Pinnacle,’ as we intend to solidify Saleen’s position as the leader in exclusive performance vehicles,” says Marques McCammon, General manager at Saleen Automotive. “My vision is to move the brand up with more exclusivity in every model, with fewer, more substantive offerings.”

For 2009 Saleen will feature a new wheel design, various exterior details, and a special interior treatment specific to each model. The S302 model will feature 580 horsepower in S trim level.

The heritage models will be limited to two special editions, a continuation of the Dan Gurney model and a "Super Saleen" that will put out an as of now unspecified amount of power.

Add some Mustang S Style Wheels to spice up your 'Stang from AmericanMuscle.

2008 Racecraft 420 S Ford Mustang First Test

Saleen Corporation is a little different nowadays. The guy who's name is the namesake of the company is gone. The company itself has merged with American Sunroof Corporation, which like Saleen has been trying to redefine itself in an ever changing automotive market.

Saleen Mustangs have turned into heavily finned and spoilered cars that are rather pricey, thus not for everyone. Saleen's response to this the the Racecraft brand.

Mustang fans will recognize Racecraft as a brand of suspension components produced by Saleen. Now it has become a name unto itself, a brand of car. Racecraft cars are supposed to be easy on the eye and the wallet, all with stirring performance.

The very first Racecraft Mustang is the 420 S, which Motor Trend has recently tested.

The folks at Motor Trend have tested pretty much every version of Mustang under the sun. It's quite refreshing that they find the 420 S to be "one of the most well-balanced, fun-to-drive, not-overdone Mustangs we've tested in a good while."

The package starts with a base model, no option Mustang GT. The main power adder is Saleen's twin screw supercharger, which incorporates and intercooler with the blower itself resting low in the engine bay.

The EMS is recalibrated and a 98mm mass airflow sensor is installed, along with a high-flow inlet tube and K & N air filter. The result is 420 hp, up from the stock GT's 300.

For the twisties, the 420 S sports Racecraft shocks and struts along with an anti roll bar. It also has 18 inch wheels, down from the 19 inch that Saleen's sport, wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza 275/40-18s.

Visual mods are limited basically to a huge "Racecraft" banner across the bottom of the doors, which hopefully is an option.

Motor Trend recorded a 4.4 second 0-60 time and a 10.4 second 0-100 time. The quarter mile came in at 12.9 sec @ 110.0 mph. Handling is firmer than stock but completely liveable.

The 420 S is offered in all stock Mustang GT colors. Leather and other upgrades are available, but will push the price above the $40K mark. Saleen specifically wanted to keep the price below $40K.

Overall the 420S is a nice piece for a nice price. It's a completely liveable car that can be driven without being too aggressive to handle in everyday situations.

While just under 40K seems like a lot of money, consider that a base GT runs around 25K. Add the supercharger, intercooler, piping, and suspension pieces, and it adds up to a pretty good deal. Unless you are proficient at installing parts and tuning cars, in which case you could save a few thousand by doing it yourself.

AmericanMuscle.com has all the 2008 Mustang Parts you will need to spice up your 'Stang.

Saleen's 720hp SMS

Steve Saleen doesn't just celebrate his 25th anniversary by having some cake and ice cream. No, he marks the occasion by rolling out an awesome 720hp Mustang! The SMS boasts an aluminum 5.0 engine with a CNC ported supercharger and aluminum heads, as well as unique to this model options like SMS Red Butterfly induction system and SMS Light Blade led taillights. This is SMS Limited’s first working concept vehicle with plans to develop a Challenger and Camaro in the future.
Steve Saleen busted into the auto industry on August 19th, 1973 at Riverside International Raceway, where he took his GT350 to the winners’ circle. Steve quickly moved up in the ranks of open and closed wheel racing. His business degree eventually meshed with his love of racing when he formed Saleen Autosport and introduced his first modified Mustang, a 1984 that featured a blue and white paint job and performance modifications.
Concept features: SMS 720 HP Supercharged 5.0L Aluminum Block V8 SMS CNC Ported Saleen Supercharger
SMS CNC Aluminum Heads
SMS Red Butterfly™ Induction System
SMS Light Blade™ LED Tail Light System
SMS Billet Aluminum Watts Link System
SMS Cross Drilled 15″ 6-Piston Front Brakes
SMS Cross Drilled 12″ Rear Brakes
SMS Two Piece Billet Aluminum Hood Vents
SMS Carbon Fiber Side Splitters
SMS Carbon Fiber Diffuser Fences
SMS Red Butterfly™ Quarter Intakes
SMS Chromosome™ Silver Paint
SMS Leather Grip Billet Aluminum Shifter and Shifter Bezel
SMS Leather Dash
SMS Leather Two Tone Door Inserts
SMS Leather Two Tone Seats 6-Speed Transmission
Source: SMS Limited