Saleen Racecraft RC2 Focus - Speed on a Budget

The Ford Focus is hot right now. Thanks to rising gas prices, Ford's econobox has enjoyed a serious spike in sales the last few months while big cars and trucks on on the decline. It should come as no surprise that a hot Saleen version of the car is in the works.

Tuner cars have been the rage for quite a few years now, thanks to Sony's Gran Turismo video game and the "Fast and the Furious" movies. It only makes sense to offer a tuned version of the Focus, and Ford has done it in the past with the much heralded SVT.

Following the recently introduced Saleen Racecraft Mustang is the Racecraft Focus RC2, which was introduced at this years Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit. The car will go on sale no later than the first quarter of 2009.

According to Saleen product and program planning director Julie Zona, the RC2 "offers an exciting aesthetic, great handling, and just the right amount of performance."

The biggest selling point is the price, which is expected to be under $20,000. The RC2 will be available to enthusiasts who otherwise may not be able to afford a tuner car.

Here's a list of what that $20,000 will get you:

* A 1.6-in.-lowered Racecraft sport suspension with new specific rate springs, unique performance valves, and heavy-duty anti-roll bars.
* Larger brakes supplied by Saleen SpeedLab
* A unique dual-tipped exhaust top produce "a healthy growl"
* A Racecraft-tuned version of the Focus' 2.0L Duratec four-cylinder
* 18-in. aluminum alloy wheels with new Bridgestone rubber
* A four-piece body kit featuring a new mesh front grille and three-part rear wing spoiler
* Racecraft graphics

If you're the type of person who's always dreamed of a tuned up Mustang but are more on a Focus budget, the Racecraft RC2 could be right up your alley.

500hp Hurst Challenger to debut at SEMA

The legendary maker of shifters, Hurst, has announced that it is teaming up with Dodge to offer a special edition Hurst/Hemi Challenger for 2009. Much more than just a simple trim package, the Hurst will sport at least 500 supercharged horsepower.

"The new Hurst/Hemi Challenger is more than just another musclecar," says Nate Shelton, chairman of Hurst. "It epitomizes the performance industry's tradition of taking the best Detroit has to offer and adding 21st-century performance parts to make your ride faster and cooler than the other guy's. Hurst has a long history of doing just that with guys like Don Garlits, Warren Johnson, Dick Landy, and even celebrity racers Steve McQueen and Jim Garner. The new Hurst/Hemi Challenger is the first of many Hurst Performance Vehicles to come. We are ready to make some more history."

Detail are scarce at the moment. The car will feature Hurst polished five spoke wheels and a classic Hurst "pistol grip" shifter, of course. Production will begin in 2009 after the car has debuted at the SEMA show in November in Las Vegas. No price has been announced yet.

Special edition variations of the Challenger are no surprise as much of Ford's success with the Mustang has been a result of the dozens of variations of it's Mustang. While some enthusiasts like to poke fun at the endless varieties, it generates press and creates interest in the base cars for those who can't afford the big sticker special editions. Expect to see much of the same thing in the future, perhaps with Chevy's new Camaro also.

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.