Saleen reveals 2010 435S Mustang

MJ Acquisitions has launched it's first car under the Saleen moniker that it purchased a while back from Steve Saleen, and it is dubbed the 435S. If the car seems to be a little understated compared to the various wild and wacky aftermarket tuned Mustangs on the market, it's because MJ intends for the car to offer more substance for less money.

The 435S comes equipped with a Saleen Series VI twin-screw supercharger that helps pump the ponies up to 435, with 425 lb-ft of torque. A five speed manual rows the gears and is backed up by a 3.73:1 geared rear end. A sport tuned suspension package improves stock handling, and upgraded brakes increase the whoa with 14 inchers up front.

Customers can also opt for the Aero package, which adds a chin spoiler and rear wing to pair up with the Saleen graphics and 18 inch wheels. Pricing has not yet been announced, but expect it to be in the $40,000 range.

PRESS RELEASE:

Saleen Performance Vehicles today unveiled its first 2010 product, the Saleen 435S, based on the new 2010 Ford Mustang. The introduction took place as part of the Special Vehicle Team Owners Association's annual "Mustang Week" event. The 435S is the first vehicle launched under Saleen's new ownership, following the purchase of Saleen Inc. earlier this year.

This car continues the Saleen tradition of offering limited-edition, high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts who are looking for an exhilarating driving experience, with refined drivability for real-world road conditions.

The 435S is designed to provide affordable, high-value performance.

"In these difficult economic times we wanted our first vehicle to deliver a lot for an affordable price," said Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles. "It was created much more for 'go' than for show. We focused on power and handling, and it's a great platform to build on if a customer wants to take it farther later on."

Heart of the car's performance is its 4.6-liter, 3-valve SOHC V8 engine, complete with a Saleen Series VI twin-screw supercharger and two-stage intercooler. This engine produces a vigorous 435 horsepower and 425 lb.-ft. of torque. It's mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, and has a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio with limited-slip differential.

The car rides 1.5 inches lower than a Mustang GT, thanks to its Saleen Racecraft performance suspension. The system is designed to reduce body roll, provide nimble, precise handling and improve traction, while retaining the compliant ride of a good daily driver. The suspension package includes springs, a stiffer front stabilizer bar, and nitrogen-pressurized shock absorbers tuned exclusively for the 435S.

The vented brake rotors, front and rear, are slotted and cross-drilled for improved feel and stopping performance. Larger, 14-inch slotted front rotors with 4-piston calipers are available as an option.

The 435S has the Saleen-signature long, low, sleek looks and aggressive stance that have distinguished the company's previous cars. Traditional Saleen styling cues include an understated trim panel between the taillights with "Saleen" in raised lettering, mesh covers over the fog lights in the grille, and the Saleen name and chevrons as graphic elements placed low on each side. An optional Aero Package includes a lightweight chin splitter and rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics.

Other exterior highlights include unique, 18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels (19- and 20-inch wheels are available), and "435S" lettered on each side of the hood's power dome.

Inside, the modifications are designed to enhance the driving experience and to express the car's character. These include a new, short-throw shifter for quick, precise gear-changing performance, and new, driver-oriented gauges. These uniquely styled gauges retain Mustang's MyColor™ capabilities that allow the owner to select from more than 125 custom colors for the instrument cluster. The car's identity is highlighted by a Saleen logo embroidered on the headrests.

"All in all, we believe the 435S is the right car at the right time," said Shields. "It's a terrific performance value that we're proud to offer. And this is just the first of many great Saleen vehicles we'll be launching in the future."

New renderings, details on SMS Supercars 460 Mustang

Steve Saleen has brought forth some nice pictures and details regarding it's latest super ride, the 460 Mustang. According to SMS, the car is in its final prototype testing changes and will hit the market some time later this year.

Much of the styling cues that made the S197 Mustangs so popular are still present on the new version. The front end sports a blacked out grille, an agressive front fascia, and vented hood. Side skirts are present, as are the familiar sunken in tailights.

Performance upgrades are also similar to the previous generation's. You get a supercharged 4.6L V8, with either 470 or 655 horsepower, and the usual suspension and brake upgrades. SMS claims that the 460 will hit 60mph in 4.5 seconds, with the 460X doing the same in 4 seconds flat.

[Source: SMS Supercars]


PRESS RELEASE:

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.

GM says that the Camaro's transmission woes are fixed

The New York Times is reporting that General Motors has fixed it's transmission issues that stopped production of the new pony car. A number of Camaro SS owners who opted for the Tremec 6 speed transmission were experiencing failures.

Company officials are declining to reveal the source of the problem, but it is known that the problem had something to do with the output shaft. The defect occurred when aggressive driving was performed, reportedly with rpms over 5,000.

GM decided that the problem was fixed and that no recall was necessary. The Tremec is the same transmission used in a variety of performance cars. Now that the problem has been corrected, GM can get back to trying to keep up with customer demand, which has far exceeded supply.