Saleen cars

2014 Saleen 351

When Steve Saleen officially regained his namesake brand, you knew it would only be a matter of time before his company would debut its first project car. That time, apparently, was at the LA Auto Show when Saleen introduced its return to the auto industry with the Saleen 351 Mustang.

“Since regaining the Saleen brand, I really want to bring it all together with the heritage that Saleen is known for,” Saleen said. “With the current Saleen [302] Mustang model it provides all the right features to bring back and update the S351 model.”

Based on the 2013 Ford Mustang, the car’s name comes from the engine used under the hood, which is a 351-cubic-inch V-8 engine that delivers a total of 700 horsepower and 655 pound-feet of torque when paired with the Saleen 296 supercharger system.

On the exterior, the 351 Mustang is slated to receive an aerodynamic kit entirely made from carbon fiber, including front and side splitters and a new rear diffuser that houses the F1-style taillight. The car will also be equipped with Saleen’s famous Butterfly Center Ram Air Induction system, which includes a Red Butterfly hood that allows cold air to flow through the butterfly scoop design as they open under throttle.

The car will sit on a set of 20-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels wrapped with high performance tires. You can order it in any existing Saleen color and can be updated with a complete treatment of Saleen 351 badging and graphics.

Updated 04/22/2013: After months of silence, Saleen has unveiled a first 351 prototype this weekend at the Fabulous Fords at Knott’s Berry Farm in California. The model should be ready for the 2014 model year, so if you plan to order one, you will have to wait a little bit more. The prototype revealed in California was painted Orange County Orange - a color specially developed for the car by Saleen. (MustangsDaily)

2000 - 2004 Saleen S7 by AE Performance and ADV.1 wheels

It’s hard to imagine that the American produced Saleen S7 actually went into production exactly 10 years ago, and its theoretical performance figures are still the envy of many automotive manufacturers around the world.

Featuring a massive 7.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the S7 could pump out 750 horsepower when it was new, and launch to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds despite being rear-wheel drive. Saleen claimed that the S7 could hit a top speed of 248mph which could have made it the fastest production car in the world, but for some unknown reason, the American company never took it to the absolute limits.

Ten years later, the S7 has yet to prove its ultimate performance potential, but thanks to the addition of new ADV5.2 Track Spec SL wheels from ADV.1, the Saleen S7 has finally reached its true potential, despite it only being aesthetically.

ADV.1 Wheels joined forces with AE Performance to perform the upgrade and it’s suspected that AE performed some minor tweaks to the car’s engine, although no details have been released about that.

Anyway, the wheels fitted to this particular S7 are true works of art, and are one of the company’s lightest wheels, even featuring a titanium nameplate and titanium bolts to cut down on weight and measure 19x9.5 inches at front and 20x12 at the rear.

Saleen S5S Raptor may still see production

It’s hard to believe that it has been almost exactly four years to the day since the 2008 Saleen S5S Raptor Concept made its public debut at the New York Auto Show. It went into the show strictly as a concept, but that didn’t stop hopefuls claiming that it could have hit the market soon after. We never imagined reporting on it again four years later, but here we are.

Since the 2008 New York Auto Show, Saleen has faced its fair share of controversy and cut-backs, as the once prominent Ford Mustang tuner went quiet before announcing that it was solely focusing on parts and accessories. Thankfully however, with Steve Saleen now being able to use the Saleen name in future models after a bitter legal dispute, the 63 year-old has announced that he has ambitious plans to create a successor to the incredible Saleen S7.

Saleen hinted that a future model could be based heavily upon the S5S Raptor, and we don’t blame him, as its styling looks as futuristic and aggressive as ever. Sure a few tweaks here and there would have to be made to the external styling, but we don’t see why Saleen would have to mess with the stunning looks too much.

While speaking to Autoweek, Saleen stated “That’s still a part of our plan. The S5S is still in our planning." We’re honestly not sure why Steve has decided to come out now and speak about this possible supercar, but we’re over the moon as it could mean yet another American-born car to compete with the likes of the equally impressive SSC Tuatara and Hennessey Venom GT.

When the S5S Raptor was originally introduced, it featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine pumping out an incredible 650HP and 600lb-ft of torque. As a result, it could launch to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds and continue accelerating to in excess of 200 mph, and those performance times are still mighty impressive nowadays.

It’s unclear just when the S5S Raptor could hit the production line, but don’t expect any more than 20 or 30 to be produced with each likely to cost well over $1 million.

Steve Saleen Returns to the Company he Founded

Many years ago, okay maybe less than two years ago, if you were cruising down the road in your hopped up Mustang GT and came across a Mustang bearing the “Saleen” name on the side, you knew your poor GT had no chance. In 2007, this all started to change, as Steve Saleen left the company. Then in 2011, the performance vehicle side of Saleen shut down altogether. This rendered the once feared custom car builder just a high-performance parts supplier.

Shortly after leaving Saleen, Steve Saleen started SMS Supercars, basically a new version of Saleen. A long legal battle ensued after Saleen’s new ownership group refused to honor warranties for the performance vehicles it manufactured prior to taking ownership and SMS Supercars stepped in to try to help. The legal battle circled around whether or not SMS Supercars had the right to use the “Saleen” name.

After what seems like ages, there is finally a decision. Steve Saleen has been awarded the rights to use the “Saleen” name on all of his vehicles. In addition, all previously manufactured SMS Supercar vehicles will be added to Saleen’s master registry, making them official Saleen vehicles. Plus, Saleen will start producing badges for all of the old SMS Supercar vehicles, which SMS Supercar owners can buy and put in place of the old “SMS” badges.

SMS Supercars essential now becomes one with Saleen, which means Saleen will begin producing super high-performance models of the Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, and Chevy Camaro.

Saleen lovers of the world rejoice! The days of Saleen being little more than AutoZone on steroids are over. We cannot wait to see the first Saleen branded cars, which should be coming very soon, though there is no official release date.

Hit the jump for the official press release

2011 Saleen S302 Speedster

Every year, Saleen heads over to Las Vegas to bring a new custom modded Mustang to the SEMA Auto Show. A few years ago, they bought the S281 Mustang. Last year, it was a custom S302 Mustang with custom colors and plenty of carbon fiber. This year, Saleen has prepared a custom 302 Speedster for the biggest aftermarket auto show in the world, marking the first time the 302 Speedster was accessorized with a number of options.

This particular model was definitely dressed to impress, thanks to a new Matte Black paint finish, complimented by the prevalent use of carbon fiber rocker panels. The subtle look of the S302 Speedster can be substituted for something a little more gregarious if customers feel like it. In place of the Matte Black finish, other can choose from Igniter Orange, Octane Red, Silver Shield, and Motor City Blue. Rounding out the modifications done on the S302 Speedster include a new carbon fiber chin splitter, a carbon fiber rear wing, and a new set of 7-spoke wheels.

2012 Ford Mustang SMS 302 Yellow Label by SMS Supercars

We love ourselves some Ford Mustangs, especially if they come in a special edition trim. While a lot of people can scoop up a Mustang if they so please, it says something if you’re driving on the road with a piece of special edition American Ford muscle.

Now, you’ll still get your fair share of choices with some being more readily available than others. But if you’re looking for the newest special edition Mustang off the block, you might want to give the boys over at SMS Supercars.

SMS Supercars is the baby of one Steve Saleen. Yeah, you might remember him for his past forays as the founder of Saleen Inc, the very same company that built one of the fastest American supercars on the planet, the S7.

Recently, Saleen and his crew over at SMS have turned their attention towards special edition Mustangs, specifically three new editions of the just launched Mustang Boss 302: the White Label, the Yellow Label, and the Black Label.

Whereas the White Label is the entry-level version and the Black Label is the top-of-the-line version, the Yellow Label slots right in the middle. It comes with the same specs as that of the White Label, including a reprogrammed PCM, a new sport suspension system, a new exhaust system, a new body kit, and some interior upgrades. More than these add-ons, the Yellow Label also comes with a new SMS supercharger kit that bumps up the engine’s output from 440 horsepower to 545 horsepower. On top of that, SMS also dressed up this version with a set of 19” wheels, giving it a sportier and more aggressive look to complement its muscularity.

Interested in the Mustang SMS 302 Yellow Label? Well, you better be prepared to shell out $45,540 for the chance to go home with one.

Photo is of the Mustang SMS 302

2011 Ford Mustang SMS 302 Black Label by SMS Supercars

When talking about customized Ford Mustangs, you can name five of the best the business has to offer in a heartbeat and chances are, one of those names would be SMS Supercars.

Founded by the legendary Steve Saleen, the same man that founded Saleen Inc. that gave way to the Saleen S7 supercar, SMS Supercars is considered as a go-to-shop for Mustangs of varying versions, including the Mustang Boss 302.

Recently, SMS proudly unveiled three new editions of the Boss 302: the White Label, the Yellow Label, and the Black Label.

The top-end of the three versions is the Black Label, which bears some similarities to the Saleen S281E of the past. This particular version features more advanced aerodynamic body components than the White and Yellow Label editions, including the company’s very own S4 suspension system, a custom SMS leather interior and an engine modification that took the Mustang Boss 302’s 5.0-liter V8 engine from a standard output of 440 horsepower all the way up to 575 ponies.

And as is the case with most of his models, the SMS Mustang 302 Black Label will be available in a number of unique custom paint colors that only SMS Supercars can provide. According to SMS, the car retails for $48,000 for the naturally aspirated model of the car and $58,000 for the supercharged version.

Saleen plans to stop building vehicles by end of 2011

Bad news for all Saleen fans out there! Revstone Industries, the company that builds models for Saleen, has announced that by the end of 2011 they will no longer produce vehicles for Saleen. The main reason for their decision is "the confusion and controversy with Steve Saleen’s company, SMS Supercars."

In an official letter sent to dealers, Saleen said: "Over the past several years, we have witnessed a lot of confusion around the Saleen brand, due to a number of financial ups and downs and accompanying changes in ownership. The name itself has become the center of countless conversations and debates, detracting from the cars themselves, and from the culture of performance that they both embody and serve."

"Through our conversations with Ford Motor Company and one another, we have come to feel that those things have become overshadowed by questions surrounding the name. So we want to wipe the slate clean, and usher in a new era of American Muscle. We are confident that, in time, you will agree this was the right decision."

Plan to see the same type of American muscle, but under a different brand that has yet to be determined.

Street Legal Saleen S7 Competition for Sale

We will continue our list of ultra-expensive Christmas gifts with a special vehicle: a street legal Saleen Competition S7 supercar available for sale for an impressive $499,000.

When unveiled in 2000, the Saleen S7 was powered by a naturally aspirated V8 engine with 550 HP. With the introduction of the Competition package, Saleen added a few updates, including 100 HP engine upgrades, a big Le Mans style race wing, winglets up front, and red/black 4pt harness seats. With the new updates, the car was capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and hitting a top speed of more than 200 mph. This was just a step closer to the impressive Twin-Turbo version that was capable of a top speed of 248 mph.

The S7 on sale is the number 27 model, which was the first one offered with the competition package, and the first one that featured the red exterior paint.

However crazy the $499,000 price tag may sound, at least it’s less expensive than the $1.17 million dollar sticker on the Zenvo ST1 supercar. Which one would you like to see in your garage on Christmas morning?

TopSpeed’s 10 Fastest Production Cars

The holy grail of speed has always been the production car speed record. Car companies shoot for this record - if they can - in hopes that they can put their names in the history books. Some of them have succeeded and some have failed, but either way, these machines are fantastic.

Most of the cars on the list are very expensive and only built in limited numbers. You would be hard pressed to find any one of the top ten machines on normal streets. Hell, you would be hard pressed to find these cars on local tracks.

In order to get on the list, the car must be street legal, so no Formula One cars or land speed machines. The laws for getting on the list are also very tough, as there are no set rules. Nonetheless, the current fastest production car hit a speed of 267 miles per hour. Can you guess which car that was?

Hit the jump to find out.