Ford Mustang SEMA roundup: APR Performance

The Annual SEMA auto show is coming fast. Set in Las Vegas on November 4-7th, there will undoubtedly be tons of musclecar variants on display, most highly modified and showing off the latest wares from aftermarket manufacturers.



As one would expect, there are going to be tons of Mustang variations. We'll be breaking them all down for you over the next couple of days.



The first Mustang we'll preview here is the APR Performance 2009 Mustang GT.



Powertrain/Drivetrain Type and Modifications: Supercharged with air/water intercooler; high-flow air filter; exhaust headers; high-flow catalytic converters with race exhaust; lightened flywheel; high-performance clutch



Chassis Type and Modifications: KW coil-over suspension system; Hotchkis anti-roll bars and links; StopTech big brake kit



Exterior Modifications: APR widebody kit; carbon mirrors; and GTC-500 carbon rear wing



Interior Modifications: APR's carbon center console; Magden M.1b performance computer gauge system and two-DIN all-in-one touch screen; Recaro race seats

Hotchkis Dodge Challenger(s) to debut at SEMA

Ok, it's a bad photoshop. But the picture above gives you an idea of one of two Dodge Challengers that Hotchkis will be bringing to SEMA.



The two matching Challengers will bring focus to the company's blend of old and new. The two matching Challengers – a 1970 T/A 340 Six-Pack and a 2009 SRT8 – will share yellow paint schemes, graphics and wheels, along with a host of parts that should make the T/A stick as well as – if not better – than the 2009 model.



The 1970 Challenger, known as E-MAX, was originally converted to 340 Six-Pack trim by the previous owner, and now features new fabricated steel upper A-arms bolted into relocated pickup points, strut rods with Heim joints, aluminum steering rods and a set of front and rear sway bars, along with a new set of springs that lower the Granddaddy Challenger by two inches. In addition to replacing the aging front suspension, Hotchkis set out to create a well-rounded classic, equipping the T/A with Stoptech brakes, a Flowmaster exhaust and Forgeline wheels wrapped in Yokohama tires.



Hotchkis likes to point out that all its suspension parts can be removed and replaced with the factory units, allowing owners to keep things traditional for shows and swapped out when the time comes to drive.

Saleen Racecraft RC2 Focus - Speed on a Budget

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



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



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



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



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



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



* A 1.6-in.-lowered Racecraft sport suspension with new specific rate springs, unique performance valves, and heavy-duty anti-roll bars.

* Larger brakes supplied by Saleen SpeedLab

* A unique dual-tipped exhaust top produce "a healthy growl"

* A Racecraft-tuned version of the Focus' 2.0L Duratec four-cylinder

* 18-in. aluminum alloy wheels with new Bridgestone rubber

* A four-piece body kit featuring a new mesh front grille and three-part rear wing spoiler

* Racecraft graphics



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

2008 Racecraft 420 S Ford Mustang First Test

Saleen Corporation is a little different nowadays. The guy who's name is the namesake of the company is gone. The company itself has merged with American Sunroof Corporation, which like Saleen has been trying to redefine itself in an ever changing automotive market.

Saleen Mustangs have turned into heavily finned and spoilered cars that are rather pricey, thus not for everyone. Saleen's response to this the the Racecraft brand.

Mustang fans will recognize Racecraft as a brand of suspension components produced by Saleen. Now it has become a name unto itself, a brand of car. Racecraft cars are supposed to be easy on the eye and the wallet, all with stirring performance.

The very first Racecraft Mustang is the 420 S, which Motor Trend has recently tested.

The folks at Motor Trend have tested pretty much every version of Mustang under the sun. It's quite refreshing that they find the 420 S to be "one of the most well-balanced, fun-to-drive, not-overdone Mustangs we've tested in a good while."

The package starts with a base model, no option Mustang GT. The main power adder is Saleen's twin screw supercharger, which incorporates and intercooler with the blower itself resting low in the engine bay.

The EMS is recalibrated and a 98mm mass airflow sensor is installed, along with a high-flow inlet tube and K & N air filter. The result is 420 hp, up from the stock GT's 300.

For the twisties, the 420 S sports Racecraft shocks and struts along with an anti roll bar. It also has 18 inch wheels, down from the 19 inch that Saleen's sport, wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza 275/40-18s.

Visual mods are limited basically to a huge "Racecraft" banner across the bottom of the doors, which hopefully is an option.

Motor Trend recorded a 4.4 second 0-60 time and a 10.4 second 0-100 time. The quarter mile came in at 12.9 sec @ 110.0 mph. Handling is firmer than stock but completely liveable.

The 420 S is offered in all stock Mustang GT colors. Leather and other upgrades are available, but will push the price above the $40K mark. Saleen specifically wanted to keep the price below $40K.

Overall the 420S is a nice piece for a nice price. It's a completely liveable car that can be driven without being too aggressive to handle in everyday situations.

While just under 40K seems like a lot of money, consider that a base GT runs around 25K. Add the supercharger, intercooler, piping, and suspension pieces, and it adds up to a pretty good deal. Unless you are proficient at installing parts and tuning cars, in which case you could save a few thousand by doing it yourself.

AmericanMuscle.com has all the 2008 Mustang Parts you will need to spice up your 'Stang.