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: Steve Saleen launches SMS Superparts

Drew Phillips — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Performance

SMS Superparts - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With SMS Supercars recently launching the 570 Challenger and with a Mustang and Camaro, it was inevitable it would soon offer many of the parts individually. On the first day of SEMA Steve Saleen and his new company announced Superparts, the aftermarket sales and distribution arm of SMS Supercars. Many of the parts on the 570 Challenger are now available individually, including the SMS 296 supercharger, aerodynamic parts, and suspension, wheel and tire packages.

Also making its debut at the show is the new SMS 296 supercharger for the 2005-2010 Ford Mustang. The system uses many of the same core components from the Challenger kit, but has a few new features specific for the 4.6-liter V8. The most notable feature is the "Duo-Path" induction system that splits the incoming air starting at the throttle body, going around the supercharger housing to the back of the engine where it enters the rear intake of the compressor. Expected power will be in the 475-650 range depending on the package.

Read more on the SMS Superparts announcement after the jump, or opt for the visuals with the '90s-style 2010 Mustang and a 570X Challenger painted in Sour Grape Green in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: SMS Superparts

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Steve Saleen launches SMS Superparts

SEMA 2009: Steve Saleen launches SMS Superparts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:40:00 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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SMS Supercars releases new renderings, more details of 460 Mustang

Drew Phillips — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance

2010 SMS 460 Mustang - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It appears that even while covering Saleen, Inc's warranties and protecting the brand image of his name, Steve Saleen has still found the time to build cars. After launching the 570 Challenger back in January and the 570X Challenger at the New York Auto Show, SMS has released additional renderings and information on its upcoming 460 and 460X Mustang. According to SMS, the car is in its final prototype testing changes and will hit the market some time later this year.

From the look of the CAD illustrations, designer Phil Frank stuck to much of the styling cues that made the original S197 Saleen Mustangs so popular. The front end gets a blacked-out grille with horizontal bars and the SMS logo, a more aggressive front fascia, and a dual-vented hood. Side skirts lead into the diffuser-style rear fascia, and like the Saleen S281, the rear end is elongated and the taillights are recessed, complimented to a spoiler that follows the lines of the car.

Performance upgrades sound like Saleen Mustangs of past as well. The supercharged 4.6-liter V8 produces either 470 or 655 horsepower, and each car gets upgraded brakes and suspension system including a Watts-linkage to help plant the solid rear axle. SMS claims the 460 Mustang will hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds while the 460X should do the deed in four seconds flat. You can view all the details in the press release after the jump, and we've included the two new renderings in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 SMS 460 Mustang

[Source: SMS Supercars]

Continue reading SMS Supercars releases new renderings, more details of 460 Mustang

SMS Supercars releases new renderings, more details of 460 Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:55:00 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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SMS Supercars previews 460 and 460X Mustangs

Drew Phillips — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Performance

2010 SMS 460 Mustang - Click above to enlarge

If you build it they will come. At least that's what Steve Saleen is hoping, and with his recent announcement regarding Saleen, Inc's warranties, we're guessing many of his loyal customers will indeed come with money in hand to buy his new tricked-out ponycar. Not that people will buy the car based on reputation alone - SMS has made sure that its 460 Mustang has the proper credentials of a Steve Saleen creation. 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. Follow the jump for more details in the press release from SMS.

[Source: SMS]

Continue reading SMS Supercars previews 460 and 460X Mustangs

SMS Supercars previews 460 and 460X Mustangs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:29:00 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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Steve Saleen announces 2010 Signature Series Mustangs

Drew Phillips — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, Ford

The 2010 Ford Mustang made its debut just a few weeks ago at the LA Auto Show and already various tuners around the country are preparing their variants based on the new model. Steve Saleen has beat everyone to the punch and is the first to announce his new lineup called the Signature Series 460 Mustangs. Each will feature a supercharged version of Ford's 4.6L V8 starting at 475 horsepower and going all the way up to over 650 raging ponies underneath the hood. Keep in mind that the mechanicals of the 2010 Mustang are carried over from the current model, so we should expect the aftermarket industry to carry over their performance parts for the 4.6L V8, as well. 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. More details can be found in the SMS press release after the jump.

[Source: SMS Supercars]

Continue reading Steve Saleen announces 2010 Signature Series Mustangs

Steve Saleen announces 2010 Signature Series Mustangs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SMS releases new images, price range for 570 and 570X Challenger

Drew Phillips — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, Dodge

Click above for a high resolution image

Steve Saleen's fledgling new company, SMS Supercars, is getting ready to officially debut its first production car and has released a few more photos and information regarding the 570 and 570X Challenger. According to the new press release, the two models are targeted to start at $60,000 and $70,000, respectively. Yes, that's quite a chunk of change, but SMS is making it worthwhile with an extensive list of upgrades. Starting with the powertrain, the SMS 296 supercharger pushes massive amounts of air to the 5.7L HEMI, and true enthusiasts will be glad to know that a proper 6-speed manual transmission will be doing the shifting. Both models also get a high performance suspension, exhaust, 20-inch wheels, and 14-inch front and 12-inch rear brakes. For the exterior, SMS replaces the front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and hood, and adds a rear spoiler. The 570X model also receives carbon fiber front and rear splitters, a carbon fiber diffuser, and a rear wing that replaces the spoiler. The interior receives upgrades as well, including two-tone leather sport seats, leather door inserts, a leather grip shifter, 200-mph gauge cluster, and auxiliary gauges for the supercharger. Each vehicle will also be personally signed by Steve Saleen. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the gallery below.

Gallery: SMS 570 Challenger

[Source: SMS Supercars]

Continue reading SMS releases new images, price range for 570 and 570X Challenger

SMS releases new images, price range for 570 and 570X Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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