IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Saleen Automotive took the
wraps off of its 2008 MY product during an exclusive press event held on
the runway of the retired the El Toro Marine base. The new product launch
is designed to show the world why Saleen is and will continue to be
America's premiere niche vehicle manufacturer.
Among the new 2008 MY products is a model line that has been coded H
and features two new vehicles, the H302 producing 390HP and the H302SC with
580HP. The Heritage line vehicles represent a new interpretation of the
Saleen aesthetic. Both models include Saleen built engines and honor the
traditional Mustang heritage.
"The 'H' designator signifies Heritage," says Marques McCammon, General
Manager of Saleen Automotive. "These models honor some the great heritage
of the Mustang in a way that is uniquely Saleen."
The H line draws its inspiration from the late sixties Boss 302 Mustang
and is a real compliment to the Ford family Heritage," says Saleen Vice
Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Chris Theodore.
The Hardware
Both vehicles feature an all new, Saleen built, 302 cubic inch engine
that represents a marriage of race technology and production performance
engineering.
Saleen started with 5 axis CNC ported cylinder heads then added a new
forged crankshaft, forged connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons,
performance crankshafts and high flow fuel injectors. The result is a 390Hp
engine that provides the heart of the new H302.
"The 302 engine is the best engine that we have ever done," states Rob
Simons, Saleen Powertrain Lead.
If the H302 has not harnessed enough horses for your taste, the
engineering team at Saleen has added their patented twin screw intercooled
supercharger to serve as the core for the H302SC giving it a pavement
pounding 580Hp and 525 lb-ft of torque.
This engine, when married to a smooth shifting short throw and six
speed manual transmission, gives the H302SC a performance profile
comparable to any contemporary exotic, but in a way that is truly American.
As with every Saleen, the new H line vehicles are more than just
powertrains. Both vehicles feature custom Saleen Racecraft suspensions tune
specifically to the vehicles weight and horsepower profiles giving them
responsiveness and stability.
"Many companies simply throw horsepower at a vehicle without adequate
consideration to making the power usable. We look to find balance, and that
is the difference between Saleen as a manufacturer and the typical
aftermarket tuner," says Theodore.
Stopping power for the H302SC is delivered by standard 14" front vented
slotted rotors grabber by 4 piston calipers. Control is augmented by the 4
wheel ABS and brake assisted traction control. Lateral stability is
enhanced by a Gen 2 Watts Link system that is option on the H302 and
standard on the H302SC. Grip is provided by Pirelli wrapped 19" Forged
aluminum Alloy wheels that are available in bright painted silver or
chrome. On the H302SC customers can opt up for a 19" 7 spoke painted forged
wheel.
"The market has not driven a Saleen like our new Heritage line. They
have great throttle response, they shift smoothly and they carve through
the corners," says Chassis and Dynamics Engineering Lead, Derk Hartland.
Styling and Design
As with all Saleen vehicles, the H line leaves nothing to be desired
from a styling perspective. The H302 features eye popping aesthetics like
the new front and rear fascias, rockers and heritage spoiler. The exterior
package is rounded out by the matt black body graphics and the shaker hood
which is featured on the H302. On the supercharged model a power bulge
aluminum hood with functional cooling vents brings function to form. On the
inside, the unique seat trim features stone gray Alcantara accents and a
laser etched shift knob.
Production and Pricing
The H302 began production in October and the H302SC is slated to begin
production in early December. The naturally aspirated car's production will
be limited to 500 units and the supercharged car will be more exclusive at
only 200 units. Both the H302 and the H302SC feature a manufacturer's
bumper to bumper warranty: 3 years and 36000 miles on the H302, 12 months
and 12,000 miles on the H302SC.
"We tried to make sure that we kept the vehicles attainable while
maintaining their exclusivity," says McCammon. The base price of the H302
is set at $56,999 with the H302SC slightly higher at $74,999.
"Customers will be delighted with the Heritage line and all the new
Saleen products. They will be delighted because we are committing ourselves
to surpassing their expectations. It is a new day at Saleen Automotive.
It's something that we call the Reawakening and the principle is simple.
Give more than you promised," comments, Saleen Inc President and CEO, Paul
Wilbur.
ABOUT SALEEN
Since the company's inception in 1984, Saleen has produced over 12,000
complete and EPA certified vehicles, more than any other specialty
automobile manufacturer. In addition, Saleen has equipped more than 600,000
vehicles worldwide, further emphasizing their capabilities and commitment
to excellence.
A nine-time Manufacturers' Champion in GT sports car racing, Saleen
manufactured the American super car -- the Saleen S7, as well as the S281
Mustang, S331 Sport Truck and the Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition
Mustang. Saleen's manufacturing facilities are located in Troy, Michigan.
The Michigan facility has just completed all paint and assembly of the Ford
GT as a special project for Ford Motor Company and currently is providing
paint and subassembly for the Dodge Viper SRT-10.
For more information visit http://www.saleen.com
