Autoblog

First Drive: SMS 570X makes 700 hp, gobs more joy

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Dodge, First Drive

SMS 570X - Click above for high-res image gallery

During the course of a wide-ranging, more than two-hour long conversation, we asked racing legend, aftermarket impresario and SMS namesake Steve Saleen what's the single most important thing he wants Autoblog readers to know about not only his new 700-horsepower 570X, but about SMS as a whole. Without missing a beat, Mr. Saleen cocked his head to one side and said, "That we're not a tuning shop. SMS is an Original Equipment Manufacturer."

"We're not a tuner.
SMS is an Original Equipment Manufacturer."
- Steve Saleen

Normally, when the head of a company that takes existing cars and modifies them says something like that, you nod politely and draw your own conclusions. But in the case of Steve Saleen, you err on the side of trust. For one thing, he's been at this for 25 years - in fact, a 1984 Saleen Mustang just sold for $80,000. Compare that price to other 1984 Mustangs. For another, he's the man behind the Saleen S7, a totally bespoke beast of a machine that's one of the most dominant supercar-based race cars ever.

Still, looking at the all-new SMS 570X, it's very hard not to see an aftermarket Dodge Challenger, albeit a heavily modified one. But keep on staring and you'll notice that not only are most of the body panels new, they're actually well constructed. More importantly, they fit together properly. And SMS cars come with actual warranties (three year/36,000 mile for the 570, one year/12,000 for the 570X) and have countless thousands of hours of R&D behind them. But really, it's only once the 570X's hood gets popped that you suddenly realize this ain't no backyard tuner.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 SMS 570X

Continue reading First Drive: SMS 570X makes 700 hp, gobs more joy

First Drive: SMS 570X makes 700 hp, gobs more joy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Saleen officially unveils 2010 S281 Mustang

Drew Phillips — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2010 Saleen S281 Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery

After a few teasers photos via Flickr, Saleen Performance Vehicles has finally given us our first live view of its 2010 S281 Mustang. Those initial pictures showed lots of potential, and our positive first impressions were confirmed when we saw the car in person. To put it bluntly, Saleen has perfectly hit the mark with their new design. The modern design flows perfectly with the lines of the 2010 Mustang, even better than with the previous car.

We especially love the rear of the 2010 S281, which essentially fixes the awkward taillight design by extending the rear fenders and recessing the lights. Saleen has done well with the little details too, like the slick-looking shifter and the glowing Saleen emblem in the door panel that replaces the pony logo.

As far as performance goes, Saleen is sticking with what has worked in the past. They have affixed their Series VI supercharger system atop the 4.6L V8, which is good for 485 horsepower and 460 lb-ft torque. The S281 also gets a new Racecraft suspension system, 3.73:1 gears, and 20-inch wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires. Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect MSRP to come in around the mid $60,000 range. Follow the jump for the official press release from Saleen, and check out the official and live photos in the high-res galleries below.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: 2010 Saleen S281 Mustang

Gallery: 2010 Saleen S281 Mustang

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Saleen officially unveils 2010 S281 Mustang

SEMA 2009: Saleen officially unveils 2010 S281 Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Saleen S281 Mustang fully revealed

Drew Phillips — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:39:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2010 Saleen S281 Mustang - Click above for a high-res image gallery

We got a sneak peek of the new 2010-spec Saleen S281 Mustang via Saleen's Flickr page earlier this month, but now we have our first full look of the car thanks to our friend Brad Barnett over at TheMustangSource.com. These pictures have confirmed our initial reaction to the teaser photos, which is most definitely positive. Saleen's designers have managed to retain much of the design language that made previous versions of the S281 so popular while updating the style enough to properly flow with the lines of the 2010 Mustang. Check back next week for our full SEMA coverage and live photos of the new Saleen S281. Until then, hit up the high-res gallery below and see the car for yourself.

Gallery: 2010 Saleen S281 Mustang

[Source: The Mustang Source]

2010 Saleen S281 Mustang fully revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Chevrolet C5 Corvette-based Saleen S7 replica roadster

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Etc., Chevrolet, Specialty, Design/Style

C5 Corvette based Saleen S7 replica - click above image for hi-res gallery

Steve Saleen's Saleen S7 is a totally bespoke, hand built superduper hypercar that in twin-turbo, 750 horsepower, 700 pound-feet of torque form could go about 250 mph. And it was capable of generating enough downforce to (theoretically) drive upside down. In competition, the S7R has been one of the most dominant vehicles ever fielded, having been "raced in over 264 events, with 218 Top Tens, 166 Podiums, 105 Wins, 86 Poles, 78 Fastest Laps and 9 GT Championships." Price when new was about $600,000, give or take.

Which makes the above car all the more special. Sayeth the seller, "We thought long and hard as to what chassis we would use for our replica. First of all we knew the 80's [sic] Fiero was not an option. its [sic] too old, underpowered, and not a safe frame." Oh man - the replica world has really changed if a Pontiac Fiero chassis is not good enough. But the auctioneer does inadvertently raise a good point, as the S7 is in fact a mid-engined car, and you just got to have that if you're building a replica, don't you? Apparently not.

"So we went with a C5 Corvette chassis. It offers all the driving comforts, with great brakes, Power, and a super strong frame. and we could retail the car for a reasonable price." But not only is it Chevrolet Corvette based, they made it a roadster! See, all those boring old S7s were stuffy mid-engined hardtops - this is the world's first and only front-engined roadster S7. Replica. We've got to say we're a little amazed there are only two bids.

Oh wait, no - we said that wrong. What we meant is that we're a little amazed there are two bids. Currently, the "replica" is sitting at $20,100 and ~~humorously~~ oddly, the reserve has not been met. Did we mention that it's an automatic? Also, dude, your check engine light is on. Videos after the jump. Happy bidding!

Gallery: C5 Corvette based Saleen S7 replica

[Source: eBay Motors]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Chevrolet C5 Corvette-based Saleen S7 replica roadster

eBay Find of the Day: Chevrolet C5 Corvette-based Saleen S7 replica roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Saleen S281 Mustang teased ahead of SEMA debut

Drew Phillips — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2010 Saleen S281 Mustang Preview - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Newly formed Saleen Performance Vehicles released their first 2010-based Mustang, the 435S, this past summer, but the lack of any significant design upgrades left us wanting something a little more. We knew an S281 model was soon to follow, and thanks to Saleen's Flickr page, we now know the car will make its debut at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. The three photos posted on the site actually provide a decent look at the front and rear of the car, and we especially like what's been done to the 2010 Stang's controversial rear with the elongated tail and the diffuser-style rear valence. Check back for full details and plenty of photos when we cover the 2010 Saleen S281 Mustang's live unveiling early next month. Thanks for the tip, Brandon!

Gallery: 2010 Saleen S281 Mustang Preview

[Source: Flickr]

2010 Saleen S281 Mustang teased ahead of SEMA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SMS Supercars shows off new facility, new supercar on the way

Drew Phillips — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance

SMS Car Show and Open House - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's tradition for Steve Saleen to hold his annual open house and car show at the end of the summer, and while he's no longer with the company he originally founded, that's not stopping him from holding the event. The new SMS Supercars facility in Corona, CA was completed just in time to host more than 100 Mustang and Challenger owners who got a first look at Steve's new headquarters this past weekend.

SMS's chief creative officer Phil Frank showed us around the facility, which includes offices named after racetracks where the Saleen S7R has won, a production line that can complete 5-6 cars per week in its current state, R&D departments, and more. Currently only the 570 Challenger is being built (a Mustang and a Camaro are on their way, and we spotted two covered prototypes tucked away in a corner of the building), including some with unique paint jobs like Lime Green. We also have to say that Lizstick Red looks just as good on the Challenger as it does on the Mustang.

Frank also let us in on a few of the company's future plans, including the fact that SMS intends to build a new supercar from the ground up once the production of the Mustang and Camaro is underway. It is still undecided whether it will be a supercar like the S7 or something like a less expensive track day car, but either way we would be excited to see another unique car with Steve Saleen behind it.

Although not as big as Saleen's old Irvine facility (let's call it more streamlined and efficient), the new SMS building has that same exciting atmosphere about it. We can definitely see ourselves stopping by every time we're in the area to see if we can spot any new cars or to check out the vehicles currently being built. Of course, we'll always have a camera in hand as we did today, so enjoy what will most likely be the first of many photos from the new SMS Supercars facility in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 SMS Supercars Open House and Car Show

SMS Supercars shows off new facility, new supercar on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformers "Barricade" Saleen Mustang sold at auction for $36,000

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Ford, Police/Emergency, Celebrities, Specialty

One of three "Barricade" Saleen Mustangs produced for Transformers - Click above for gallery

For better or worse, not all of us can be Sam Witwicky, swapping spit with Megan Fox and attempting to foil galactic evil robots taking the form of common automobiles. But then, there's nothing common about this particular automobile. It's the actual Saleen Mustang that played the part of Barricade from the first Transformers movie. And one lucky collector just got his hands on it.

One of only three made, this 2005 Mustang was built specially by Saleen and further outfitted by the props gurus at DreamWorks SKG for the film. The car started life as a Saleen S281 Extreme, with a 4.6-liter V8 and five-speed shifter, before being turned into the rolling Decepticon, for which the studio added a push bar, emergency light kit, white doors and decals aplenty. With only 4,550 miles on the odometer, minimal wear and tear, and unsurpassed bragging rights, bidding started on the Barricade Saleen at $1000 and the car sold at $36k - a far cry from the $100,000 - $300,000 declared estimated value, but still a fair few pennies more than the Bumblebee edition Camaro.

Gallery: Barricade Saleen Mustang from Transformers on iCollector.com

[Source: iCollector.com]

Transformers "Barricade" Saleen Mustang sold at auction for $36,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saleen responds to lawsuit, addresses warranty issues

Drew Phillips — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Saleen 435S Mustang - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's been an up and down week for Saleen Performance Vehicles, the newly formed company owned by MJ Acquisitions. Just last week Saleen just launched the 435S, their first model based on the 2010 Mustang, but only days before they were slapped with a lawsuit filed by Steve Saleen demanding that they stop using the Saleen name.

While Mr. Saleen claims the lawsuit was filed to "protect the name, reputation and brand value of Steve Saleen", Saleen Performance Vehicles claim they have every right to use the name after purchasing assets from Saleen, Inc. including the "Saleen brand for superchargers, aftermarket parts and high performance vehicles." Despite the lawsuit, SPV plans to continue developing its lineup of performance Mustangs, and should launch a second vehicle some time in the fall.

As for the lack of warranties for vehicles and parts sold before February of 2009 created by the sale of assets, SPV states that they are "working to resolve past warranty issues and have every intention of going forward with a warranty policy that will provide confidence to all our valued stakeholders." It's a fairly vague statement, but somewhat encouraging and most definitely a step in the right direction. You can read the full statement from Mike Shields, SPV's President and CEO after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Saleen 435S Mustang

[Source: Saleen Performance Vehicles]

Continue reading Saleen responds to lawsuit, addresses warranty issues

Saleen responds to lawsuit, addresses warranty issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will the real Saleen please stand up? Saleen Performance Vehicles unveils 2010 435S Mustang

Drew Phillips — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2010 Saleen 435S Mustang - Click above for image gallery

Just days after a lawsuit was filed against it by Steve Saleen for the use of his name, MJ Acquisitions has launched its first Mustang model under the new company Saleen Performance Vehicles. The initial offering seems to be fairly light on visual changes, similar to the Racecraft-branded 420S Mustang that debuted last year, but Mike Shields, the new Saleen's CEO claims they wanted to "deliver a lot at an affordable price." Each 435S Mustang comes with a Saleen Series VI twin-screw supercharger that makes the 4.6-liter V8 good for 435 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque, driven through a 5-speed manual and 3.73:1 gears. Improved handling is provided by a sport-tuned suspension package and 14-inch brakes up front. Customers can also opt for the Aero Package, which includes a chin spoiler and rear wing to go with the Saleen graphics and 18-inch alloy wheels that look to be a take-off of the Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang introduced by Saleen last year. Pricing has yet to be announced, but we expect it to be somewhere in the low $40,000 range. Full details can be found in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Saleen 435S Mustang

[Source: TheMustangSource.com]

Continue reading Will the real Saleen please stand up? Saleen Performance Vehicles unveils 2010 435S Mustang

Will the real Saleen please stand up? Saleen Performance Vehicles unveils 2010 435S Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What's In a Name? SMS Supercars files suit against MJ Acquisitions for use of Saleen name

Drew Phillips — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:09:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Saleen

The drama that is Saleen entered a new chapter yesterday with the announcement that Steve Saleen's new company, SMS Supercars, has filed a lawsuit against MJ Acquisitions, which purchased assets from Saleen, Inc. including the right to produce the 'S' line and Racecraft Mustangs, as well as the Speedlab aftermarket division. Steve Saleen, who left Saleen, Inc. in the summer of 2007, claims the lawsuit was filed to "continue to protect the name, reputation, and brand value of Steve Saleen, and to reassure his loyal customers, dealers, and car enthusiasts that only Steve Saleen's SMS Supercars performance vehicles and products are genuine and deserving to carry his name." Much of this statement can be attributed to both Saleen, Inc's and MJ Acquisition's refusal to honor warranties for vehicles and parts sold before the transfer of assets between the two companies. While SMS stepped in and admirably offered to honor the warranties despite any lack of legal obligation, this lawsuit is no doubt another push for Steve's new company to be the only one linked to his name.

Interestingly, this lawsuit comes just days after AutoWeek reported that MJ Acquisitions planned to produce two new Mustangs under the Saleen brand in the next year. Steve and SMS Supercars have already been busy launching products of their own, starting the with the 570 and 570X Challengers earlier this year, followed by the 460 and 460X Mustangs scheduled for a late 2009 debut. More details on the SMS Supercar's lawsuit against MJ Acquisitions can be found in the press release after the jump.

[Source: SMS Supercars]

Continue reading What's In a Name? SMS Supercars files suit against MJ Acquisitions for use of Saleen name

What's In a Name? SMS Supercars files suit against MJ Acquisitions for use of Saleen name originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford celebrates 45 years of the Mustang at Barber Motorsports Park

Chris Tutor — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Ford, Shelby

It's been 45 years since Ford introduced the Mustang, and the Blue Oval chose Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL as ground zero for the big pony car celebration. Track officials estimated more than 38,000 people came out to see about 2,000 Mustangs on display from 15 different countries, and Autoblog was among the revelers.

The Mustang Club of France showed up with a dozen or so 2010 Mustangs they'd rented, Steve Saleen was signing autographs, Ford CEO Alan Mulally made a surprise appearance and the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge had two rounds of competition. There were fully-restored, low-mileage Mustangs trailered in from as far away as California and one dirt-encrusted, 1966 GT350H brought in straight from its 29-year stint in an Alabama shed. All three levels of the track's paddock area were full of Ford's iconic muscle car, as were the grassy fields normally reserved spectator parking.

When the track wasn't being used for racing, vintage and late-model Mustang owners got the chance to see what their cars could really do. The distinctive whine of Roush superchargers melded with bassy roars of 40-year-old small-blocks for a pulse-quickening aural collage, providing a singular soundtrack for the event.

Looming clouds began to gather on Saturday afternoon, but only a few sprinkles had fallen by mid-day Sunday. For the most part, temperatures in the upper 60s made walking around the landscaped track a truly memorable experience.

Happy Birthday, Mustang. Here's looking forward to another forty five!

Gallery: Ford celebrates 45 years of Mustangs

Ford celebrates 45 years of the Mustang at Barber Motorsports Park originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stand Up Move: Steve Saleen steps in to honor warranties from his former company

Drew Phillips — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Saleen

Just like the majority of the automotive industry, recent news about Saleen hasn't been great. After going broke and selling most of their assets, Saleen Inc. announced that they were ceasing operations and would not be honoring existing warranties on cars and parts. To make things worse, the new owner of the Saleen car and aftermarket lines, MJ Acquisitions, Inc., refused to take the responsibility as well, only honoring warranties on parts purchased after February 2, 2009. It appeared that Saleen owners were out of luck. Enter Steve Saleen, who, despite not being involved with the company since the middle of 2007, has just announced that his new company, SMS Supercars, will honor existing warranties on Saleen products.

It's a move that's classy, honorable, and in our opinion pure genius. We could be wrong, but we're guessing that any costs incurred by SMS will be offset by the flood of faithful customers that will gratefully switch their loyalty from the company to the man that bears the Saleen name. Judging from a handful of owners' reactions, the announcement has already had that effect. With an SMS version of the 2010 Mustang on the way, it will be interesting to see just how many Saleen owners return the favor. Check out the press release after the jump for more details on how current Saleen owners can receive warranty coverage from SMS. Thanks for the tip, Chris!

[Source: SMS Supercars, SOEC.org]

Gallery: SMS 25th Anniversary Mustang Concept

Continue reading Stand Up Move: Steve Saleen steps in to honor warranties from his former company

Stand Up Move: Steve Saleen steps in to honor warranties from his former company originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Saleen Inc. dissolves warranties, new owner takes over

Drew Phillips — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Saleen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Saleen S302 Extreme

It looks like many of Saleen's customers may be out of luck when it comes to the warranties on their vehicles. MJ Acquisitions -- the firm that recently purchased assets from Saleen, Inc. including the rights to the S and Racecraft lines as well as Saleen's aftermarket parts division -- sent a letter to dealers informing them that they're not liable for warranty claims and that responsibility would fall on the former owners of the brand. However, Saleen, Inc. announced it has completely ceased operations and will no longer honor warranty claims, leaving it to owners to pay for any maintenance on their vehicles regardless of when it was purchased. This also includes any vehicles languishing on dealers' lots, so any unsold 2008 or 2009 Saleen or Racecraft models will essentially come without a warranty. The small amount of good news is the MJ Acquisitions will continue to provide parts to dealers, and any parts purchased after February 2, 2009 will come with a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty. Thanks for the tip, Chris!

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Saleen S302 Extreme

[Source: soec.org]

REPORT: Saleen Inc. dissolves warranties, new owner takes over originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saleen's new owners in the running for Viper acquisition?

Noah Joseph — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Saleen

Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge Viper ACR

Saleen's future has been in upheaval the last few years. First, company founder Steve Saleen left, then the company's assets were sold off to private investors. Its new owners plan to continue making superchargers and bolt-on parts, but Saleen's turnkey Racecraft and S lines could face the axe, while the company's former keepers retain ownership of its supercar manufacturing business while they figure out what they can do with it.

Meanwhile, Chrysler has been looking to sell of its Viper operation, but while Saleen could have been a contender in years past, in its current condition few expect it to make such a large acquisition. That may be a false assumption, however, as silence is speaking louder than words. Understandably, Chrysler's management is not disclosing the identities of the three potential buyers with which it is discussing the future of the Viper enterprise, but Saleen's new owners are likewise refusing to comment. That kind of silence can be as deafening as a Saleen exhaust note, leaving us to wonder if the company's new owners could turn the broken shards of a once-great American company into a new powerhouse with the Viper packing the punch.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Saleen's new owners in the running for Viper acquisition? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Saleen, Inc. sells off most of its assets

Drew Phillips — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:33:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings/Financials, Saleen

Rumors have been swirling this past week about the potential sale of Saleen, Inc., just a few months after the company announced it would explore the sale of its operations. LA-based Hancock Park Associates, which purchased a majority of the business from Steve Saleen just a few years ago, had been recently running the company with just a few dozen employees to keep the business going until it could find a buyer. The sale is now finally official, with MJ Acquisitions purchasing a majority of the assets of the company including both the production car and aftermarket divisions. Other assets, including the S7, S5 Raptor and the paint operations remain with Saleen, Inc. Currently, all Saleen employees are officially out of a job, including CEO Chris Theodore, but MJ Acquisitions plans on hiring many of the workers including several that were previously laid off.

The new owners seem to be a good fit, already owning several automotive companies and benefiting from extensive experience in engineering and production related to performance vehicles. MJ Acquisitions' immediate plans include the development of the 2010 Mustang for the Racecraft brand as well as new Saleen models that will be introduced in the third quarter of 2009. Full details regarding the sale can be found in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Saleen Irvine Assembly Plant

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: SOEC.org]

Continue reading BREAKING: Saleen, Inc. sells off most of its assets

BREAKING: Saleen, Inc. sells off most of its assets originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SMS 570 Challenger has a coming out party

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Supercars, Dodge, Specialty

Click above for a full high res gallery of the new SMS Signature Series 570 Challenger

Steve Saleen wanted to show us that his new company is going to be a little different than the old one. So to launch his first production model under the SMS badge, he rented out an Orange County night club and had a rave. Very unlike the Saleen launches we've attended in the past. After a couple hours of drinking and dancing, the cover was pulled off the first SMS 570 Challenger and we got to see the car in the flesh for the first time. Although the lighting made photos a little tricky, we have to admit it was a heckuva lot more fun than just seeing it at an auto show press conference.

The launch felt a bit like a wrap party, for the crowd was mainly comprised of SMS staff and Saleen family members celebrating the completeion of SMS 570 Challenger numero uno. While we would have liked to take it for a spin, we were told that the car is heading to a certain big auction in Arizona so they don't want to risk damaging it. It was honestly enough to just see it for now. The SMS 570 Challenger is mean, with revised body panels and those soon-to-be-trademark red butterfly induction hood flaps. The car was done up in a shade of purple that winks at the original Challengers of the '70s. While similar, it has a different name to reflect these more politically-correct times -- Plum Insane -- and looks great on this car.

That's where any semblance of political correctness comes to a screeching halt. The SMS Signature Series 570 Challenger takes the already potent Chrysler 5.7L Hemi V8 and supercharges it to category 5 hurricane status. The base setup raises horsepower to 500, while the top-shelf tune is good for upwards of 700 hp. 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. There's a full press release after the jump and a gallery of high-res pics available by clicking any image below.

Gallery: SMS 570 Challenger debut

Gallery: SMS 570 Challenger media pics

Continue reading SMS 570 Challenger has a coming out party

SMS 570 Challenger has a coming out party originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steve Saleen's plan of attack for 2009

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Performance, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Specialty

Click above for a gallery of the SMS Dodge Challenger

Steve Saleen is bringing back the musclecar wars with the help of the Detroit 3. Not content to modify Ford Mustangs alone, the former head of Saleen, Inc. is branching out into bowtie and Mopar territory as well. His new company, SMS Limited, will take on all three of the new retro rods this year. Under his former eponymous company's banner he had focused primarily on Ford vehicles, but now that Dodge and Chevrolet are getting back into the musclecar game, he figures it's time to expand his reach.

We've already profiled the SMS Limited Signature Series Dodge Challenger that Saleen has developed, and talked to Steve about what he had planned for the 2010 Mustang, but now we have a few more details about the SMS versions of the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro. For 2009, SMS Limited will not only build the SMS 570 and 570X Challengers, but also the SMS 460 Mustang and later in the year a line of SMS Camaros in their 150,000-square-foot facility in Anaheim, California.

All of the cars will get SMS superchargers, tweaked suspensions, and unique exterior styling elements, and the superchargers are more efficient and provide better cooling than anything they've used before. The company is also putting a new emphasis on upscale interiors, with better materials that should justify the cars' higher sticker prices. SMS Challenger production should begin this month, with 2010 Mustangs starting to show up in the spring. And if all goes according to plan, Camaros should start rolling out by the end of the year. Customers wanting a bit of Saleen magic applied to their musclecars will be able to order them through select Dodge, Ford or Chevrolet dealerships.

[Source: Detroit News]

Steve Saleen's plan of attack for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ah, the memories! Saleen's Irvine assembly plant remembered in pictures

Drew Phillips — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Saleen

Click above for a high-res gallery of Saleen's Irvine assembly plant

In addition to the sunshine, warm weather and availability of good driving roads, one of the biggest benefits of living in Southern California is the proximity of automotive related businesses. Dozens of tuners, manufacturers, hot rodders and racers all reside in SoCal, making it an ideal place for a car nut to call home. As one who would enthusiastically place myself in that category, one of my favorite places to visit in the last several years was the Saleen assembly plant in Irvine. From their annual car show to personal tours to press events, I always enjoyed stopping by to see what Steve Saleen had up his sleeve. There were always one-off projects like an SVT Contour Prototype or a Bonspeed Edition Thunderbird, and there seemed to be at least one or two racecars lying around.

Of course, during every visit I had to check out the S7 build area where there were always at least a few of the supercars in various states of completion. I loved seeing the bare carbon fiber bodies, and there is a stunning white S7 Twin-Turbo that still has a special place in my heart. Of course, the high point was during the production of the Parnelli Jones Mustang, with the facility running at full tilt and Parnelli Jones and George Follmer joining Steve Saleen for photos on the car's debut.

With the economic downturn and Steve leaving the company in the summer of 2007, it was only a matter of time before Saleen consolidated all of its operations and moved everything to its Detroit facility. Lamenting the fact that I would no longer be stop by the Saleen building, I was browsing through my photo archives and decided it was time to share the pictures. I've assembled a huge gallery of my favorite images from the past five and a half years for your viewing enjoyment, all of which include descriptions providing any relevant information and the date the photo was taken. Enjoy!

Gallery: Saleen Irvine Assembly Plant

Ah, the memories! Saleen's Irvine assembly plant remembered in pictures originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saleen Automotive up for sale

Dan Roth — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:34:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Etc., Saleen

Saleen 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.

[Source: Auto News - sub req]

Saleen Automotive up for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: twin-turbo Saleen Parnelli Jones Mustang

Drew Phillips — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Saleen

Click above for a larger image of the twin-turbo Saleen Parnelli Jones Mustang

There's a special place in our hearts for the Saleen Parnelli Jones Mustang. After a week in the Autoblog Garage we fell in love with the wonderful 302-ci V8, amazingly sharp handling, and Trans-Am inspired looks. If we were to pick any of the current Mustang variants, the PJ would probably be it. Because of the collectability of the car (a total of 500 were produced) we're guessing that most owners have left their cars stock, but one particular owner decided to make his Parnelli Jones Mustang truly unique. How? 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 look of the car remains completely unchanged, making it as much of a sleeper as a car painted in Grabber Orange can be. The modded Parnelli is now up for sale on eBay Motors, and we're wishing that we had significantly more funding in our bank accounts.

Gallery: Twin-Turbo Saleen Parnelli Jones Mustang

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: twin-turbo Saleen Parnelli Jones Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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