Press Release:

Steve Saleen ponies up, celebrates 25 years in the business and 45 years of Mustangs with 2010 SMS 460 Mustang

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.

SMS Supercars
SMS Supercars is a niche manufacturer of lifestyle ultra-high performance vehicles, technical
performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. SMS Supercars designs, engineers,
tests, certifies, manufactures and assembles all of their own products and vehicles.

[Source: SMS]

Irvine, California, February 2, 2009 — After announcing it was looking for a buyer in early November, Saleen Incorporated announced today that MJ Acquistions has acquired certain assets of America’s premier automotive lifestyle brand, relating to Saleen’s supercharger, aftermarket and high performance street vehicle businesses.

The transaction reportedly was finalized last Friday, which left all of the employees (including Saleen Inc. CEO Chris Theodore) with the legal formality of being without jobs — at least temporarily. Some hirebacks have already taken place as the transition progresses.

While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, the purchase does not include the assets associated with the supercar (S7 or S5 Raptor vehicles) or the paint operations, which will remain with Saleen Incorporated.

The ownership of MJ Acquisitions controls a family of companies which provide full service engineering, design, manufacturing, assembly and control systems for the automotive industry. It’s affilitated companies include Cyltec, LLC, Power-Tec Engineering, LLC, Arrow Racing Engines, LLC, and Control-Tec, LLC.

“MJ Acquisitions and its affiliates are a group of true car professionals with vast experience in the engineering, production, assembly and distribution of performance and racing vehicles” said Theodore in a press release. “This influx of new life into the Saleen, RaceCraft and SpeedLab brands is a win-win situation.”

Theodore noted loyal Saleen customers, dealers and enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting transition period.

“We moved on this purchase quickly to ensure that the process of delivering high-quality automobiles and components to the consumers is not disrupted,” said Mike Shields, President and CEO of MJ Acquisitions. “We are working with the talented team from Saleen and our own experts to continue the quality, delivery, and performance the customer base and delalership network have come to expect from the Saleen brand. I am particularly excited about Saleen’s supercharger experience and its synergies with Power-Tec’s development of the next generation of superchargers.”

Immediate plans are to roll out the 2010 version of the newly designed Mustang for the Racecraft brand and commence other Racecraft designs for additional vehicles. The new Mustang is shipping from Ford later this month. Additionally, the Saleen brand will have a new design of the flagship S-Line that is already in the works and scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2009.

While this announcement may provide more questions than answers for some, Saleen owners should be assured that key warranty and sales staff are still at the company to serve dealers and owners, with more hirebacks likely coming in the days ahead.

MJ Acquistions does plan to work with the dealer network and others to establish the future product line. A company spokesperson said more announcements will be forthcoming, so stay tuned.

PRESS RELEASE

Steve Saleen and his company SMS are well on the way to production with the first vehicle in the line of Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles. The SMS 570 Challenger will be the first vehicle with a host of aesthetic and functional innovations including the patented SMS Red Butterfly Inductionâ„¢ hood and a full compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components including: drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

“When you combine Steve Saleen and Dodge Challenger you get the pairing of two powerhouse automotive icons.” – Edmunds/Inside Line

Steve Saleen presents the SMS 570 Challenger

The fully certified and street legal SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger will be based off the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T platform and will feature a SMS designed and engineered SMS 296 Supercharger atop the 5.7L Hemi, with power ratings from 500 to over 700 horsepower respectively.

Steve Saleen presents the SMS 296 Supercharger

“Who wants a Steve Saleen Supercharged Challenger? We Do!” – Dodgepedia.org

The MSRP’s for the 2009 SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger are targeted to start at $60,000 to $70,000 respectively with production commencing in 2008. Both models will carry a bumper-to-bumper factory warranty.

This is an exciting opportunity for the Mopar community to finally take part in the ultra-high performance niche production vehicle market! So act now to reserve yours.

“We’re big fans of Steve Saleen. He’s created some pretty incredible Mustangs over the last 25 years, and any guy that successfully builds his own supercar gets major props in our book.” – Autoblog

Steve Saleen presents the SMS 570 Challenger

Each of these limited edition vehicles will be personally signed by Steve Saleen as part of the Signature Series product line, complete with unique badges and graphics. Production numbers will be limited per year depending on the model, so the opportunity to be one of the few owners is limited to a first come first served basis. So act now, by placing your pre-production orders though any Dodge dealer in the US. Or call us directly for more details.

SMS

We are a niche manufacturer of lifestyle ultra-high performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. We design, engineer, test, certify, manufacture and assemble all our own products and vehicles.

“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 Steve Saleen, Chairman and CEO of SMS.

For more information please contact our sales department at: (714) 400-2121 x:216

www.smssupercars.com

Steve Saleen kündigt ein turbulentes Jahr an, denn mit seiner Firma SMS Supercars will er 2009 richtig durchstarten. Ziel ist es die aktuellen Muscle Cars aufzuwerten und zu verfeinern. So wird er diese Jahr nicht nur Hand an den Dodge Challenger und Ford Mustang legen, sondern sich auch um den neuen Chevrolet Camaro kümmern! Dies wurde jetzt bekannt gegeben. Aktuell wird also an den Modellen: SMS 570 und 570X Challenger, SMS 460 Mustang und im laufe des Jahres auch am SMS Camaro, gearbeitet. SMS stattet alle Modelle mit neuen SMS Kompressoren, neuen Fahrwerken und diversen anderen Stylingelementen auf. Auch im Innenraum wird man hochwertigere Materialen verwenden um dem highend Image gerecht zu werden. Die Produktion des SMS Challenger wird bereits in diesem Monat begonnen, die Produktion des der SMS Mustang soll dann im Frühling starten. Der Camaro wird wohl erst zum Ende des Jahres, bei SMS, vom Band laufen. Wer sich also ein solches Muscle Car zulegen möchte, kann bereits Bestellungen bei ausgewählten Dodge, Ford und Chevrolet Händlern, einreichen.
[Source: Detroit News/autoblog]

Vor kurzem wurde der neue 2010 Ford Mustang der Öffentlichkeit vorgestellt, schon werden die ersten getunten Versionen angekündigt. Allen voran geht Steve Saleen mit seiner Firma SMS Supercars und den Signature Series 460 Mustangs. Dabei handelt es sich um unterschiedliche Leistungsstufen, gestartet wird mit einem Kompressorgeladenen 4,6L V8 welcher 475 PS leisten wird. Die obere Grenze wird vorerst bei 650 PS liegen, in der stärksten Variante. Dazu gibt es aerodynamische Veränderungen an der Karosserie, vom Chefdesigner Phil Frank persönlich. Ebenso werden natürlich veränderte und auf die Leistung angepasste Getriebe, Fahrwerk, Reifen, Felgen und ein überarbeitetes Interior angeboten.

PRESS RELEASE:

Dec 14, 2008 – Orange County, California. Steve Saleen announced today that he and his new company SMS (Steve’s initials) will design, engineer, certify and manufacture an all-new family of ultra-high performance Mustangs. Steve’s 25 year legacy with the Mustang will continue into the next quarter century with the launch of his 2010 Signature Series SMS 460 Mustangs.

The introduction of the SMS 460 Mustangs keeps Steve Saleen in the saddle with the model that made him famous as a manufacturer of high performance sports cars. Since leaving his former company, Saleen, Inc., Steve has entered exciting new territory with SMS. The first products to wear the new badge – the SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger, will begin shipping in late January.

“After 25 years of rich Mustang heritage, I am excited to begin work on the 2010 model” explains Steve. “Ford has hit the spot with the excellent new Mustang package and has provided me with an outstanding starting point. “The SMS 460 Mustangs will be truly world class performance vehicles and they will be available though the entire Ford dealer network!”

Hinting at the character of his latest creation, Steve says, “We are carrying over a host of performance features and innovations from my SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary model, which is a stunning performer and an aesthetic beauty!”

The fully-certified and street-legal SMS 460 Mustangs are based on the exciting 2010 Mustang GT platform and will feature an SMS Supercharged 4.6L engine with power ratings from 475 to over 650 horsepower! Both models will feature extensive design refinements and performance innovations, including the patented SMS Red Butterfly Inductionâ„¢ hood and a full compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components. Look for all-new and upgraded drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

“The 2010 Mustang already has an exciting and sculptural exterior, as well as new, up-scale interior,” notes Phil Frank, SMS Chief Creative Officer. “The SMS 460 Mustangs will evolve our design DNA in a more aggressive and aerodynamic direction.”

Each of these limited edition vehicles will be hand signed by Steve Saleen as part of the SMS Signature Series product line, complete with unique badges and graphics. Annual production volume will be restricted, adding to the exclusivity of ownership. Contracts are issued on a first-come first-served basis and deposits are now being accepted for early production numbers scheduled for build in the second quarter of 2009.

Interested customers can contact SMS Supercars directly by calling (714) 400-2121 or by logging onto to www.smssupercars.com.

[Source: SMS Supercars via. autoblog]

[Source: Ebay]

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 Butterflyâ„¢ Induction System and SMS Light Bladeâ„¢ 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!”

Key functional and aesthetic innovations:
SMS 720 HP Supercharged 5.0L Aluminum Block V8
SMS CNC Ported Saleen Supercharger
SMS CNC Aluminum Heads
SMS Red Butterflyâ„¢ Induction System
SMS Light Bladeâ„¢ LED Tail Light System
SMS Billet Aluminum Watts Link System
SMS Cross Drilled 15″ 6-Piston Front Brakes
SMS Cross Drilled 12″ Rear Brakes
SMS Two Piece Billet Aluminum Hood Vents
SMS Carbon Fiber Side Splitters
SMS Carbon Fiber Diffuser Fences
SMS Red Butterflyâ„¢ Quarter Intakes
SMS Chromosomeâ„¢ Silver Paint
SMS Leather Grip Billet Aluminum Shifter and Shifter Bezel
SMS Leather Dash
SMS Leather Two Tone Door Inserts
SMS Leather Two Tone Seats
6-Speed Transmission

Performance:
720 HP/612 WHP
667 TQ/565 WTQ

[Source: SMS Limited]

“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 Steve Saleen, Chairman and CEO of SMS Limited. “SMS will enable us to do what could not be done at Saleen, Inc. due to 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 are currently developing our Signature Series of ultra high performance vehicles and technical performance parts which will address the new American Muscle Car offerings”, discloses Mr. Saleen, “our charter focuses on delivering the best solutions at the best performance value to the varied world of the automotive enthusiast, be they Dodge, Chevrolet or Ford faithful.”

“Supercar fans will be delighted to learn about the all-new vehicles and new technology we are currently developing”, reveals Mr. Saleen “these cars will deliver superior performance and innovation for both the track day enthusiast and the passionate on-road driver”. Billy Tally, Chief Technical Officer, adds, “These vehicles have been engineered to meet the demands of the world’s most challenging race tracks”. Mr. Saleen continues, “Sportscar racing enthusiasts will be excited about the upcoming announcement of our return to racing in the American LeMans Series. You will hear more about that very soon.”

“Developing and manufacturing cars is one thing, but selling them is quite another” continues Mr. Saleen, “We will be bringing our new and unique automotive lifestyle retail experience to a number of global markets. Watch out for more interesting news on our distribution and retail plans in a few weeks”. Mr. Saleen concludes “The time is right; we have the talent, the new technology, the funding and the drive to achieve our goals. We will be the brand of choice for the community and culture of the automotive enthusiast”.

Background:

SMS Limited Lifestyle Performance Automobilesâ„¢

SMS Limited
We are a niche volume manufacturer of lifestyle ultra high performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. We design, engineer, test, certify, manufacture and assemble all our vehicles and products with passion, precision and technology. We race, we win, and we succeed.

SMS Limited Corporate Directors

SMS Limited Core Competencies

SMS Limited Services
SMS Limited consulting services deliver world class expertise in the world
of design, engineering, testing, certification, manufacturing and assembly for
our client’s vehicles and products. Our team consists of icons and innovators
from the world of specialty vehicle performance, design and manufacturing.

Past Vehicle Programs
In his automotive career, Steve Saleen has created, produced and marketed
numerous groundbreaking specialty vehicles and programs such as the Saleen S7, four generations of Saleen S281 Mustangs, Saleen S121 Focus, Saleen S331 Sport Truck, Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition, and has overseen the engineering, development and manufacturing of the Ford GT. Further capabilities include show car and movie car development for such block buster films as “Transformers”.

Design, Engineering, Testing and Certification
Our design and engineering development teams collaborate to ensure that
every component, feature and function is designed to exude quality and to exceed the highest industry standards. From the first sketch to the first production part to the final certification we work as a team to develop innovative solutions in a timely and cost effective manner for ourselves and for our clients.

Manufacturing, Assembly and Production
Our manufacturing and assembly teams collaborate regularly with our
engineering development team to ensure that the appropriate processes, tooling,
sourcing and timing are considered early in every program. This sharing of ideas
throughout the business also ensures that every aspect of a program is
considered and understood by the entire enterprise to keep the team working towards the common goal.

World Headquarters
Our 150,000 square foot R&D facility is designed for collaboration, efficiency and security. The state-of-the-art-design, development, prototype, machining, testing and composites groups support our clients, our manufacturing, our production and our race team. The parts we race with are the parts we produce our cars with. We are the brand of choice for the community and culture of the automotive enthusiast.

[Source: Saleen]