Many car enthusiasts would argue that perhaps the only true supercar to have ever been made in America was the Saleen S7.

This carbon-fibered, mid-engined rocket ship was not only a very capable street car, but was also a very successful racing car, winning many races in the FIA GT Championship, not to mention impressive results at the Sebring 12-hour race and at the LeMans 24-hour race.

There truly has been no American car to have accomplished what this car did in its short life time, so what many had been wondering is, will there be a sequel?

Back in 2008, Saleen had shown its next supercar, and it was called the S5S Raptor(shown above). This was a lighter and smaller car than the S7, and would have been priced at a more accessible level so it could compete with cars like the Ferrari F430, rather than going head-to-head with the $1-million Enzo.

However, there was trouble brewing over at Saleen. Steve Saleen, the man who started the company and built its reputation was forced out by its new partners, so the company that bared his name was no longer being run by him.

Not the type to stand still, Mr. Saleen started a new company called SMS Supercars, and started from scratch, but rather than just modify the Ford Mustang (which is what he based most of his Saleen business on), this time he modified the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger too.

While he could have been content running his new business, he wanted to win the rights to his name back and started a legal case to that effect. Just earlier this year, he got what he worked for. Mr. Saleen is back in control of the Saleen brand, and now he is talking about producing another supercar.

In a recent interview, Saleen mentioned that he is still “planning on doing something like that (S5S).” While he wouldn’t reveal much detail about his new supercar, he did say that when it arrives, it’ll probably have a new name.

Saleen will make a formal announcement regarding its future plans within the next three months, so we will have to wait and see what he has in store for us.

With his impressive reputation, we are sure his next supercar will be every bit as exciting as the S7. Can’t wait.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Back in May 2007, Steve Saleen officially retired, but it was a short one. Less than a year later in March 2008, he found SMS Supercars and began launching his line of new vehicles.

For a while, Saleen, Inc. and SMS Supercars co-existed with no real issues – other than confusing the general public a tad – but when Saleen was sold to MJ Acquisitions in February 2009, Steve stepped in stating that the new owners didn’t have the right to use the Saleen name or brand. A few months later, Steve Saleen filed a lawsuit against them. It appears Steve Saleen has won that lawsuit or a settlement has been made.

Last year in March, Saleen Performance Vehicles announced it would stop producing Mustangs and focus on its parts line. But now Steve Saleen has reacquired the rights to use the Saleen name and SMS Supercars will be rebranded as Saleen with new vehicles being produced starting with the 2013 model year.

The SMS Super Cars website has already been rebranded with the Saleen logo.

[Source: Mustangs Daily]

Saleen Performance Vehicles announced that it will end production of their Saleen Mustang vehicles in order to focus on aftermarket parts. The final vehicle, a 2011 Saleen S302, will end a lineage that stretches back to 1983. Production will end in the third quarter of 2011.

Saleen was recognized as the last word in high performance Mustangs, with products being sold through Ford dealers and backed by a warranty. Their legendary bright paintwork and supercharged engines were the stuff of dreams for Mustang enthusiasts and we’re sad to see this era come to an end. Saleen also produced a supercar, the S7, from 2000 to 2009.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Ford and super car enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to purchase Steve Saleen’s personal Ford GT when it crosses the auction block at Russo and Steele’s event in Monterey, on Saturday August 14th at 9.30 pm. Although a production run of just over 4000 units mean that any Ford GT is a rare and desirable car, this particular example is even more so.

For starters, it’s number five of the nine prototype GTs built and was the only one of them to have it’s 5.4-liter DOHC V-8 fitted with a hand-built twin-screw supercharger. The car has never been titled and currently displays less than 4000 miles on the odometer. It’s also a star of the silver screen, having been featured in films such as State of the Union, XXX, Fast and Furious and Rocky VI.

Steve Saleen will be present when the car is auctioned off and the vehicle comes autographed by the man himself. For more information on this car, click on the link below.

[Source: Russo and Steele]

The 2011 Mustang is receiving quite the attention these days thanks to a recently updated design and the new high-horsepower, fuel efficient 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8. With all things Ford Mustang, we knew it wouldn’t take long before Saleen SMS Supercars would produce its own version, specializing in high performance while accenting the newest Stang’s already good looks. Steve Saleen founded Saleen Autosport in 1983 and hasn’t looked back since, producing high performance, modified Mustangs with daily-driving as their main focus.

SMS Supercars is Steve Saleen’s vision of producing lifestyle performance automobiles – the complete package. From bumper to bumper, each SMS Supercar has been modified from the factory to personify its owner. Most recently is the new 302 Mustang release, carrying the 302-nomination thanks to the change in displacement for 2011′s V8.

Two versions of SMS Supercars’ 302 Mustang will be offered, one for the naturally aspirated enthusiast and one for the forced induction fan. The naturally aspirated version produces 440-hp from the factory 412-hp. Meanwhile the supercharged 302SC version will boost its way to 535-hp and 450 ft-lbs of torque.

Aesthetically the 302 Mustang receives its proprietary body kit, hood, heat-extracting grilles on the outside, while suspension upgrades gives the car a more aggressive stance on its 20-inch wheels and tires. Peeking behind the classy five-spoke wheels are SMS-branded brakes. Nowadays no custom vehicle is complete without interior upgrades. The SMS 302 Mustang sports Alcantara seats, 200-mph gauges, short-throw shifter and more.

For those that just want the nitty gritty tech specs, the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter does 0-60 mph in under 4.5 seconds while the 302SC blasts away at 4.3 seconds. Neither of these vehicles can be had without paying a premium however. The NA model is available with an MSRP of $54,990 and the 30SC sports a $64,990 price tag.

GALLERY: SMS Supercars 302 2011 Ford Mustang

The official press release is available after the break.

PRESS RELEASE

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

Official release after the jump:

Orange County, California. (November 3, 2009) Today, at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Steve M. Saleen, President and CEO of SMS Supercars, announced the formation of his nationwide sales, distribution and installation network SMS Superparts. On its own display area, SMS Superparts showed a virtually unmodified 2010 Ford Mustang with the new SMS 296 Supercharger under the hood, as well as a production version of the 2010 SMS 570X Challenger in Sour Grape Green. Center piece at the impressive display was the SMS 296 Supercharger.

Says Saleen: “We are excited to launch our newest addition to the SMS Supercars family right here at SEMA, where it all happens. 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. Right now, SMS Superparts is actively looking for installers around the country, who will be selling Mopar, Mustang and Camaro enthusiasts the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System and all other performance parts from SMS”.

While the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System is standard on all SMS Signature Series Cars –the SMS 570 and 570X Challengers and SMS 460 and 460X Mustangs have been launched so far –, it can also be ordered as an aftermarket performance solution through SMS Superparts. Says the Head of SMS Superparts, Jon Clark: “SMS Superparts is your one-stop-shop for all your performance needs, starting with the awesome, patented SMS 296 Supercharger™ System, through the SMS S4 Suspension, wheel and tire packages, to aerodynamic body parts and our famous SMS Red Butterfly™ Induction hood. This way, every enthusiast out there with a 2008 or newer Dodge Challenger, a 2005 or newer Ford Mustang and – coming soon – a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro can personalize their car with genuine Steve Saleen designed and produced parts. Only SMS Superparts can rely on Steve’s 30 year experience in racing, development and retail.”

SMS Superparts plans that its nationwide network of retailers and qualified installers in the major markets will become the point of contact for customers purchasing performance components from SMS Superparts and having them installed. SMS 296 Supercharger™ Systems installed by Steve Saleen-qualified retailers will come with the full factory warranty from SMS Supercars.

While Mr. Saleen expects the SMS Superparts top seller to be the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System, he envisages that most of his fans will not stop there; “I see people fitting our SMS 296 Supercharger™ System to an existing Mustang or Challenger and coming to us for more. We offer high-performance suspension and brake systems, aerodynamically efficient body parts and our patented butterfly hood – which looks and performs great, – as well as smaller components that make each car unique. And for those of you whose partner has one of those cars – Christmas is just around the corner, and you can find everything on our website www.smssupercars.com/superparts.html”, says Steve Saleen with a smile. Christmas is in 51 days…

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

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE:

Saleen Performance Vehicles today unveiled its first 2010 product, the Saleen 435S, based on the new 2010 Ford Mustang. The introduction took place as part of the Special Vehicle Team Owners Association’s annual “Mustang Week” event. The 435S is the first vehicle launched under Saleen’s new ownership, following the purchase of Saleen Inc. earlier this year.

This car continues the Saleen tradition of offering limited-edition, high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts who are looking for an exhilarating driving experience, with refined drivability for real-world road conditions.

The 435S is designed to provide affordable, high-value performance.

“In these difficult economic times we wanted our first vehicle to deliver a lot for an affordable price,” said Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles. “It was created much more for ‘go’ than for show. We focused on power and handling, and it’s a great platform to build on if a customer wants to take it farther later on.”

Heart of the car’s performance is its 4.6-liter, 3-valve SOHC V8 engine, complete with a Saleen Series VI twin-screw supercharger and two-stage intercooler. This engine produces a vigorous 435 horsepower and 425 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, and has a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio with limited-slip differential.

The car rides 1.5 inches lower than a Mustang GT, thanks to its Saleen Racecraft performance suspension. The system is designed to reduce body roll, provide nimble, precise handling and improve traction, while retaining the compliant ride of a good daily driver. The suspension package includes springs, a stiffer front stabilizer bar, and nitrogen-pressurized shock absorbers tuned exclusively for the 435S.

The vented brake rotors, front and rear, are slotted and cross-drilled for improved feel and stopping performance. Larger, 14-inch slotted front rotors with 4-piston calipers are available as an option.

The 435S has the Saleen-signature long, low, sleek looks and aggressive stance that have distinguished the company’s previous cars. Traditional Saleen styling cues include an understated trim panel between the taillights with “Saleen” in raised lettering, mesh covers over the fog lights in the grille, and the Saleen name and chevrons as graphic elements placed low on each side. An optional Aero Package includes a lightweight chin splitter and rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics.

Other exterior highlights include unique, 18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels (19- and 20-inch wheels are available), and “435S” lettered on each side of the hood’s power dome.

Inside, the modifications are designed to enhance the driving experience and to express the car’s character. These include a new, short-throw shifter for quick, precise gear-changing performance, and new, driver-oriented gauges. These uniquely styled gauges retain Mustang’s MyColor™ capabilities that allow the owner to select from more than 125 custom colors for the instrument cluster. The car’s identity is highlighted by a Saleen logo embroidered on the headrests.

“All in all, we believe the 435S is the right car at the right time,” said 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.”

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

[Source: MotorTrend]

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:

Orange County, California. (April 17, 2009) Steve Saleen, his name being synonymous with fast Mustangs, would not be Steve if he kept his hands off Ford’s newest pony. On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the launch of the original Mustang in 1964, and in reflection on his 25 year association with America’s iconic sports car, Steve celebrates with Mustang aficionados from around the world in launching first sketches of the 2010 SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustangs at the 45th Anniversary Celebrations in Birmingham, Alabama.

Instantly recognizable as Steve Saleen’s work, the new SMS 460 Mustangs feature a host of visual and technical highlights that set them apart from the crowd. “I previewed many of the features of my newest Mustang with the 25th anniversary car I showed last year,” says SMS Supercars CEO and President Steve Saleen.

The front fascia treatment, the SMS Red Butterfly Air Induction HoodTM, the front and side splitters, the rear fascia and diffuser with the high down-force rear wing showed the way Steve Saleen is looking at Mustangs today. “You have to go with the times. While the Mustang remains an icon, Ford has done a very good job with the 2010 model. I wanted to interpret it using my signature to create the latest Steve Saleen version of this American favorite.”

The SMS 460 Mustang offers a 4.6 liter V8 engine featuring a minimum 470 hp and 427 ft-lb of torque, while the even more powerful SMS 460X Mustang engine with all new internal and headwork delivers 655 hp and 600 ft-lb out of the enlarged 5.0 liter V8. Both use the new (patent pending) SMS 296 Supercharger presented last week at the New York International Auto Show. Transmission options are a 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual on the 460 or a 6-speed SMST manual on the top of the line 460X.

Performance for both cars is expectedly striking. The 460 Mustang accelerates from 0 to 60 in the low 4 seconds, while the 460X manages the same in the lower 4′s. In addition to engine output, handling, roadholding and braking play an equally important role. The 2010 SMS 460 Mustangs feature Steve’s signature Watt’s linkage suspension with all-new geometry. New SMS brakes front and rear deliver impressive stopping power to match the jaw-dropping performance.

The interior with all-new Alcantara and leather SMS performance seats features the patented Signature Series chevron stripes. Dash and interior panels are covered in hand-stitched high-quality leather. Multiple seat chevron and SMS unique exterior colors are available.

More details about Steve Saleen’s latest Mustang will be revealed in the spring of 2009, deliveries are expected to start mid-summer. Customers interested in buying a SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustang can either contact SMS Supercars directly at www.smssupercars.com or by calling (714) 400 2121.

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]

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)

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]