Saleen Set to Announce All-New Car Tuning Report Supercars Industry News Saleen Having won the right to use his name again, Steve Saleen has some big plans for the company he founded almost 30 years ago. As we reported last week, after a lengthy court battle, Steve Saleen, founder of Saleen Autosport in 1984 and creator of the Saleen S7 supercar, has legally regained the use of his name on all his products. He now intends to move the company forward with a brand new car and the requisite level of restructuring.Presently, Saleen heads SMS Supercars (Steven Mark Saleen), which has produced around 400 Dodge Challengers and Ford Mustangs with the SMS name, as well as a host of other impressive tuning projects. Now that he has won back his brand name, he intends to begin production on a Camaro, with all three models to be offered in three trim levels. SMS badging will also be replaced across the board by the Saleen nomenclature.The S5S Raptor concept revealed at the 2008 New York Auto Show is set to get the green light (perhaps with a different name) "That's still a part of our plan. The S5S is still in our planning," Saleen said.As is the release of a brand new vehicle, which Autoweek are reporting will be announced in the next 90 days and that Saleen described will "be somewhat of a different direction." The S5S Raptor boasted a 5.0-liter supercharged Ford V8 capable of 650hp and 630lb-ft of torque and was allegedly capable of a 0-60mph sprint time of 3.2 seconds and a 200mph top speed. So anything along those lines would be more than welcome. http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2012/4/9/Saleen-Set-to-Announce-All-New-Car-7708270/
how did steve loose the ability to own his own name? Growing up my neighbor had a saleen, loved it............ one of the first cars I fell in love with.
Long story. Dispute between Steve and Company Execs. Saleen became Saleen Inc and Steve started SMS Supercars. Saleen Inc sales suffered w/o Steve, as customers didn't consider a Saleen Inc vehicles a real Saleen w/o the founder behind the research, development, and production. After a long court battle Steve just won the legal rights to his name back. I met Steve a few years back at Mustang week, real nice guy.
Oh man mustang week, im debating on going to that, im in atlanta so its not far.....hmmm. Always loved saleens, the 351s, nice to see them back on the road.
I was passed by a new Saleen this morning. I had no idea they were making them still. Sexy as hell in black on black!
