Automotive Icon Steve Saleen is celebrating his 25 years in the business with the introduction of the 720 hp SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept

July 6, 2008 - Orange County, California. Twenty five years focused on performance automobiles takes a great deal of commitment and passion. From his early automotive days spent race preparing his personal cars, to his inevitable entrance into the professional racing world, and finally into the domain of the automotive business, automotive icon Steve Saleen has done it all. Steve set the course for his automotive future in his first race on August 19th, 1973 at Riverside International Raceway, where he took his GT350 to the winners' circle, and he never looked back.

Steve Saleen moved up through the amateur and then professional ranks of closed and open-wheel racing during the 70's and 80's, racing and winning against drivers such as Bobby Rahal, Gilles Villeneuve, Danny Sullivan etc. His racing career eventually intertwined with his USC business degree when, in 1983, he formed Saleen Autosport and produced his first vehicle, a 1984 white and blue high performance Saleen Mustang, the first of thousands of vehicles that would eventually be built based on his innovative niche manufacturing, certification and racing business model.

Steve and his vehicles have dominated the competition wherever they raced around the world, having won nine championships, countless races and set track records from Daytona to Le Mans and every track in between. And Steve is still racing, he is currently testing one of the two European Le Mans Series Championship winning S7R's in preparation for his return to competition in the American Le Mans Series later this year.

For 25 years, Steve Saleen has been the leading pioneer in lifestyle performance automobiles, with his companies building an amazing array of high performance, sports, race and collector cars that are coveted by enthusiasts and celebrities alike from Tim Allen to Tom Cruise. His companies have created everything from the world's fastest production Mustang, the S302 Extreme, to the Saleen S7 and S7R the most victorious supercar based racing vehicle ever, bar none, with 171 Top Tens, 118 Podiums, 84 Pole Positions, 76 Fastest Laps, 72 Wins and 9 GT Championships. Amazing cars are not the only thing associated with Steve Saleen's name and ingenuity, his companies are also credited with an impressive array of patented automotive technological innovations.

As an entrepreneur, his endeavors encompass more than simply delivering the performance hardware. In 2006 he was the driving force behind the opening of his company's first automotive retail experience. With as much visual impact and excitement as one of his supercars, Maxim Magazine awarded it "Best Automotive Retail Store".

To celebrate his illustrious automotive career, Steve Saleen and his new company SMS have developed a truly innovative and exceptional celebratory vehicle - the 2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept. To find out more about the 720 hp SMS concept car, we talked to its creator, Mr. Steve Saleen.

Comments by Steve Saleen, Chairman and CEO of SMS

"In celebration of my 25 years in the niche manufacturing business I wanted to create a personal car for myself that appropriately marks this very special Anniversary. The functional aesthetic innovations that we have developed are truly exceptional in every way. Though this car is not going to be for sale, it nevertheless demonstrates the technological advances present at SMS."

"With the SSC, SA-10, SA-15 and SA-20, I used those platforms to introduce new technology to the automotive market. In keeping with that tradition, this concept car incorporates many important advances developed by SMS. In particular our patented SMS Red Butterfly™ Induction System and SMS Light Blade™ LED Taillight System are definitely the coolest things that any Anniversary car has ever had! When those butterflies crack open under throttle, people stop and stare, you can be sure you will see those on our future products. And when you are passed by this car and the full width sequential turn signals come on, you will be just as awestruck!"

"Along with the main features, the supporting cast of innovation developed by SMS is just as deep, including; SMS Side Splitters and Diffuser Fences in carbon fiber, SMS billet aluminum signature elements, a beautiful SMS Two Tone Leather interior and the unique SMS "Chromosome Silver" paint with the signature anniversary yellow, white and black graphic accents.

"My Anniversary cars were always the most powerful of the breed and this car continues that tradition, as this engine produces 720 Horsepower at the crank and 612 Horsepower at the rear wheels! And the exhaust note truly is something else. Topped with 670ft lbs of Torque it is quite a steed to tame, thus it is equipped with SMS Cross Drilled 15" 6-Piston Front Brakes and a completely new SMS Billet Aluminum Watts Link System that is robust, durable and attractive."

"The performance is astounding; the SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang has reached nearly the same levels of performance as was previously achieved in the S7 Twin Turbo! It is not everyday that the word Supercar is associated with a Mustang, but in this case it is appropriate. The team and I are very excited about the vehicle as it incorporates an entirely new platform of technological advances by SMS, and it is a testament to what our company is capable of. We look forward to it touring the show circuit this summer to show that we are in the business of power!"

"I look forward to the next twenty five years!"

[Source: Saleen]

This open-world racing sim features vehicles like the Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R, Saleen S302 Extreme, Saleen S7, Dodge Challenger SRT8, 2010 Chevy Camaro and more. So yeah, the wait sucks, but think of the gas you'll save not driving to Best Buy. [Kotaku]

Sort of a cross between a Jet Ski and a quad bike, the Quadski can reach speeds of 40 mph on land and water. Not just a big toy, it can be a valuable tool to rescue workers and military personnel that need to rapidly cross varied terrains. The Aquada is intended to work as a sports car on the road and a speedboat on the water. Capable of reaching 110 mph on land and 40 mph on water, its 175 HP motor is capable of towing water-skiers as well.

We're really looking forward to getting our hands on both machines. Anyone know where we can get "Save the Enzos" printed on a Speedo? [via WWJ]

May 12, 2008 - Orange County, California. Steve Saleen and his new company SMS are pleased to introduce the first product in his line of Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles, the SMS 570TM Challenger and SMS 570XTM Challenger.

As a professional racecar driver and innovative businessman, Mr. Saleen is well known as the founder of a number of Steve Saleen brands including Saleen Autosport, Saleen Productions, Saleen Speedlab, Saleen Performance, Saleen, Inc. and now SMS. In the years of building the many brands, Mr. Saleen oversaw and participated in every aspect of the business, in product development, sales and marketing. Mr. Saleen's latest endeavor will focus on the expansion into the high-end of the diverse American Muscle Car markets.

The fully certified and street legal SMS 570TM Challenger and SMS 570XTM Challenger will be based on the all-new and exciting 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T platform and will feature a SMS Supercharged 5.7L Hemi with respective power ratings from 500 to over 700 horsepower! Both models are fully equipped with a compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components including: drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

"The horsepower and torque that we are developing from the SMS Supercharged Hemi is phenomenal" explains Billy Tally, SMS Chief Technical Officer, "combined with suspension and braking improvements our SMS Challenger will be an incredibly capable, refined and tractable automobile".

Each of these limited edition vehicles will be personally signed by Steve Saleen as part of the SMS Signature Series product line complete with unique badges and graphics. Production numbers will be limited per year depending on the model, and the opportunity to be one of the few owners is limited to a first-come, first-served basis, so prospective customers need to act now as production is commencing in the fourth quarter of 2008.

"The Dodge Challenger is a great canvas to start with" notes Phil Frank, Chief Creative Officer, "the SMS Challenger will help define our design DNA as we introduce some exciting and functional aesthetic innovations to this already great platform".

"I am drawing upon 25 years of rich experience in the automotive industry to address the rapidly expanding global market of automotive lifestyle vehicles, technical performance parts, accessories and apparel" explains Mr. Saleen "SMS is enabling us to do what could not be done at Saleen, Inc. due to the their heritage with the Ford dealer network and Ford vehicles. We are using this freedom, along with our new technology developed at SMS, to create world-class specialty vehicles."

We had an in-house design competition among half a dozen designers, and it came down to two finalists. We had a Betty Crocker bake-off, and David's design won.

Rockstar Games Announces Release Date for Midnight Club: Los Angeles on the Xbox 360® Video Game and Entertainment System from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 Computer Entertainment System and Midnight Club: LA Remix for the PSP®

Open-world street racing series debuts on next generation consoles September 9th and 12th for North America and Europe respectively

NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Rockstar Games is proud to announce the fourth installment of its critically-acclaimed and genre-defining Midnight Club franchise, Midnight Club: Los Angeles, is set for release on September 9th in North America and September 12th in Europe. Developed by series creator Rockstar San Diego, Midnight Club: Los Angeles will give gamers the unprecedented freedom to race through a hyper-realistic LA.

"From the beginning, Midnight Club has been about street racing in a open-world," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "With our team at Rockstar San Diego we have developed a game that we feel once again pushes the boundaries and expectations of what a racing game can be."

Whether driving by the beach or beating the competition by cutting through a parking garage at 200 mph, Midnight Club: Los Angeles provides a seamless, breathtaking environment for everyone who loves to compete. With no load times, no tracks, and no rules, the game allows players to race who they want, when they want, and where they want in an unbelievable recreation of Los Angeles.

"People are going to be blown away when they see how true-to-life Los Angeles looks in this game," said Jay Panek, Midnight Club Producer Rockstar San Diego. "We've added some great twists and turns that let players experience the authentic vibe and feel of the city at blistering speeds that you simply couldn't get away with in real life."

A racing game is nothing without the great cars and Midnight Club: Los Angeles allows extensive customization of vehicles for both performance and appearance. Players can now fully personalize their officially licensed imports, tuners, classic muscle cars and motorcycles both inside and out with a dizzying array of licensed rims, spoilers, interior gauges, tires and more.

Also scheduled for release on September 9th, Midnight Club: LA Remix for the PSP® system will provide another incredible portable racing experience. Developed by Rockstar London, the game will take full advantage of the hardware to deliver the unrivaled sense of speed and style that the best-selling Midnight Club series is known for.

For more information about Midnight Club, please visit our website at http://www.rockstargames.com/midnightclubla.

Rockstar Games is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

The latest word is the script is still in development with filming to start in June, and really, why worry about something as silly as a script when there's giant freakin' robots to blow stuff up. But as we saw earlier this month, Bay is pretty excited about the sequel, so we wouldn't be surprised if things were already starting to get underway.

Now the questions start to fly: why would there be two Barricades? One would think that multiples would be needed for the filming process, but the little kid in us believes Barricade multiplies and fights as twins, or, you know, Ford's bringing out their new Barricade special edition Saleen 'stang. Nah. [FilmSchoolRejects]

Midnight Club Los Angeles is the fourth installment from the critically-acclaimed and genre-defining Midnight Club franchise. The title has sold over 12 million units worldwide and is the second largest series in the Rockstar portfolio. Consistently the highest-rated street racing franchise, Midnight Club set the standard of what an open-world racing game can be. Midnight Club Los Angeles will deliver a truly immersive racing experience that is second to none.

Developed by series creator Rockstar San Diego for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and will be released Fiscal Q4 2008.

SALEEN REVEALS SUPERCAR CONCEPT THE "S5S RAPTOR" AT THE NEW YORK AUTO SHOW New York, NY (March 20, 2008) - Saleen's all new concept vehicle, the S5S Raptor made its world debut today on the floor of New York City's Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center. The S5S Raptor unveiling comes amidst several other Saleen announcements including a partnership with Dan Gurney, Rockstar Games and the integration of several first time seen ASC products, featured on two existing Saleen vehicles. "We are extremely proud of the Raptor. It is the car that enthusiasts are waiting for America to produce and Saleen is just the company to answer that call, " said Paul Wilbur, Saleen President and CEO. The S5S Raptor represents the first ground up vehicle to be conceived by the new Saleen management team and the most extensive demonst ration of the combined capabilities of Saleen engineering and the ASC creative team. "The Raptor is just a glimpse of things to come from Saleen, " says Chief Technical Officer, Chris Theodore. "Our company is unique in that we have the experience and knowledge behind some of the most exciting performance vehicles built over the past 20 years. Beyond the S7 Supercar, our team members have been involved in the Viper, Prowler, Ford GT, and the products of Chrysler SRT and Ford's SVT performance groups. These 'lessons learned' are evident in the Raptor concept and we will continue to build upon them as the company evolves."

The Raptor is a two seat mid-engine super car that competes in size and style with core offerings from the most notable of Italian exot ic car makes, but with a segment leading 650hp and 630 lb-ft of torque provided by a Saleen 5.0L Supercharged Engine - the source of the "S5S" designation. Unlike its competitors, the Raptor is designed to digest cellulosic ethanol. "This is the same ethanol formula," states Wilbur, "that is the official fuel of the 2008 American Le Mans Race Series and the IRL." The higher octane rating of E85 results in more power. It is a combination that will send the Raptor screaming to 60 mph in a g-force generating 3.2 seconds. With ethanol power, the car is both mean and clean!

Saleen's use of cellulosic ethanol is right for us for two reasons:

- It maintains consistency with our racing heritage, as many of the racing formats (IRL, American Lemans, etc) are now adopting ethanol as the racing fuel of choice.

- It also helps our environment through cleaner tailpipe emissions as well as reducing America's dependency on foreign oil.

While Saleen is a small, specialty vehicle maker, we share in the responsibility to do what we can to support our environment, without compromising on our brand values.

Compromise does not enter into the conversation at all. The Raptor 's hand-built 5.0L cubic inch engine with its patented twin-screw supercharger delivers its 650 horses at 6300 rpm and hits max torque at just 4400 RPM. This power sits on call beneath the knob of a close ratio 6-speed manual, or optional paddle shifting sequential gearbox. It's a combination that send Raptor's rigid aluminum chassis screaming to a top speed of over 200 mph.

As power is nothing without control, the double wishbone suspension and rack-and-pinion steering of the S5S is augmented by ABS traction control and stability control systems. The brake system features 15-inch (381 mm) front rotors with 6 piston calipers, and 13-inch (308 mm) rear rotors with dual piston calipers for maximum stopping power. Road holding traction is provided by the 275/35 ZR20 and 315/35/ZR20 Pirelli Rosso tires that wrap the 20" forged aluminum front and rear wheels respectively. The unique black-diamond and carbon fiber finish on
the wheels make them as stunning as they are strong.

"We spent a great deal of time on the design of the Raptor, " says Marques McCammon, General Manager of Saleen Automotive. "The vehicle's bold shoulders are reflective of an aggressive American attitude, reminiscent of Can-Am race car styling cues, but delivered with modern sophistication. If you see a little Chaparral or McLaren design influence in this car, you are right."

The aesthetics for the Raptor were developed by ASC Creative Services, America's largest independent automotive design firm. "This vehicle was an aggressively compressed program that combined the traditional methods of three-dimensional clay sculpting with sophisticated digital modeling tools," said Steve Nowicki, ASC Creative Services Director. "The vehicle is distinctive in a way that I think the world is going to love. The primary designer on this program was Dave Byron, a CCS graduate and passionate member of ASC's Design
team".

Raptor's unique sun flair yellow paint accentuates the cars beautiful body forms. The interior of the car can be illuminated by the sun or the city lights through the solar-tented scenic roof that covers the cockpit. Detailing is transformed from

mere aluminum on the vehicles wheels and exhaust by their black-diamond powder coat finish. "In all the S5S Raptor is a work of art aimed to take your breath away," said McCammon. "It is aggressive and sexy at the same time."

According to Saleen executives, the S5S Raptor could enter the market in as little as two years, and should it go forward, it would carry a base price of approximately $185,000 MSRP.

ABOUT SALEEN
Since the company's inception in 1984, Saleen has produced thousands of complete and EPA certified, specialty vehicles. In addition, Saleen has equipped more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide, further emphasizing their capabilities and commitment to excellence.

A nine-time Manufacturers' Champion in GT sports car racing, Saleen manufactured the American super car — the Saleen S7, as well as the S281 Mustang, S331 Sport Truck and the Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition
Mustang. Saleen's manufacturing facilities are located in Troy, Michigan. The Michigan facility has also just completed all paint and assembly of the Ford GT as a special project for Ford Motor Company and currently is providing paint and subassembly for the Dodge Viper SRT-10.

For more information visit Saleen.com.

...a specially modified V8, which is of course supercharged to an ungodly (and we hear underrated) 620 horsepower and 600 lb.ft. of torque paired to a short shifting six speed and reined in by 15" cross drilled stoppers. That's all well and good, but how fast? We tried to nail down General Manager Marques McCammon on a 0-60 time, but the best he would give us was "Less than 4 seconds, and that's all I'm going to say". Don't let the $100,000 price tag scare you, it's actually closer to $99,995. Along with that price, the Sterling Edition also comes with total VIP care during the purchasing process. Each owner will be treated to first class airfare for two to Detroit, limo transit, first class accommodations, meals with Saleen Execs, plant tours, an embroided jacket (numbered to match the car - natch), a car cover and a photo album of the build. Phew. They are certainly going the extra mile for these cars. In person that car is pretty fabulous, the paint is gorgeous and it sounds divine. We'd be interested in running it against the GT500, but we can tell you the upgrades on this baby makes Fords' super pony look like a field mule. Of course, at a price like that - it better.

Press Release: 2008 SALEEN S331 SUPERCHARGED SPORT TRUCK SPEEDS DOWN THE PRODUCTION LINE "New Four-Door SuperCrew Increases Functionality" IRVINE, CALIF. - In its first year of production, the 2007 Saleen S331 Sport Truck revived the diminishing performance truck segment with the first fully-functional, high-powered sport truck to the market in several years. Many performance trucks quickly followed, but none came close to offering the same combination of functionality, performance and aggressive styling.

The 2008 model-year edition continues to lead the performance truck segment with the same aggressive 450 horsepower, supercharged V-8 engine, Saleen RaceCraft suspension and the addition of a new SuperCrew four-door cab option. The S331 also maintains the ability to tow up to 9,500 lbs. with a payload capacity of up to 1,890 lbs. Designed and engineered by the same technicians that hand-built the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo super car, the S331 continues as a functional truck with the optimum performance and styling of a world-class sports car.

"We couldn't be more pleased with the S331 Sport Truck," Paul Wilbur, president and CEO of Saleen Inc. "In true Saleen fashion, we were able to lead the market and watch others follow. Customers and the press are constantly praising the S331 and asking for more. We like being the company that's ready to give them what they want."

Both the SuperCab and the new SuperCrew receive a new dual, rear-exit, 2.5-inch exhaust as standard equipment, as opposed to the current model's 2.25-inch dual, side-exit exhaust system. The side-exit exhaust is still available as an option on the SuperCab, but will not be an option on the SuperCrew.

Saleen has decided to discontinue the non-supercharged, 3-Valve S331 Sport Truck for the 2008 model-year. This is due to the high percentage of supercharged truck sales in comparison to the lower horsepower model.

Starting at $54,200, the S331 Sport Truck will outperform any truck on the road, tow lots of heavy toys and comfortably carry up to five adults. And since it's a Saleen, the vehicle will maintain a high resale value.

POWERTRAIN

The Saleen S331 Supercharged Sport Truck features a supercharged, 331 CID (5.4L), 3-valve SOHC V-8 engine with a four-speed automatic transmission. This combination packs a punch producing 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, generated by Saleen's patented, high-flow Saleen Series VI Integrated Twin-Screw Supercharger. These elements enhance performance and utility by providing ample power for carrying heavy toys or launching out of the gate.

Saleen Series VI integrated Twin-Screw Supercharger

Saleen has taken the same technology and design used to develop the proven Saleen Series VI Integrated Twin-Screw Supercharger immortalized on the Saleen S281 and re-engineered it to deliver maximum results for the S331.

Unlike other bulky superchargers, the Saleen Series VI Supercharger is sleek in design, light- weight and highly efficient, producing less friction on the engine due to added cooling elements and the presence of the twin screw blower assembly. This patented, innovative design allows the supercharger to turn slower for equivalent boost, producing lower stress and air charge temperatures.

To maximize gas mileage for daily driving, the Saleen Series VI Supercharger features an integrated bypass valve that only produces boost when reaching higher RPMs. This feature also creates more torque and better low-end drivability.

SPORTS CAR AGILITY IN A TRUCK

Designed to create the most agile truck on the road, the S331 is equipped with competition-proven and patented Saleen RaceCraft suspension. The front suspension system includes N2 struts with linear-rate coil-over springs, a tubular anti-roll stabilizing bar and urethane pivot bushings throughout. Because it's a sport truck, all calibrations are specifically set to high-performance leve

The rear Saleen RaceCraft suspension consists of a live axle, leaf springs and N2 shocks. The overall Saleen suspension system reduces load transfer which improves handling under braking and hard cornering.

This aggressive package is complete with forged seven-spoke, one-piece 23-inch Saleen wheels on ultra-high performance Continental Cross Contact tires (305/40ZR23 front/rear). 23-inch wheels are the biggest standard wheel size offered in the automotive industry.

For responsive braking, the S331 comes equipped with power assisted four-wheel ABS brakes with 13-inch front and 13.7-inch rear vented discs. For maximum stopping power, optional 15-inch slotted and vented discs with Saleen ABS six-piston calipers are also available. This is the same brake system offered on the Saleen S7 super car.

A SPORT TRUCK THAT REALLY HAULS

As with any true performance truck, the S331 was built without the added weight of a hitch assembly for towing. But unlike most traditional performance trucks, the S331 has two optional custom-designed tow packages for owners with heavy toys to haul. For extra-heavy loads, the Class IV tow package allows owners the ability to comfortably tow up to 9,500 lbs. with an increased payload capacity of up to 1,890 lbs. This package includes a load-leveling system that automatically raises the bed of the truck to level when any additional weight is added. For lighter towing, the Class III package is also available and can carry up to 5,000 lbs. with a payload of up to 1,350 lbs.

An aluminum dual-core radiator and high-flow cooling system is also an available option for either towing package, as well as a high output 157 AMP alternator. Both options include a hidden hitch assembly.

"We rode along in an S331 towing a Baja 26 Outlaw powerboat that, together with its tri-axle trailer, weighed about 7000 pounds," an AutoWeek journalist stated. "The S331 didn't flinch."

EXTERIOR STYLING

Saleen S331 Sport Trucks are designed with many of the same styling cues as the Saleen S7 super car. All of the S331's exterior components feature functional aerodynamics with injection-molded panels made from Thermoplastic Olefins (TPO), built to withstand the demands of an all-purpose sport truck. All Saleen front and rear fascias and side skirts are uniquely Saleen-built to be rugged and durable, yet stylish and performance enhancing.

The S331's commanding front grille is also designed for improved aerodynamics. Saleen engineers integrated a unique aluminum hood with an exhaust-venting grille, side fender vents, a stylish rear spoiler and an attractive Saleen-branded tailgate panel. Factory exterior bed options include drop-in or spray-on bed liners or a retractable aluminum tonneau cover.

Available factory-matched exterior Ford colors include: Oxford White, Bright Red, Black, Dark Shadow Grey and Redfire.

For ultimate personalization, the entire line of Saleen specialty paints normally found on the Saleen S7 super car and Saleen S281 models can also be ordered on the S331 Sport Truck. This includes: SpeedLab Yellow, Saleen S7 Silver, Lizstick Red, Pearl White, Black Metallic, Beryllium, Victory Blue and Bright Signature Red.

Saleen also offers Legacy Series paint schemes for Ford GT owners to commemorate Saleen's participation in the Ford GT program.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Like all true performance vehicles, the S331's cockpit has a commanding driving position from two-toned, double-stitched leather sport seats with embroidered head rests. Both the SuperCab and SuperCrew can comfortably seat up to five adults. The driver's view is directed toward a race-derived instrument panel, including a 120 MPH speedometer. A twin-gauge pod is incorporated into the dash unit to monitor the supercharger's air temperature and boost. The trim is complete with chrome dash vent-bezels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and center console, an overhead rail storage system and Saleen race-style pedals.

In addition to the six-disc/MP3/AM/FM audio system, the S331 can be ordered with navigation, Sirius satellite radio, an enhanced Audiophile sound system and the optional Rockford Fosgate "Punch" speaker upgrade. This option adds an additional 150 watt amplifier with a 10-inch subwoofer to the existing sound system. New for 2008, Saleen is also offering an optional moonroof.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Safety is always a priority. Safety features on the S331 include: dual-stage airbags, crash severity sensors, fuel pump inertia shutoff switch, lower anchors and upper tethers for child safety seats, remote keyless and remote illuminated entry system, three-point safety belts for all seating positions and side-impact door beams.

The S331 is protected by a comprehensive three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty from Ford Motor Company. Certain components, modified or installed by Saleen, are covered by a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty.

STEVE SALEEN RETIRES FROM SALEEN INC.

Saleen Continues Legacy as the "Go-To" Brand for OEM Performance Projects

IRVINE, CALIF., MAY 14, 2007 - Steve Saleen, founder and vice chairman of the board at Saleen Inc., today announced his official retirement from the company's executive team. After years of planning, Mr. Saleen will take a greater step back from the company's day-to-day operations to act as corporate spokesperson and ambassador for the brand.

"I have a vested interest in the company's future and intend to remain involved," said Steve Saleen. "I take great pride in knowing I have assembled a team of the most talented and innovative professionals in the industry. Each person at Saleen has helped me achieve my dream and will help to continue my legacy into the next generation of Saleen products and services."

As founder and a major shareholder in the company, Mr. Saleen will continue to influence product design and development activities, as well as its branding strategies and promotional efforts.

Related:
Saleen Slashing Jobs: Performance Vehicle Company Cutting 40 Jobs In Irvine, CA And Troy, MI? [Internal]

"The investor group Hancock Park Associates that owns Saleen, Inc. last week laid off 40 people from Saleen's two facilities in Irvine, CA and Troy, MI.

Some of the executive level positions that were effected include; CFO, VP Engineering, VP Design, VP Dealer Development, Director of Aftermarket, Image Design Director, IT Director, as well as numerous engineering, production, sales and development positions."

...been looking to snag some work from other automakers. But this doesn't bode well for the Steve Saleen-created company — because losing your chief money guy, chief design guy and chief sales guy is probably not so good of a thing. If anyone happens to know anything more, feel free to drop us a quick e-mail to our tips line. – Ray Wert

Related:
Pony Express: Saleen to Build Special-Edition Mustangs for Road Rally; Shop Saleen: Tuner Opens Store in Irvine; Tom Cruise Pilots Saleen Mustang Through NYC; In General, Steve Saleen Is Open To Experimentation, Transforming Other Automakers [internal]

With the General now going full-tilt into the Transformers movie merchandising and product placement, we're thinking we're going to be seeing a lot of pictures like the one above and the rest in the gallery below. Above we've got all of our favorite bots all lined up pretty-like in their vehicular alt-modes...and all of them are GM products. Well, except for that Saleen Mustang over there on the right...and yeah, Starscream there. Unless of course Starscream's a Saab, and we just can't tell the difference between Saab's and the vehicles they were "born from." And speaking of galleries, make sure to check out the ability to pop up 800 and 1280 sized photos, the links are right underneath each of the pictures. Also, as always, we invite you to check out all of our Transformers coverage via the mini-page or the full Transformers gallery, located below the first. – Ray Wert

Related:
GM An Official Transformers Movie Partner, Rick Wagoner To Play Megatron?; This Is Our Country, This Is Our Autobot: Transformers Trailer Hits The Web, Features Camaro Concept [internal]

Well, it's Friday and we're feeling a bit of a hankering for some Transformers action, and our fave fan-boy site on all things 'formers is all about the toys today, scoring not only pictures of the Pontiac Solstice-bodied Jazz, the Saleen Mustang-bodied Barricade and the Abrams Battle Tank-bodied Brawl — but also some pics of a not-yet-seen and until-now not-yet-named Decepticon by the name of Wreckage. Wreck-Gar? No — Wreckage. We've no idea what he is — although he does appear to be some kind of military vehicle like an armored personnel vehicel. We've also no idea what his role in the movie will be, but hey — good find on TFW2005's part. But that's not all we've got. We also managed to snag some clear-as-daylight PR pictures of the toy version of the Decepticon baddie known as Blackout in all of his MH-53 Pave Low blade-filled glory. The Transformers in a box gallery, sans Adam Sandberg and Justin Timberlake is first and the Blackout gallery is below that. And with that, our craving for Transformers tchotchkes has been satisfied for the moment. But if yours isn't, feel free to check out or tag page and our gallery for more to get your fix. – Ray Wert

Related:
Transformers Toys For Tots: Slot Cars And An Old And Busted Camaro Named Bumblebee; Transformers Toys For Tots: Ratchet's A Whore Of A Hummer [internal]

Cannonball Run Europe, one of the many high-profile road rally events making the world's idle rich just slightly less idle, is expanding to the US. The founders are inaugurating a new event in mid-2007 called the Great American Run. But more newsworthy than that is its confirmed partner in crime, as it were. That is, motorsports shop Saleen. The winner of the don't-call-it-a-race will receive one of 25 special-edition Saleen Mustangs to be built for the event. According to rally site GT Spirit, the cars — 11 of which have been sold to rally entrants — will be tuned to produce 600 hp. The cars reportedly do zero to 60 mph in under four seconds, with a top speed of 200 mph. They're no TransCom ambulance, but well, Jack Elam's no longer with us anyway. – Mike Spinelli

Unique Saleen Mustang for Cannonball Run winner [GT Spirit]

Related:
J.J., Where'd You Park the Ambulance? Cannonball to Return? [internal]

No, not our commenter — the Autobot named Bumblebee. Our fave fan site all about the 'formers hipped us to new pictures of a transformed 70's Camaro version of the yellow-n-black bot. I'm not yet thrilled as it's not the new concept Camaro version from later in the movie and we're actually curious as to where the rest of the car went post-transformation. But despite my lack of exuberance over this toy, there's some other news from TFW2005 that makes up for it. Unfortunately, it's only for olks over in the UK. We've heard they should be expecting to see:

"a Transformers Movie slot car racing set! UK slot car manufacturing company, Scalextric, is set to launch this product in June...the set will feature Transformers Bumblebee and Decepticon Barricade from the new movie and allow you to transform the cars to reveal the robots. Out early in June and costing 40, Scalextric is hoping to storm kids and adults bedrooms in time for the July 4 film release."

UK To Get Transformers Movie Racing Set in June [TFW2005]

Related:
All our Transformers coverage [internal]

[Barricade Transformed]

Related:
Exclusive Transformers Update! Michael Bay Is Leaking Robot CGI All Over The Interwebs; Transformers Live-Action Movie Update: Jazz Is Driving Excitement And Ratchet's Hummer Gets A Robot Mode [internal]

I'm overlooking the set, the Transformers movie is filming right now, mostly car crash scene for now. No robots yet, all I see are late model cars - an '02 GTO, a late-model BMW 5 series, late model camry, a Dodge Stratus, and a Lexus RX-something. Couple other cars scattered around, nothing ultra-futuristic. WOrd around here is it's today only.

Although it sounds slightly less than the dramaticness we'd hoped for — it's better than nothing, right? We'll try to get back later for more pictures, video or whatever else we can get. In the meantime, our Hollywood obsessed brother blog's got some video of filming going on in Hollywood. – Ray Wert

On The Set With Michael Bay [Defamer]

Related:
Transformers Movie Update! All Detroit's Streets Are Belong To Michael Bay; Transformers Movie Update! Michael Bay To Film Scene At Detroit's Old Michigan Central Train Station?; In General, Steve Saleen Is Open To Experimentation, Transforming Other Automakers; Transformers Movie Update: Bumblebee Tuna?; Exclusive Transformers Update: Close-Ups Of A Hummer Named Ratchet, Ironhide's Still A TopKick [internal]

Related:
Holy Spielberg! First Leaked Set Pics From Transformers Live Action Movie! (Added Bonus: GM's Probably Gonna Build The Camaro!); All Transformers [internal]

Click The Jump For The Pictures!

UPDATE: We've got more exclusive pictures of the Bedouin Village scene up for your fan-boy masturbatory delight!

Related:
All our Transformers coverage [internal]

Steve Saleen and his Ford-tuning and supercar-building boyz have gone retail. Following in the footsteps of Ferrari Roma and Tony Roma (a Place for Ribs), the company opened the doors to its first retail outlet — The Saleen Store — in Irvine, California this past weekend. The store sells an array of Saleen-branded chatchkes — sorry, lifestyle merch — as well as technical displays on the company's 750-hp S7 supercar and 435 hp Supercharged Saleen Mustang, and S7 racing simulators. For enthusiasts ready to lay out the cash for one of Saleen's vehicles, the store handles purchasing, financing, and trade-in judging, and will sell and install Saleen Speedlab aftermarket parts.

Related:
More on Saleen [internal]

Update: According to fan site Allspark the Saleen Camaro is the new 'Bumblebee.' With the new Bug rumored to be ending production, VDub must have not wanted to pay for the rights — giving Chevy the in — and further evidence the Camaro will be built.

Update #2: We've got a whole lot more Transformers action — including on-set pictures of Bumblebee transformed! Bookmark our Transformers tag to keep up with the hotness as we get it.

Transformers Movie On Location Set Images [Transformers The Movie Info]

Related:
Transformers Rollin' Out! Trailer Next Month, Movie Release In 2007 [internal]

Mission Accomplished! Tom Cruise Takes Manhattan for U.S. Premiere of Paramount Pictures's 'Mission: Impossible III' [Yahoo]

Related:
Tom Cruise Picks MI:3 Vehicles, Chooses Ford Over GM [internal]
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes Use Decoy Ford Excursions To Leave Hospital [internal]

Back in 1996, we were in a band with noted off-road guru (and Parnelli Jones' Baja co-winner) Bill Stroppe's grandson. Actually, it wasn't much of a band. It was just the two of us in a hallway in the performing arts building at Saint Mary's bashing out Jawbreaker cult classics and punk-kid mixtape staples like "Ache," "The Boat Dreams From the Hill" and "Sea Foam Green," the latter of which Jawbreaker frontman Blake Schwarzenbach himself explained to us how to play properly. Predictibly, the rock unit imploded when the two of us eventually had a bust-up over a girl.

But we did play one show in front of the school with a quickly-enlisted bassist. We embarassingly aped Schwarzenbach's then-propensity for Sharpie-ing the setlist onto his arm (which consisted of roughly two-thirds his songs). Due to our Irishness, we predictably still had the setlist sunburned into said arm when we went to go see Jawbreaker in Petaluma a week later (who knew Sharpies also worked as sunscreen? They're a miracle on so many fronts!) We said hello to Blake with our arm behind our back. Looking back, we think it was kind of a cute tribute, in a dorky, twenty-year-old-dorky-fanboy kind of way.

And in a roundabout way, this brings us to Saleen's Parnelli Jones tribute Mustang. Modeled after the man's full-apeshit-on-the-BBC Boss 302 Trans-Am car, the new Parnelli machine cranks out 370hp at six grand from its 302-inch mod motor, features upgraded brakes, Minilite-lookin' wheels and best of all, rear-window louvers, which have totally been calling for a comeback for at least two or three years. Next, Nissan's gotta fit a set to the 350Z or we're gonna get damn grumpy.

Related:
Saleen Hails Satan, Premiers the S331 in LA, Announces Ueber-S7 [Internal]

Video: Cars, Models and Celebrities [amny]

10.9-second time in the quarter? Naught to sixty in 3.4 seconds? 427 cubic inches of aluminum Ford V-8 huffed by a couple of turbochargers? Hey, it's only 589 large. Csaba takes it for a spin and comes away impressed, but somehow, not as impressed as one should be when those specs are accounted for. Is The Csere just getting jaded? Or is there something at the S7 that's just not quite right? Because for nigh-on six-hundred-thousand dollars, it seems like it should inspire more spastically awesome prose from C/D's EIC.

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo [Car and Driver]

Related:
[Internal]

Steve Saleen "had a little fun" (his words, not ours) at SVT's expense when he unveiled the S331 Thunder pickup at Ford's display this morning. While we didn't find his speech particularly rousing or amusing (The biggest wheels on a production truck! 23 inches!) we do like the side exhaust.

The twin-screw-supercharged version of the truck makes 450hp and 500 ft lbs, which still doesn't knock the Viper-beengined SRT-10 off the top of the hill, but with prices starting in the 30s for the unblown version, it's a good deal cheaper. Oh, and apparently, Saleen's also taking on Ferdinand Pi ch with a new S7 that'll make over 1,000 horsepower. Can we get Farago in on a head-to-head comparo between the two, Steve?

Related:
Saleen Unveils Scenic Roof, Speedster Mustangs [Internal]

Dan Lienert breaks down the answer to the question burning in the collective mind of 12 year-old boys across the nation: What are the darn-tootin'est high-speed rides built in the US of A today? Some of the cars that made the list are motoring icons to even the most casual auto enthusiast the Ford GT, Dodge Viper and Corvette Z06, for example. Topping the roster, however, is the banzai-nuts SSC Ultimate Aero, with a Veyron-fingering estimated top speed of 273 MPH. Eep. Other high-speed obscura? The extra-ugly-with-a-side-of-hideous Mullen M-11 V-8 and the GTP-car-with-chromosomal non-disjuncture Evans 387 and 487. Click through for the list.

1. SSC Ultimate Aero

2. Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

3. Evans 387 & 487

4. Ford GT

5. Chevrolet Corvette Z06

6. Dodge Viper SRT-10

7. Mullen M-11 V-8

8. Panoz Esperante GTLM

9. Chrysler 300C SRT8; Dodge Charger SRT8, Magnum SRT8

10. Cadillac CTS-V

The Fastest American Cars [Forbes]

Related:
Brabus-Tuned E V12 Biturbo Sets Record as Fastest Street-Legal Sedan [Internal]

Man, remember when Saleen Mustangs used to be a stripe, engine and interior package slapped on a Fox-Body GT; essentially Shelbys for the late '80s? Well, with the introduction of the Speedster and Scenic Roof S281 models, those days are as toasted as a box of Thomas' English Muffins in a chemical-plant fire. The Scenic Roof offers a glass top (which begs the question, why didn't they just give it the Full Roth treatment and go the way of the bubble?), that reportedly "captures nature s unsurpassed beauty by protecting its passengers from the weather s elements, all while allowing them to experience the seasons in full bloom." That's damn florid stuff for a ponycar; reminiscent of the Mod Top Mopars of the '60s.

The Speedster adds a racy tonneau and sport bar to the the convertible, giving the S281 more of a Mach 5-style look. The Speedster drops in November, but if you're looking for the the glasstop Scenic action, you're going to have to wait 'til early next year.

Saleen Announces 2006 Speedster and Scenic Roof Models [Dubspeed]

Related:
Saleen Mustangs Recalled

Oh you crazy tuner Mustang fans, with your supercharged this and body kits that. You think you're so cool, with your burnouts in the Neiman Marcus parking lot and drag races on Greenwich Avenue. Not laughing now, are you recall boy? A hood latch bolt? Carry on, then.

Manufacturer : SALEEN, INC.
Make / Models : SALEEN / S281 SUPERCHARGED
Model/Build Years: 2005

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 05V413000

Mfg's Report Date : SEP 16, 2005

Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 339

Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BOLTS USED TO FASTEN THE HOOD LATCH AND HINGES TO THE FIBERGLAS BODY OF THE HOOD CAN BECOME LOOSE.
Consequence: THE HOOD MAY BECOME LOOSE AND/OR SEPARATE FROM ITS LATCH AND/OR HINGE(S) WHILE DRIVING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD BOLTS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SALEEN AT 1-949-597-4900.

Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Related:
Saleen Reveals New 2005 Mustang S281 [internal]

In the old days, you'd be more likely to find an ex-child actor who'd never been in rehab than a new car with more than 500hp. By old days, we of course mean 2002, back when Saleen released its S7 mid-engine exotic. Sporting more than 500hp and a near-equal torque figure, it was considered the first US-built player in an exclusive horsepower club. But the Horsepower Wars of the Mid '00s placed those figures on the lower end of carmakers' expanding engine stables. As a famed Mustang tuner and race technologies firm, could Saleen afford to get left behind?

Of course not. For 2005, the company stuck a twin-turbo setup atop the S7's 7.0-liter all-aluiminum mill, and upped the figures to 750hp, with 700ft/lbs of torque. The upgrade, of course affected the car's performance, with the 2,950lb machine now turning in zero-to-60 times of under three seconds (2.8), with a top speed of 200 mph. A redesigned diffuser/rear spoiler package help keep the newly juiced model grounded at speed. At this rate, we figure 2000hp will be the norm by next decade.

Related:
Saleen Reveals New 2005 Mustang S281; Road and Track Lets the Mustangs Run [internal]