SMS Supercars 460 and 460X Mustangs

SMS is Steve Saleen's new company, and the 460 and 460X are his newest creations. Each car is pretty much what you would expect from the long time Mustang tuner, both inside and out. The exterior gets a full makeover including a new front fascia, Red Butterfly Air Induction hood, side splitters, rear fascia, and rear wing complemented by 20-inch, 5-spoke wheels. Two variants are available, a 460 Mustang and a 460X Mustang. The first features a 4.6L supercharged V8 putting out 470 horsepower mated to a 5-speed manual while the latter sports a 5.0L supercharged V8 producing 655 horsepower routed through a 6-speed manual. Both also feature several suspension upgrades including a new watts-linkage system and upgraded front and rear brakes.

PRESS RELEASE

Steve Saleen ponies up, celebrates 25 years in the business and 45 years of Mustangs with 2010 SMS 460 Mustang

Orange County, California. (April 17, 2009) Steve Saleen, his name being synonymous with fast Mustangs, would not be Steve if he kept his hands off Ford's newest pony. On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the launch of the original Mustang in 1964, and in reflection on his 25 year association with America's iconic sports car, Steve celebrates with Mustang aficionados from around the world in launching first sketches of the 2010 SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustangs at the 45th Anniversary Celebrations in Birmingham, Alabama.

Instantly recognizable as Steve Saleen's work, the new SMS 460 Mustangs feature a host of visual and technical highlights that set them apart from the crowd. "I previewed many of the features of my newest Mustang with the 25th anniversary car I showed last year," says SMS Supercars CEO and President Steve Saleen.

The front fascia treatment, the SMS Red Butterfly Air Induction HoodTM, the front and side splitters, the rear fascia and diffuser with the high down-force rear wing showed the way Steve Saleen is looking at Mustangs today. "You have to go with the times. While the Mustang remains an icon, Ford has done a very good job with the 2010 model. I wanted to interpret it using my signature to create the latest Steve Saleen version of this American favorite."

The SMS 460 Mustang offers a 4.6 liter V8 engine featuring a minimum 470 hp and 427 ft-lb of torque, while the even more powerful SMS 460X Mustang engine with all new internal and headwork delivers 655 hp and 600 ft-lb out of the enlarged 5.0 liter V8. Both use the new (patent pending) SMS 296 Supercharger presented last week at the New York International Auto Show. 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 expectedly striking. The 460 Mustang accelerates from 0 to 60 in the low 4 seconds, while the 460X manages the same in the lower 4's. In addition to engine output, handling, roadholding and braking play an equally important role. The 2010 SMS 460 Mustangs feature Steve's signature Watt's linkage suspension with all-new geometry. New SMS brakes front and rear deliver impressive stopping power to match the jaw-dropping performance.

The interior with all-new Alcantara and leather SMS performance seats features the patented Signature Series chevron stripes. Dash and interior panels are covered in hand-stitched high-quality leather. Multiple seat chevron and SMS unique exterior colors are available.

More details about Steve Saleen's latest Mustang will be revealed in the spring of 2009, deliveries are expected to start mid-summer. Customers interested in buying a SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustang can either contact SMS Supercars directly at www.smssupercars.com or by calling (714) 400 2121.

SMS Supercars
SMS Supercars is a niche manufacturer of lifestyle ultra-high performance vehicles, technical
performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. SMS Supercars designs, engineers,
tests, certifies, manufactures and assembles all of their own products and vehicles.

AC cars unveils Cobra MkVI

The old familiar AC Cobra that we all know and love doesn't have a Corvette engine, Porshe brakes, nor is it assembled in Germany. But this one features all of that. The original AC Cars has released details on it's latest version of the classic sports car.

An assembly contract with German manufacturer Gullwing GmbH has the latest Cobra assembled in Heyda, Germany, and fitted with a lightweight removable hardtop complete with gullwing doors. The aluminum body over tubular space-frame chassis weighs just 2,260 lbs and is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 sourced from the Corvette, tuned to produce 437 hp in standard GT trim or a whopping 647 hp in GTS spec.

Stopping power is provided by Porsche-sourced four-piston calipers and vented discs (332mm front, 298mm rear). 0-60 comes in a mere 3.3 seconds.

PRESS RELEASE

AC to launch new AC MkVI in Monaco
The UK's oldest car marque has announced that it is building its new AC MkVI in Germany

The AC MkVI will be launched at the Top Marques car show in Monaco on April 16. The AC MkVI, a faithful recreation of the ultimate sports car icon - the AC Cobra, is now being produced in Germany for sale in Europe. AC has entered into a long term strategic alliance with Gullwing GmbH in Heyda, Germany. The AC MkVI is being produced in a modern facility and AC is extremely proud of the quality of the finished product which is due to the skills of the craftsmen at the Heyda facility.

AC's Chairman Alan Lubinsky summarised the main specification of the new AC MkVI:
"The car has fully triangulated, jig welded roundtube spaceframe chassis, with racecar derived suspension, suitably adapted to be road compliant.
4-pot Porsche brake calipers with vented discs, 332 mm front-298 mm rear.
Differential with variable powerlock.
Corvette V-8 engine, 6.2 Litre, 437 bhp for the GT and 647 bhp for GTS version, both compliant to current emission laws.
Handmade aluminium-hybrid bodies, handmade to last forever, with increased, air conditioned cabin size for taller drivers.
Finest German carpets and leather hides, craftsman made to create a luxurious and comfortable interior".
"AC is one of the most admired and respected marques in the world," stated Juergen Mohr, CEO of Gullwing GmbH. "Their sports cars ignited a passion that still burns inside enthusiasts today. For over a century, the company has built cars with superb engineering, old world craftsmanship and classic designs. We feel extremely honoured that we can now be part of the future of the brand." Alan Lubinsky added:

"There are two major new features on the AC MkVI. We are especially excited about the new aluminium-hybrid body construction on the AC MkVI. This provides the AC MkVI with a traditional aluminium finish on the bodyshell, together with a strong composite structure. In addition to this, the AC MkVI will have as standard equipment a light weight gullwing hardtop, with coupled to the standard air conditioning, will provide drivers with total all weather motoring.

The AC MkVI is an open-top sports car based on the design of the Le Mans winning AC Cobra with many of the original car's characteristics while incorporating modern technology. The cars are not imitations - they are new generation of AC Cobra incorporating relevant advanced technology. "Every year approximately 1,500 copies of the cars AC built in the 1960s are sold in America," says Alan Lubinsky. "Why would anyone buy a replica when they can own an authentic AC roadster that is lighter and better and has been engineered and built to such demanding standards?" Weighing only about 1,025 kg, the lightweight AC MkVI GTS sports car can hit 100 kph in approximately 3.3 seconds. "The AC MkVI is wickedly addictive," says Gullwing's Juergen Mohr.

"One drive in this scorchingly fast sports car creates an adrenalin rush that will last a lifetime. The AC MkVI offers heritage, performance and timeless styling that stirs the soul." The AC chassis has been at the heart of some of the most legendary cars in history. Texan Carroll Shelby imported a number of rolling chassis from AC in the 1960s to build the legendary "Cobras" that dominated international sports car racing. The Shelby American team inserted a performance tuned Ford V8 and gearbox into a chassis and body supplied by AC for the North American market. Since then AC has manufactured a car that has been imitated by numerous companies.

AC expects to appoint a distribution network in Europe in the coming months to sell and maintain the AC MkVI

Chrysler reveals retro styled Dodge Challenger SE Rallye

The V6 Challenger SE is now available with some nice retro styling for those who like the muscle car look without the muscle car fuel economy.

The Challenger SE Rallye takes the base car and adds stripes, an R/T-style chrome fuel door, black-accented 18-inch wheels, and a rear decklid spoiler. The Rallye also introduces the 5-speed AutoStick to the six-cylinder Challengers.

The package, which is similar to the R/T Classic, starts out at $26,490 and is available for order now.

PRESS RELEASE:
New 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye Earns Its Stripes

With six-cylinder fuel efficiency delivering 25 highway mpg and an adaptive five-speed automatic with Auto Stick-new Challenger SE Rallye builds on the excitement of the new Challenger R/T Classic

Dodge Challenger SE Rallye features unique design cues including dual body stripes, chromed 'FUEL' door, deck lid spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels with black pockets and Micro Carbon interior accents
Fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V-6 now features a responsive five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick
Best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room provides spacious rear seat for up to three adults
Best-in-class trunk space (16.2 cu. ft.) equal to the Dodge Charger

Auburn Hills, Mich., Mar 30, 2009 -

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger delivers the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics-unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology. The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye adds even more pony car excitement with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission and bold accented exterior enhancements. The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye starts at $26,490 (including $725 destination) and is available for ordering now at Dodge dealerships nationwide.

"Featuring the transmission from our HEMI-powered Challenger models, the new Dodge Challenger SE Rallye earns its stripes with a five-speed automatic delivering an exhilarating driving experience and 25 miles per gallon fuel-efficiency," said Mike Accavitti, Director-Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Brands, Chrysler LLC. "And with eye-grabbing details including 18-inch wheels with black painted pockets, deck lid spoiler, and heritage-inspired chromed 'FUEL' filler door-Dodge Challenger SE shows off its pony car bloodlines."

Dodge Challenger SE Rallye is a unique breed and offers more than head-turning good looks. With its throw-back hood and deck lid dual stripes with accent color outer stripes, chromed 'FUEL' filler door, 18-inch rallye wheels with all-season performance tires, body-color deck lid spoiler and Micro Carbon interior accents-the new Challenger SE Rallye builds on the Dodge DNA.

The all-new Dodge Challenger SE Rallye is the first six-cylinder Challenger model to offer accented dual stripes, and the first Challenger model to offer deck lid stripes. With seven exterior paint colors and two-color stripe combinations, Dodge Challenger SE Rallye offers even more muscle-car excitement to the Challenger lineup.

Exterior paint colors and dual-stripe combinations on the Dodge Challenger SE Rallye include:
• Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl - with Dark Gray dual stripes and Red accent stripes
• Bright Silver Metallic - with Dark Gray dual stripes and Red accent stripes
• Deep Water Blue Metallic - with White dual stripes and Red accent stripes
• Inferno Red Crystal Pearl - with Black and Dark Gray accent stripes
• TorRed - with Black dual stripes and Dark Gray accent stripes
• Dark Titanium Metallic - with Black dual stripes and Red accent stripes
• Stone White - with Black dual stripes and Red accent stripes

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye model features an aluminum block 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. With 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 N•m), this 24-valve engine delivers efficiency and performance.

The all-new Dodge Challenger SE Rallye marks the introduction of the five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick for all Dodge Challenger SE models. With more responsiveness than the previous four-speed transmission, and an aggressive first-gear ratio, the five-speed automatic transmission provides outstanding launch performance and smoothness at any speed.

On the interior, the trapezoidal theme of the door-panel cove and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console are inspired by the original Dodge Challenger. Inspiration from the past continues with a "four bomb" gauge cluster with deep easy-to-read white faces. Premium cloth bucket seats are well bolstered. For a more comforting and luxurious feel, heated leather seats finished with French-seamed stitching are available. The advanced uconnect gps with voice recognition, navigation with real-time traffic and Universal Customer Interface (UCI) for iPod connectivity is available on the Dodge Challenger SE Rallye.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye offers exceptional rear seating for a two-door coupe, achieving best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room compared with the competition. Coupled with best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.)-equal to the Dodge Charger-the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye offers comfort and functionality.