Auto News
AutoGuide News Blog
The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.

IMG_9183.JPG

Over the past year or so Steve Saleen’s new project, SMS Supercars has released high performance versions of the Camaro, Mustang and Challenger. This week at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show, SMS announces the introduction of SMS Superparts, a division of the company that will sell the parts individually through a distribution network.

“We are excited to launch our newest addition to the SMS Supercars family right here at SEMA, where it all happens,” said Steve Salleen. “To have a strictly SMS Superparts display was a conscious choice on my part. I wanted to underline the importance of the aftermarket business, the passion of the enthusiasts and the true Steve Saleen fans.”

Saleen also included a second announcement, the introduction of the SMS 296 supercharger for the 2005-10 Mustang. This new blower is expected to produce output of 475-hp, with higher output packages reaching all the way to 650-hp.

For photos of the new SMS 296 Supercharger installed on a 2010 Mustang, as well as a Sour Grape Green 2010 SMS 570X Challenger, check out the gallery below.

GALLERY: SMS Superparts Cars at SEMA

IMG_9184.JPGIMG_9182.JPGIMG_9181.JPGIMG_9185.JPGIMG_9187.JPGIMG_9189.JPG

Official release after the jump:

Saleen Performance Vehicles Launches 2010 Mustang 435S

Modified Mustang the first new model from the "New Saleen"

saleen_pr_threequarter1.jpg

Saleen Performance Vehicles (SPV) has just released its version of the 2010 Mustang, the 435S. The release of this 435 horsepower pony car comes just days after Steve Saleen announced he is suing SPV and its owner MJ Acquisitions for using his name.

For those not up to date on the continuing Saleen saga, Steve Saleen sold his company to MJ Acquisitions roughly a year ago and then promptly went out and opened up his own pony-car tuning shop, SMS Supercars.

But back to the 435S.

SPV unveiled that car during the Special Vehicle Team (SVT) Owners Association’s annual Mustang Week event.

The “New Saleen” designed the 435S to deliver a lot of performance for a reasonable amount of money (although pricing has yet to be released).

The 435S gets its power from a Saleen Series VI twin-screw supercharger and two-stage intercooler and along with 435 horses it delivers 425 ft-lbs of torque through a five-speed manual transmission with a 3.73:1 rear end and a much-needed limited-slip differential.

To help out in the handling department the car gets a full Saleen Racecraft suspension adjustment with new shocks, a stiffer front sway bar and springs that help the car sit 1.5-inches lower than stock. A set of 18-inch wheels comes standard with both 19- and 20-inchers available.

As for the look of the car we have to say we’re impressed, as the (optional) new front splitter and rear spoiler give a race-ready look. Inside there are also a few changes with a short-shifter, Saleen logos on the headrests and new gauges that keep the Mustang’s MyColor setup.

“All in all, we believe the 435S is the right car at the right time,” said SPV CEO Mike Shields. “It’s a terrific performance value that we’re proud to offer. And this is just the first of many great Saleen vehicles we’ll be launching in the future.”

GALLERY: SPV 2010 Mustang 435S

saleen_pr_lights.jpgsaleen_pr_engine.jpgsaleen_pr_rear.jpg

Official release after the jump:

2010-sms-460-mustang-rear.jpg

Steve Saleen’s new company SMS Supercars is just about ready to unleash its version of the 2010 Mustang and has released a complete ordering guide for both versions of the Pony Car, as well as a few images of a near-completion prototype.

The images show a significantly more aggressive design with a new front fascia, side skirts, rear end and decklid spoiler. Other highlights include an SMS grille and fog lamp design, as well as a new Red Butterfly Air Induction Hood and signature 20-inch wheels.

Earlier this year SMS announced that it would create two models, the SMS 460 and 460X. The 460X is the big power option with an SMS 296 Supercharger bolted to a completely reworked 4.6-liter engine that will boast a displacement of 5.0-liters. As well as the displacement increase, the new 5.0-liter motor will also get significantly revised heads. The result of all these modifications will be 655hp and 600 ft-lbs of torque!

A less outrageous option is also offered, the 460, which includes the SMS 296 blower but not the added engine work. Power is rated at a still-impressive 470hp and 427 ft-lbs of torque

Both models are expected to hit 60 mph in the low 4 second range.

Of course, the SMS 460 Mustangs won’t just be straight -line performers and will include a revised suspension setup and  powerful new brakes. Also look for impressive interior work with plenty of leather and Alcantara.

“The SMS 460 Mustang embodies everything I stand for,” said Steve Saleen. “It reflects my unrivaled tenure in the Mustang business, my passion and love for the Mustang brand.”

Pricing has also been released with the base 460 model starting at $64,990 and the ultra high-performance 460X at $85,961. SMS will release convertible versions of both models as well with pricing set at $5,000 more than the coupe models.

Those who can’t wait can already spec out their new SMS Mustang here:

http://www.smssupercars.com/460-mustang-order-guide.html

GALLERY: SMS 460 Mustang

2010-sms-460-mustang-front.jpg2010-sms-460-mustang-rear.jpg

[Source: MotorTrend]

SMS Supercars Teases 460X Mustang with 655 Horsepower

470 Horsepower SMS 460 model also offered

sms-460-mustang-rendering.jpg

Steven Saleen’s new company, SMS Supercars, has just release some important details on its upcoming versions of the 2010 Ford Mustang. And as expected, the performance is impressive.

Two models will initially be available, the SMS 460 and SMS 460X. The 460X is the big power option with an SMS 296 Supercharger bolted to a completely reworked 4.6-liter engine that will boast a displacement of 5.0-liters. As well as the displacement increase, the new 5.0-liter motor will also get significantly revised heads. The result of all these modifications will be 655hp and 600 ft-lbs of torque!

A less outrageous option is also offered, the 460, which includes the SMS 296 blower but not the added engine work. Power is rated at a still-impressive 470hp and 427 ft-lbs of torque

Both models are expected to hit 60 mph in the low 4 second range.

The new 2010 Mustang SMS 460 models will feature a unique exterior (shown above in a sketch released by the company) with a new front splitter, side skirts, rear bumper and diffuser, as well as a new rear spoiler and the SMS Red Butterfly Air Induction Hood.

Of course, the SMS 460 Mustangs won’t just be straight -line performers and will include a revised suspension setup and  powerful new brakes. Also look for impressive interior work with plenty of leather and Alcantara.

Official release after the jump:

saleen-sterling-2008-nose-close.jpg

Steve Saleen to the rescue!

That’s right, Steve Saleen, the former owner of Mustang-tuner and manufacturer Saleen Inc. has announced that his new company SMS Supercars will honor the warranty on any Saleen product purchased before February 2nd, 2009. Now that’s standing behind your product!

“The ones who have been left out in the cold are the loyal customers of Saleen products,” said Steve Saleen in a statement. “While my new company, SMS Supercars, has no legal or moral obligation to take up any of the warranty claims against Saleen Inc. or MJ Acquisitions, Inc., I would like to make a bold statement on the right way to treat customers.”

The news comes roughly a month after Saleen Inc.’s new owner, MJ Acquisitions, announced that it would not support the warranties on Saleen vehicles and parts sold before the Feb. 2nd date.

We predicted in that story that the new Saleen Inc., wouldn’t be long for this world and that prophesy seems to be playing out. First MJ Acquisitions scared off all it’s customers (and infuriated the Mustang community) and now Steve Saleen has made a move that will likely see all current Saleen product owners driving their American muscle straight into his open arms.

[Source: AutoWeek]

sms-570-challenger_2.jpg

We recently brought you news that Steve Saleen’s new company SMS Limited was getting set to unveil a fully customized version of the Dodge Challenger. Those plans are now a reality as SMS is showing off the very first Signature Series SMS 570(X) model as the vehicles go into production.

As we first reported, the SMS Signature Series versions of the Challenger R/T will be offered in two horsepower trims, the SMS 570 with 500hp and the SMS 570X with 700hp.

Both versions received added power thanks to an SMS 296 Supercharger.

Each vehicle will also receive a host of performance upgrades including a high-flow exhaust and “Red Butterfly” induction hood. Additional aerodynamics, including a new Signature Series front bumper, rear bumper, side skirts and a rear spoiler help set the car apart. The 570X models will come with a different rear spoiler and will also include a carbon fiber front splitter, carbon fiber side splitters and a carbon fiber diffuser.

Additional upgrades include a performance suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels and six-piston calipers with 14-inch rotors in the front and 12-inch rotors in the rear.

Saleen has said that the SMS Limited Signature Series vehicles will have an interior trim to match the performance. Every Signature Series model will also come with special “Signature Series” serial number, sill plates, badges, floor mats and a dash that has been personally signed by Steve Saleen himself.

The SMS 570 is priced at roughly $60,000 and the 570X at $70,000. Vehicles can be purchased through SMS Limited or through your local Dodge dealership.

SMS 570(X)

sms-570-challenger_8-1.jpgsms-570-challenger.jpgsms-570-challenger_4.jpgsms-570-challenger_6.jpgsms-570-challenger_1.jpgsms-570-challenger_7.jpg

Saleen to Tune Challenger

Steve Saleen’s new company, SMS Limited, to release versions of all new Muscle cars, including Challenger, Camaro and Mustang

bilde.jpg

After decades of modifying Mustangs (and other Ford products), last year Steve Saleen sold the company that bares his name. Now he’s back with a new company, SMS Limited, based in Anaheim, CA. And while he plans to copy his old business plan of tuning Mustangs and selling them as complete packages (Didn’t anyone make this guy sign a non-compete contract?), he’s also going to do the same for the new Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro.

Branded as SMS, the first vehicle the company will release will be based on the new Dodge Challenger.

Saleen’s old company, Saleen Inc., secured OEM status (meaning that each Saleen vehicle was registered as a Saleen and not a Ford). It appears as though SMS will do the same with the first two reworked and rebadged Challengers being called the SMS 570 and SMS 570X. The two models will produce 500 and 700hp respectively.

Each vehicle will also receive a ground-up transformation, including new aerodynamics, suspension components and interior work.

The modified Challengers will be followed shortly thereafter by an SMS version of the 2010 Mustang, called the SMS 460.

Visit www.smslimitedusa.com for more info.

[Source: The Detroit News]