The Saleen name has been taking some hard knocks for the past year. First, Saleen, Inc. went under and went up for sale. The company's assets and trademarks were bought, ending up in the hands of MJ Acquisitions, but that company announced that they would not be covering Saleen's previous warranties. Things looked dark. But then Steve Saleen announced that he and his new company, SMS Supercars, would cover the warranties. Things looked up. Well, at the Ford Mustang's 45th Anniversary today in Birmingham, Alabama, Mr. Saleen released some details on the new Mustang model he is creating.
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.
via:autoblog
