2010 Saleen S281 Mustang is a tease

Saleen Performance Vehicles is getting ready to introduce their latest 2010 based Mustang, the S281, at SEMA in Las Vegas. And like many vehicles lately, they just can't wait to show it to the public. These three teaser images give us something to chew on until the car makes it's official debut next month. Stay tuned for more!

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

One lucky collector, or Transformers fan, or both got their hands on a nice full size collectible from the movie. This "Barricade" Saleen Mustang went for a relatively cheap $36,000 compared to the declared value of $100,00 to $300,000.

This car is one of three built especially for the first Transformer movies by Saleen and further outfitted by DreamWorks. It started life as a S281 Extreme before turning into a Decepticon, complete with a push bar, emergency light kit, white doors and decals.

The Mustang was only showing 4,550 miles on the odometer. Bidding started at $1,000.

Saleen to buy Viper?

Saleen has been in an upheaval of sorts for a while now. Founder Steve Saleen left to do his own thing, then the company's assets were sold off to private investors. It's new owners plan to keep making superchargers and bolt on's, but the turnkey Racecraft series and S could face the axe. Meanwhile, the company's former owners retain possession of it's supercar manufacturing business while they figure out what to do with it.

In the meantime, Chrysler has been openly trying to pawn off it's Viper brand. They have three potential owners, and they're not naming names at this time. At the same time, Saleen is refusing to comment on the possibility that they might be one of the three mystery buyers. You know what they say about silence...

[Source: AutoWeek]

Steve Saleen's big plans for 2009

With a little help from Detroit, Steve Saleen is fanning the flames of the ol' musclecar war. No longer content with just modifying Mustangs, the former head of Saleen Inc. is branching out.



First Steve rolled out the SMS Limited Signature Series Dodge Challenger, and now we have some more details on a Saleen version of the 2010 Ford Mustang and Chevrolet 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.

Saleen Automotive up for sale

Image via WikipediaSaleen 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.

Twin Turbo Saleen Parnelli Jones Mustang on Ebay

While Ebay in general can be a helpful shopping tool and present some great deals, sometimes it is just a tease that has us all thinking wishfully. In this case, seeing a Parnelli Jones Mustang that has been twin turbocharged by it's owner, said editor has feelings to the latter.



With it's Trans Am inspired looks and super exclusivity thanks to only 500 being built, the Parnelli Jones edition trumps pretty much all of the other thousands of Mustang special edition variants. Most owners figure to have put their copies of the car in a hermetically sealed chamber to preserve it's value.



But not this particular owner. 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 exterior remains stock, providing as much of a sleeper look as possible when one's car is painted grabber orange.



As of this writing, the car is up to $41,000, which isn't a bad deal at all considering. So if you have the funds and the driving ability to handle this one, here's the link.

First Drive: 2009 Saleen Dark Horse Mustang

Well, first drive may not be totally accurate. The folks over at Autoblog had more of a "first ride" in the 2009 Saleen Dark Horse Mustang, as they were relegated to the passenger seat.



You can't blame Saleen for wanting to be cautious with their new marque ride. The horse that they rode in was the very first one off the assembly line, and the only one built so far.



The "ride" occurred at Willow Springs Raceway outside of Los Angeles. The car was given an official introduction by CEO Chris Theodore, followed by a ride along with Derek Hartland, Saleen's chassis engineer.



The Dark Horse is a brutally fast version of the Mustang. The supercharged V8 pins you to your seat during acceleration while massive 15-inch cross-drilled rotors with 6-piston calipers pitch you forward just as hard.



The car handles as well as it accelerates, biting corners with ferocious grip thanks to Saleen shocks, springs, and their second generation watts-link system. The combination of supercharger whine and deep V8 rumble sounds great, backing up the Dark Horse's menacing appearance.



All of this performance and exclusivity comes at a price, of course. And the price of entry is steep, right around $90,000. Only 25 will be built, with production beginning in November.



The Saleen Dark Horse is obviously one of the best performing Mustangs you can buy, and the rarity of the car makes it a fabulous collectible. Unfortunately this will also mean that most, if not all of them will be locked up and not driven or enjoyed. Such is the way with ultra low production special edition vehicles.

2009 Saleen Dark Horse Extreme Edition

If it takes you more than five seconds to say the name of a car, it has to be good. The baddest and meanest Saleen Mustang to date has arrived, and it's officially called the Dark Horse Extreme Edition.



The Dark Horse is basically an extreme edition Mustang with a few added options including the new Speedlab SuperShaker option. The horse pumps out 620 horsepower and 600 lb ft of torque utilizing the Saleen Port Matched Series VI Integrated Screw type supercharger.



Other features include a unique Flat Black exterior graphics package, fender identification badge, Saleen serialized engine plaque, Navigation System and sport leather seating with Alcantara inserts.



According to Ceo Chris Theodore, the “Dark Horse is the meanest, darkest and fastest Saleen yet."

Saleen to introduce "Dark Horse" Mustang

With the 2010 Mustang set to debut in November, time is running out for special edition versions of the current pony car. Saleen is going out with a bang in respects to the current model with it's recently announced "Dark Horse" Mustang.



The super 'stang will feature the 620 horsepower V8 from the S302 Extreme plus the SuperShaker system that combines a functional ram air system with Saleen's twin-screw supercharger system - a first for a Saleen production car.



The "Dark Horse" will sport the Heritage body style and have additional features exclusive to the model. Production will begin in the Fall of 2008, and only 25 will be produced.



The car will officially debut next week, we'll bring you additional details when that happens.

2009 Saleen Mustang Lineup

In 2009, Saleen Mustangs will be moving a little upscale. Much like your modern automotive manufacturer, Saleen can afford to bump up it's models now that it has a "base model" in it's Racecraft brand. The line will also be limited since production of the 2009 Mustang is rumored to be limited to around 45,000 units to make way for the new 2010 model.



“The campaign for the year is titled ‘the Pinnacle,’ as we intend to solidify Saleen’s position as the leader in exclusive performance vehicles,” says Marques McCammon, General manager at Saleen Automotive. “My vision is to move the brand up with more exclusivity in every model, with fewer, more substantive offerings.”



For 2009 Saleen will feature a new wheel design, various exterior details, and a special interior treatment specific to each model. The S302 model will feature 580 horsepower in S trim level.



The heritage models will be limited to two special editions, a continuation of the Dan Gurney model and a "Super Saleen" that will put out an as of now unspecified amount of power.



Add some Mustang S Style Wheels to spice up your 'Stang from AmericanMuscle.

2008 Gurney Signature Edition Mustang

Dan Gurney is joining the likes of Carroll Shelby and Parnelli Jones, rolling out a version of Mustang to slap his name on. This car is a very limited edition, with only 300 being produced. And much like his rival's cars, his is very fast.

Gurney hasn't participated in a race since 1970, but his popularity hasn't declined any. His resume includes four wins in Formula 1 world-championship events (including one in his own Eagle F1 car), seven Indy Car victories, five NASCAR wins, and countless first-place finishes in sports-car events.

Since 1970 Gurney has been the owner of All American Racers, a team that has accumulated 78 victories including the 24 hours of Daytona and Indy 500.

The Saleen built Gurney Signature Edition Mustang sports a supercharged 4.6 liter V-8 boasting 465 horsepower. All those horses flow through a 5 speed manual with short throw shifter and into a 3.73 geared limited slip rear. Suspension is a Racecraft design with a Gen-II Watts-Link rear end (a first for a Saleen), which lowers the car's roll center and helps keep the live axle centered under the car (improving handling balance). Tires are high-performance Pirelli P Zero Corsas (285/30ZR-19s in front, 285/35ZR-19s in back) on five-spoke Heritage Edition gray alloys. Brakes are 14-inch vented discs with four-piston calipers up front, 11.8-inch vented discs at the rear.

Visual mods include a Gurney body kit, duck bill rear spoiler, hood pins, and custom graphics. The interior has been upgraded to a leather interior with Alcantara inserts, boost and air temp gauges, and Gurney's own signature on the dash.

The Gurney Mustang produces 35 less horsepower than the Shelby GT500, but by looking at the timeslips you'd be hard pressed to tell it. The trip to 60 takes only 4.3 seconds (identical to the GT500). The quarter mile flashes by in 12.9 seconds at 111.3 mph (compared to 12.6 for the Shelby). Braking performance bests the GT500 at 108 feet, compared to 118. The Gurney also outperforms the Shelby on the skidpad, pulling .96 g's of lateral grip compared to .89.

Saleen offers the Gurney in just three colors: Performance White, Torch Red, or Vista Blue. Price for the 300 cars will run around $58,000.

Dan Gurney is clearly happy to finally have a production car he helped to produce, saying "It's a wonderful thing to have a Mustang with my name on it." And despite the influx of special edition Mustangs currently on the market, the Signature Edition is a welcome addition.

Check out AmericanMuscle.com's large selection of 2008 Mustang Parts.

Saleen introduces the new Racecraft brand at Mustang Week 2008!

Today at Mustang Week 2008 in sunny, tourist laden Myrtle Beach, Saleen introduced it's newest brand to the general public. Dubbed Racecraft, it's premise is affordable performance packages for Mustangs. "The Racecraft moniker has been synonymous with Saleen performance since the first Saleen Mustang, "said Saleen Automotive General Manager, Marques McCammon. "Racecraft is a brand that our enthusiasts know as the secret sauce in Saleen suspensions, now that brand name will grow to encompass a full line of exciting performance vehicles." The Racecraft brand will prove not only great value for it's customers, but also an easy canvas for customization and business first styling that puts go before show. Sounds like they're talking my language! "This formula is one of legitimate performance that you can see, hear, and feel. It just seemed a natural for us to say that Racecraft will `Power Your Senses` ", said McCammon. Racecraft model names will correspond with the horsepower package that is offered with each model. For instance the first model in the lineup, the 420S, will feature a 420 horsepower supercharged V8. Each Racecraft vehicle will also feature the signature Racecraft suspension, Bridgestone performance tires, light weight aluminum alloy wheels, race inspired graphics and signature interior accents. Each vehicle is backed by a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. Consumers will be able to purchase an array of performance additions that can boost power to 475 hp without voiding their factory warranty. Pricing for the 420S will be in the sub $40,000 range, which will include transportation and applicable federal taxes. Typical parts for the car will run below $1000. "There are many customers out there who want to experience extreme performance reasonably priced; we designed the Racecraft brand with this buyer in mind, says McCammon. There was a lot of speculation at first that Racecraft would replace the Saleen moniker, but this is false. The brand is intended to be an entry level model for Saleen, much like a Ford compared to a Lincoln. The 420S is just the first in a entire line of future products. "Consumers should expect to see the next Racecraft model as early as the fall", said Product Planning Director, Julie Zona. I'm pretty surprised that it took this long for someone to have such a great idea come to fruitation. With the announcement of the Challenger drag package, let's hope that more companies follow suit and build some affordable bare bones muscle cars, just like the old days! RaceCraft 420S Mustang features: · Racecraft 4.6L SOHC Supercharged V-8 · Horsepower: 420 @ 5800 RPM · Torque: 400 ft.-lbs. @ 4000 RPM · 39 lb. fuel injectors · 98 mm mass airflow sensor · hi-flow inlet tube and air box cover · Performance air filter · Racecraft specific rate front and rear coil springs · Racecraft front struts (N2) · Racecraft rear shocks (N2) · Racecraft front sway bar and pivot bushings · Bridgestone Potenza All-Season Performance Radial Tires · 18"x9" Front and 18"x10" Rear Aluminum Alloy `Torque Blade` wheels · Racecraft exterior badging · Racecraft logo side rocker graphics · Racecraft `420S` performance vinyl hood graphics · Racecraft rear decklid graphics · Racecraft 180 MPH silver faced speedometer with MyColor feature · Satin aluminum instrument panel upgrade · Racecraft steering wheel badge · Leather-wrapped steering wheel · Leather wrapped billet aluminum shift knob · Leather shift boot · Performance cloth seats with Racecraft embroidered headrest · $38,995 MSRP