Steve Saleen Presents: 2010 SMS 460 Mustang

[Saleen Forums News]

Steve Saleen Presents: 2010 SMS 460 Mustang

Orange County, California. (07/20/2009) Yesterday, Steve Saleen and his company SMS Supercars unveiled the first CAD illustrations of the 2010 SMS 460 Mustang at the “Mustangs Northwest Roundup” event in Seattle. The SMS 460 Mustang will be the only Mustang authorized to bear Steve Saleen’s name, to use the benefit of his heritage and to incorporate his performance innovations derived from over thirty years of racing and manufacturing experience. Steve Saleen, President and CEO of SMS Supercars: “The SMS 460 Mustang embodies everything I stand for. It reflects my unrivalled tenure in the Mustang business, my passion and love for the Mustang brand.”



The SMS 460 Mustang’s striking design separates it from any other vehicle in the market. Chief Creative Officer of SMS, Phil Frank notes, “Steve Saleen’s new SMS 460 Mustang is a dramatic, timeless and iconic visual statement that confidently leads the pack, continuing the evolution of the image of the Steve Saleen brand.” The SMS 460 Mustang is in final tooling and prototype testing stages and the market launch is planned for later this year.

The SMS 460 Mustang will offer a 4.6 liter V8 engine featuring 470 hp and 427 ft-lb of torque, while the even more powerful SMS 460X Mustang engine with all new internals and extensive headwork pumps out 655 hp and 600 ft-lb from the enlarged 5.0 liter V8. Both use the new (patent pending) SMS 296 Supercharger for their incredible horsepower and torque gains. 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 striking.



The SMS 460 Mustang accelerates from 0 to 60 in under 4.5 seconds, while the 460X manages the same in closer to 4. In addition to engine output, handling, road holding and braking improvements, the 2010 SMS 460 Mustangs will feature Steve’s signature Watt’s linkage suspension with all-new geometry. New SMS 15” six piston front and 13” four piston rear brakes deliver impressive stopping power to match the jaw-dropping acceleration. An available 21" rear wheel upgrade will help harness those mighty ponies. The SMS 460X Mustang will also feature the unique (patent-pending) Steve Saleen Red Butterfly Induction System. The interior with all-new Alcantara and leather SMS performance seats features the patented Signature Series chevron stripes. Multiple seat chevron and SMS unique exterior colors are available through the SMS Tailor Made options.

Steve Saleen receives Lee Iacocca Award for “dedication to excellence”

On July18, 2009, Steve Saleen was honored with the prestigious Lee Iacocca award for dedication to excellence in perpetuating an American Automotive Tradition during the “Mustangs Northwest Roundup”. Says Steve: “I am humbled to receive this award, it reflects my over thirty years of ongoing involvement in the passion and love for Mustangs.”

About Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars – Speed, Science and Style

Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars, a company founded by renowned race driver and automotive icon Steve Saleen, is a manufacturer of high-end lifestyle performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars designs, engineers, tests, certifies, manufactures and assembles all of its own products and vehicles. SMS Supercars’ first products, the SMS 570 and SMS 570X Challengers were launched in early 2009, with the SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustang models destined for market entry later in 2009.

Customers interested in buying the only authorized Steve Saleen Mustang can contact SMS Supercars directly at SMS Supercars - Lifestyle Performance Automobiles or by calling (714) 400-2121.


SOEC, founded in 1991, is the premiere organization for Saleen owners and enthusiasts, with thousands of members worldwide.

Source: SMS Supercars and Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club

Exclusive portions of story © Copyright 2009 Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club
Freely distribute with proper credits
Link to this story at: http://saleenforums.soec.org/showthread.php?t=5594 The Saleen Forums at soec.org

[NeoS281]

I am in shock and awe!

[04 2281sc]

looks like a nice gt not a saleen a really nice gt i,ll keep mine

[mosaleen]

WOW!!!! Steve has out done himself with this one.
Wonder if he is going to cover up one of the rear brake lenses like the older Saleen's? Wonder if those brake cooling inlets will fit our Saleens?

[Stanghungry]

Nice. But I will keep my saleen............

[eviligloo]

Ick. The front looks fine but the rear looks terrible.

[jymontoya]

Originally Posted by eviligloo

Ick. The front looks fine but the rear looks terrible.

x3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WTF, with the double spoiler. The designer must be stuck in 1990 Nissan land.

And that hideous rear under body diffuser. The stock one is bad enough being a huge ugly piece of unpainted plastic. But this is even worse. Leave the Transformers styling in Hollywood.

[MeNotYou]

That looks great...Much better then the 2010 Saleen/MJ (I do like the rims on it better though)

but I need better pics of the rearend...

[03-246]

Not impressed ...at all! Definitely has the looks of a slightly modded GT...and I'm still not crazy about the whole "SMS" thing. The styling on my older generation Saleen is far superior. Not sure what's going on underneath the car...that's really where the big improvements were needed anyway. My '02 Griggs-equipped Mustang would run circles around any Saleen on the track (I say that and I am a Saleen owner). See http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3070346 for more details.

[05 Mineral Grey S281]

You gotta be kiddin' me! Hot wheels have better designing! The rear of the new Mustang left a lot to be desired when Ford left the look that got them there and tried to modernize a time capsule. I didn't think that the rear could get much worse than what Ford did. What was SMS thinking when they redesigned the rear of this car that it would be the next Space Shuttle. Only a few words.... BEAM ME UP SCOTTY!!
Next on tap the other SALEEN- MJ's Version!

[Bruce]

Front is OK and back is terrible. I will keep my PJ.

[MeNotYou]

At least the front rear and sides were changed out and painted to match...

[wpgfordguy]

I want! I've been toying with the idea of buying a 2010 GT500, but I will wait for this.

However, I will only buy it if he gets his name back.

[S281Vert0593]

That kit looks a bit boy racer to me, not the typical classy loook associated with the current cars.

[AURINKO]

I am a little disappointed in this too and I wouldn't buy this one. Perhaps they will come out with a more modified version.

[Jim D.]

Matt over at Motorator just told us pricing and ordering information is posted at Motorator.com

[MeNotYou]

Holy Crap!!!! Those prices are insane...But seeing the Roush going for $50ish and I assume the Saleen too thats what the price has to be...

[robert patrick]

I still like my PJ better than all of them. I do not see how anyone can make the rear of the 2010 car look great. Ford hit a home run on the new Mustang except for the slanted up rear end.

[05 Mineral Grey S281]

Mr. Saleen is way off cue. If he thinks or fantasizes that this economic enviroment supports these prices guess again! Why purchase one of these when you can purchase an almost new Extreme for half the price and the Extreme has the look that the new car can only dream about. We will see what MJ has in store for everyone I have a feeling it might be better than this car, it certianly can't be much uglier! We will also check price and see if the MJ version is cheaper. It seems Mr. Saleen was not too worried about his pricing.

[MeNotYou]

^Dont get your hopes up...Seen it and MANY will be dissappointed...But I do like the wheels...

[Bruce]

Man, that Pony is more expensive than my PJ was. Holy moly, I have a feeling SMS is going to come out of the gate a little slower than expected.

[SimiSaleen]

Originally Posted by robert patrick

I still like my PJ better than all of them. I do not see how anyone can make the rear of the 2010 car look great. Ford hit a home run on the new Mustang except for the slanted up rear end.

YUP, Ford botched the rear of the car!

[NeoS281]

That pricing doesn't seem very favorable for what is being offered. In all honesty I would like for the car to wear "Saleen" badging as oppose to SMS. It bothers me that the Camaro and Challenger are getting the same treatment that the exclusive Saleen has gotten all these years. Hopefully if the suit goes through this "SMS Mustang 460" will become the "Saleen Mustang S460".

[Ponypinoy]

I like the Front End and wish they tried using the back taillights like on Steve's SA25 , but I happy with My 2005 Saleen.

[Light02atl]

a tad ricey if you ask me.

[saleen777]

Ok guy... I have to be honest now. I've been fighting back feelings of abandonment with this whole MJ/Saleen vs. SMS thing. With that last press release from Steve about this car being his best of his 30 years working with the mustang, is starting to give me a second-class citizen feeling about my (now) MJ/Saleen. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE my 02-893, and still think it is one of the best looking Saleen's made. I just hope this thing doesn’t turn ugly between the two companies and get the customers caught in the crossfire...

Why did Steve walk away from the original company in the first place?

[Light02atl]

Originally Posted by MeNotYou

^Dont get your hopes up...Seen it and MANY will be dissappointed...But I do like the wheels...

Roush 427R (Stage 3) can be purchased for $43,xxx. True, you can option it out to $50+

[Dave]

Originally Posted by saleen777

...is starting to give me a second-class citizen feeling about my (now) MJ/Saleen.

Your 2001 is a Saleen Performance / early Saleen, Inc produced vehicle.

The Saleen, Inc tag started in print around this time.

[SimiSaleen]

Well guys only time will tell. I have a 2000 Saleen that I am more than happy keeping. All of us that are are owners of Saleens that were produced when Steve was in control of the design have been really disappointed at the demise of the company as we once all knew it.

I personally cannot come to terms with buying a Saleen built by MJ Aquisitions. Without Steve involved its not authentic and is not a real Saleen in my eyes! These cars were Steves passion. Quick turn investors don't have a clue! They made orphans of all of us customers. It angers me so!

As much as I like my Saleen it sure would be difficult trying to buy one of these specialty Mustangs again today.

[05 Mineral Grey S281]

I really do not have a problem with MJ building a new car. Mr. Saleen said give me the cash and I'll run away and hide. Which he did for 2 years. so MJ after purchasing the rights to the company will continue on. I have spoke to employees of Saleen/MJ, and they have been nothing short of positive,visionary, knowledgeable and helpful. Most of the MJ employees are employees of the original Saleen. These employees are making a go of it and deserve to be given credit for working hard to reinstate the company instead of giving up and rolling over, which is what Mr. Saleen had hoped for, now he is crying foul and whining about the name (HIS NAME) that he sold. Be careful blowing up the bridges that you cross, you just might have to use them again. Mr. Saleen should have thought about the consequences when he sold the company and did in his loyal employees, maybe someone ought to think about the lives and the families that have been changed forever because of his (Mr. Saleen's) actions. I am sure he has not lost any sleep over it. I personally am looking forward to MJ's new Mustang the first I have been told is a bare bones performer similar to the Racecraft model but not being called Racecraft anymore. What I am interested in is the next model introduced by MJ which will be the full body package car with all the goodies, could be very interesting.

I might be of a different mind set than most of the other fourm members, but without the employees of the Company that Mr. Saleen started, he would have lasted two seconds. These employees were the visionary heart and soul of Saleen Inc. the last few years he was there he wasn't making as many decisions because his power was slowly but surely being taken away, but some of the finest Saleen Mustangs were built, HMMM, I wonder what his employee's had to do with it. Maybe Mr. Saleen should think about giving some credit towards his employees (current and former) that got him where he is today, instead of taking all of the credit for the cars that bear his name. Saleen (the name) should be owned by the people who made him, his employees.

[wpgfordguy]

The prices aren't far off MSRP for the 07-09 cars

and who compared a Saleen to a Roush

[03-246]

Too bad a series of poor management decisions drove the former Saleen into the ground. After creating the late-model Mustang performance segment, they completely lost touch with their audience and their customers. As far as I'm concerned, all recent model Saleen’s have been too much about bling and lifestyle (look at me) and fell short in the performance area. Yeah, sure, anyone can throw on a supercharger on and make impressive horsepower stats…great to impress some naïve auto enthusiasts, but how does the car really handle? Compare it to a base Mustang GT and of course it’s better, but try comparing it to some world class cars (i.e. Vette, Viper or Porsche). Saleen needs to get back to its road racing roots and substantially improve on track performance. Griggs Racing Products (Petaluma, CA), is a small niche Mustang suspension/chassis company that offers parts for those that want to build your own track worthy car and they also offer the GR40, a complete turn-key car that would destroy any Saleen/Roush/Shelby on the track. Unfortunately, they don't have mega-millions in advertising budgets to reach out to the world. What a shame…because their product is far superior! Check them out at www.gr40.com. I am speaking from experience...I have two Mustangs – a 2003 SC Saleen and 2002 SC Griggs -- and have track tested them both...there simply is no comparison in cornering, braking, over ride quality, road manners….and lap times! Maybe Saleen should take care of the styling and leave the chassis to the experts…Griggs Racing Products. I say, go Griggs...or go home!

[Jim D.]

Originally Posted by saleen777

Ok guy... I have to be honest now. I've been fighting back feelings of abandonment with this whole MJ/Saleen vs. SMS thing. With that last press release from Steve about this car being his best of his 30 years working with the mustang, is starting to give me a second-class citizen feeling about my (now) MJ/Saleen. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE my 02-893, and still think it is one of the best looking Saleen's made. I just hope this thing doesn’t turn ugly between the two companies and get the customers caught in the crossfire...

(snip)

Don't misinterpret what Steve meant, and don't discount the fact of what he is still very proud of what he built in his earlier years, especially those designs he did with Phil Frank. He still drives his S281 Supercharged every day, and Liz drives her S331 every day.

[Bob D.]

Originally Posted by 05 Mineral Grey S281

These employees are making a go of it and deserve to be given credit for working hard to reinstate the company instead of giving up and rolling over, which is what Mr. Saleen had hoped for, now he is crying foul and whining about the name (HIS NAME) that he sold. Be careful blowing up the bridges that you cross, you just might have to use them again.

I don't remember anyone on this forum criticizing the employees of MJ. And according to all published reports I have seen, he sold the use of his name for a specific purpose to an entity that no longer exists. I highly, highly doubt that he gave away unconditional use of his name for all eternity. "Crying foul" is what we are supposed to do in this country when we believe we have been wronged.

Originally Posted by 05 Mineral Grey S281

I might be of a different mind set than most of the other fourm members, but without the employees of the Company that Mr. Saleen started, he would have lasted two seconds.

He lasted a lot longer than that while slowly building up the company over many years.

Originally Posted by 05 Mineral Grey S281

Maybe Mr. Saleen should think about giving some credit towards his employees (current and former) that got him where he is today, instead of taking all of the credit for the cars that bear his name. Saleen (the name) should be owned by the people who made him, his employees.

Gee, I can't wait to go into work today and tell my boss that he can relax and stop worrying about running the company. Because our company continued to do well after he hired staff, we, the employees, now own the company! Sheesh, your logic sounds like some inebriated senior citizen's recollections of communist conspiracy theories. No even moderately successful entrepreneur, Steve Saleen included, achieves success by relying on employees to get him there. Launching a company from scratch--especially one as unlikely to succeed as an independent OEM automaker--requires commitment, vision and endless hours of work by the founder. It wasn't employees sitting behind the wheel when Saleen earned victories in the Formula Atlantic series, and then in Trans-Am and at Mosport in Mustangs he engineered himself. It was only through this initial vision and hard-won experience--on the track, street and boardroom--that there were ever any employees to worry about in the first place. I'm sure there are employees who are deservedly unhappy with the way things have gone for them the last few years--heck, in this terrible economy is there anyone who hasn't either experienced employment heartbreak or know someone who has? The only time I saw Saleen interviewed at length about the growth of his company, however, he heaped heavy praise on all his employees.

I'm glad you've had good experiences with the frontline MJ folks. I don't think anyone here wishes them ill; I definitely don't. But IMO the constant vilifying of the guy who conceived and grew the company, and the trivializing of his accomplishments, is badly misplaced.

[yeroc281]

So everyone hates the rear. I don't want to pass judgement until I see one in person. When the 2010s came out they didn't look good on paper or computer imo. But when I saw one at the dealership I thought they looked much better in person. And when you actually get behind the 2010 (Im talkin a few feet away) you can see all the angles and the taillights, how "angular" everything is back there.
My thoughts on the new SMS car, let me see one in person. They DO need an entry level car in the $40k range. Something with 25 or so more horsepower with the looks of the "big dogs." A loaded stock GT can net upper $30s or even $40K for a rag top. Bring out the entry level S281s like in the mid ninetys. Let each Joe Millionaire and Average Joe be able to afford one. It wouldn't be hard to do.
As far as the new Roush, when I saw the silver one they first unvailed, the front fascia looked like a new camero to me. (fog light area) Just my 2 cents. :)

[ctann]

Originally Posted by yeroc281

So everyone hates the rear. I don't want to pass judgement until I see one in person.

Funny, I was just over at the Shelby forum reading complaints there about the rear of the 2010 GT500. I admit that I wasn't too thrilled with it myself - I guess there is only so much that can be done with it though, and trying to design a fix might just make things worse...

Originally Posted by yeroc281

They DO need an entry level car in the $40k range. Something with 25 or so more horsepower with the looks of the "big dogs."

I don't know that they do. The entry-level cars generally mean lower margins, and kind of dilute the exclusivity of the higher-end cars. Bolt-on parts are so readily available these days, I think it probably makes sense to just sell the parts for those that want the entry-level, and spend the engineering/marketing/support time on the high end/high margin cars. I have a feeling that is what SMS is aiming at - a smaller, leaner niche manufacturer that sells fewer, higher end cars...

Chris.

[yeroc281]

Originally Posted by ctann

I don't know that they do. The entry-level cars generally mean lower margins, and kind of dilute the exclusivity of the higher-end cars. Bolt-on parts are so readily available these days, I think it probably makes sense to just sell the parts for those that want the entry-level, and spend the engineering/marketing/support time on the high end/high margin cars. I have a feeling that is what SMS is aiming at - a smaller, leaner niche manufacturer that sells fewer, higher end cars

I depends on how many cars the want to sell and what kind of following they want. Do they want a few rich guys driving a few of their cars around? I would think with all the effort placed on design, fabrication and manufacturing, they would offer more levels of performance. I'm not saying barebones like the Racecraft. They can keep the production numbers low and still have a following. Keeping them too low and too expensive, doesn't pay all the bills. If no one ever see's them then no one will want them.

[05 Mineral Grey S281]

In response, I am not trying to, as you put it villify Mr. Saleen. My feelings are that he dumped his company and left his employees, customers and vendors in his wake. I do not know the exact particulars of the whole selling off of Saleen Inc. But what I do see, is a man that is coming out now and saying buy my cars they are the best ever and I want my name back to put on them. I sold the rights to the name, but the company that purchased these rights MJ can't use them because they purchased them from another entity. The reason why MJ purchased the manufacturing division WAS so they could use the SALEEN name on their vehicles otherwise it would not have probably been worth buying. What I am surprised at is that Hancock Park did not have a no-compete clause when they purchased the company. This is almost standard practice these days. I also never said that anyone on the forum had spoken badly of MJ just that it appears most sentiments go with SMS which is expected. As far as Mr. Saleen's racing days and him as you put it, tweaking the cars himself, I would think that in this day and age that he would have been conveying data to his crew which would have done the tweaking. Driver-crew communication is tantamount in any successful venture into motorsports. I am not trying to make a battle out of the whole thing I am just a little peeved at it all. I have a right as an American to voice my opinion don't I? If Mr. Saleen would like to clarify some of these issues, I invite him to come on the Forum and do so, but I guess another press release will be when we hear from him next.

[Saleen Forums Admin]

Originally Posted by Bob D.

I don't remember anyone on this forum criticizing the employees of MJ. And according to all published reports I have seen, he sold the use of his name for a specific purpose to an entity that no longer exists. I highly, highly doubt that he gave away unconditional use of his name for all eternity. "Crying foul" is what we are supposed to do in this country when we believe we have been wronged.




He lasted a lot longer than that while slowly building up the company over many years.



Gee, I can't wait to go into work today and tell my boss that he can relax and stop worrying about running the company. Because our company continued to do well after he hired staff, we, the employees, now own the company! Sheesh, your logic sounds like some inebriated senior citizen's recollections of communist conspiracy theories. No even moderately successful entrepreneur, Steve Saleen included, achieves success by relying on employees to get him there. Launching a company from scratch--especially one as unlikely to succeed as an independent OEM automaker--requires commitment, vision and endless hours of work by the founder. It wasn't employees sitting behind the wheel when Saleen earned victories in the Formula Atlantic series, and then in Trans-Am and at Mosport in Mustangs he engineered himself. It was only through this initial vision and hard-won experience--on the track, street and boardroom--that there were ever any employees to worry about in the first place. I'm sure there are employees who are deservedly unhappy with the way things have gone for them the last few years--heck, in this terrible economy is there anyone who hasn't either experienced employment heartbreak or know someone who has? The only time I saw Saleen interviewed at length about the growth of his company, however, he heaped heavy praise on all his employees.

I'm glad you've had good experiences with the frontline MJ folks. I don't think anyone here wishes them ill; I definitely don't. But IMO the constant vilifying of the guy who conceived and grew the company, and the trivializing of his accomplishments, is badly misplaced.

Bob D. -- There are many good points here and from others, but please let's keep the insults to ourselves...

05 Mineral Grey S281 -- There is a lot of background information on the state of the company since early 2007 when Steve left... read and be informed.


And for all the rest of you who have gotten off-topic, let's keep the thread on-topic... which is about the car.

Thank you

[MeNotYou]

Originally Posted by wpgfordguy

The prices aren't far off MSRP for the 07-09 cars

and who compared a Saleen to a Roush

I didnt compare the cars I was just talking about the prices. The new Roush can be seen on lots and ebay for the $50's and I assume the new saleen/mj will be right there with it. Then you have the price of this sms and it gets insane IMO...

However since I have seen the 2010 saleen/mj and the 2010 Roush I will compare those....Roush heads and shoulders over the saleen...

[Bob D.]

I think I should have used smiley faces, I sure didn't mean to insult anyone! The hyperbole was just that, and more in the sense of a friendly poke in the ribs or a tease--sarcasm, but in a kidding, we're-all-in-this-together way. My car buddies and I engage in verbal sparring all the time over our favorite brands, etc., but that doesn't mean it's appropriate in this forum; I assumed a level of casualness or camaraderie here that I should not have assumed. I'm genuinely sorry if anyone's feelings were hurt or sensibilities offended. I do still stand by my ***personal opinion only*** that Steve Saleen's accomplishments and contributions are substantial and irreplaceable, and that many owners--myself included--would not have bought the car without the racing heritage and pioneering spirit he brought to the company he founded. You'll be relieved to know that's my final word on the topic! ;-)

Apologies again and I'll leave with one final comment: I agree that the somewhat pinched and upswept rear of the 2010 Mustang may not be its best aspect and it'll be interesting to see if any manufacturer or aftermarket provider can make it look like an asset rather than a liability.

[SimiSaleen]

Originally Posted by Bob D.

I don't remember anyone on this forum criticizing the employees of MJ. And according to all published reports I have seen, he sold the use of his name for a specific purpose to an entity that no longer exists. I highly, highly doubt that he gave away unconditional use of his name for all eternity. "Crying foul" is what we are supposed to do in this country when we believe we have been wronged.




He lasted a lot longer than that while slowly building up the company over many years.



Gee, I can't wait to go into work today and tell my boss that he can relax and stop worrying about running the company. Because our company continued to do well after he hired staff, we, the employees, now own the company! Sheesh, your logic sounds like some inebriated senior citizen's recollections of communist conspiracy theories. No even moderately successful entrepreneur, Steve Saleen included, achieves success by relying on employees to get him there. Launching a company from scratch--especially one as unlikely to succeed as an independent OEM automaker--requires commitment, vision and endless hours of work by the founder. It wasn't employees sitting behind the wheel when Saleen earned victories in the Formula Atlantic series, and then in Trans-Am and at Mosport in Mustangs he engineered himself. It was only through this initial vision and hard-won experience--on the track, street and boardroom--that there were ever any employees to worry about in the first place. I'm sure there are employees who are deservedly unhappy with the way things have gone for them the last few years--heck, in this terrible economy is there anyone who hasn't either experienced employment heartbreak or know someone who has? The only time I saw Saleen interviewed at length about the growth of his company, however, he heaped heavy praise on all his employees.

I'm glad you've had good experiences with the frontline MJ folks. I don't think anyone here wishes them ill; I definitely don't. But IMO the constant vilifying of the guy who conceived and grew the company, and the trivializing of his accomplishments, is badly misplaced.

Well Said Bob! I agree with you 1000%

[Dave]

To stay on topic… to stay on topic. Hmmm.

I like the SMS 460. Jim warned me about the rear on Friday afternoon, but I actually don't have a problem with any aspect of the vehicle. When I viewed the press release, I wanted one.

It's not a Saleen Mustang, so I don't view it as such. The 460 carries a new series of styling features from the SMS family product line, but it also has an uncanny look of Saleen heritage.

You know what it is… even if the windshield banner doesn't say so. That trick and identity is stronger than a name.

Someone might say… "You’re opinion is biased." Not really, sir(s).

I was one of those that felt apprehension on the whole idea of SMS products and Saleen products, both as the enthusiast as well as an active participant in the hobby (am I?).

To comment on a general statement made somewhere above:

The Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club was founded on the idea of creating a gathering place for title-holders and fans alike. To document (and celebrate) the vehicles, their histories, their creators, company history, competition history and the dude that placed his name XX times on said vehicles, to organize a network for Owners and Enthusiasts to share their experience and fervor. Part of this idea also included access to SS for said Owners and Enthusiasts.

It's an intertwined relationship, but I don't see it favored on the above stated alone; nor biased.

As an organization it outlived Saleen Autosport, Saleen Enterprises, Saleen Performance, Saleen Inc, ASC/Hancock Park. Outlived would-be executives, investment groups, crazy employees and even a few crazier members/volunteers.

Point is. Regardless of corporate identity, the mission of this Group continues as directed. Archiving Saleen history for current and future record.

I typed a diatribe.

Oh right, my bias… or there lack or. Anyway, one of the reasons I failed to attend the 2008 Atco Event dinner was from my need not to hang around celebrity or be perceived as doing such. I came into this with enthusiasm for the vehicles, to learn about most everything Saleen or Saleen-related.

From a historic perception… SS is Saleen. It's not simply a faceless brand. All it takes is a trip through any series of Greg's media binders to realize this. He was Mr. Media.

I don't hold bias, but maybe I gained an appreciation for the creator on an enthusiast level.


As a general comment to one of the posters above, I did inquire to Mr. Phil Frank (SMS Brand Manager) about an entry-level, non-S/C SMS 460… but Mr. Frank will not discuss future model plans.

In closing… I don't have a spare $70,000.00… so… my thoughts regarding the SMS 460 don't carry weight.

Simply, as a fan it looks to be a great vehicle proposal and I do look forward to seeing one in person.

[NeoS281]

Originally Posted by Dave

To stay on topic… to stay on topic. Hmmm.

I like the SMS 460. Jim warned me about the rear on Friday afternoon, but I actually don't have a problem with any aspect of the vehicle. When I viewed the press release, I wanted one.

It's not a Saleen Mustang, so I don't view it as such. The 460 carries a new series of styling features from the SMS family product line, but it also has an uncanny look of Saleen heritage.

You know what it is… even if the windshield banner doesn't say so. That trick and identity is stronger than a name.

Someone might say… "You’re opinion is biased." Not really, sir(s).

I was one of those that felt apprehension on the whole idea of SMS products and Saleen products, both as the enthusiast as well as an active participant in the hobby (am I?).

To comment on a general statement made somewhere above:

The Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club was founded on the idea of creating a gathering place for title-holders and fans alike. To document (and celebrate) the vehicles, their histories, their creators, company history, competition history and the dude that placed his name XX times on said vehicles, to organize a network for Owners and Enthusiasts to share their experience and fervor. Part of this idea also included access to SS for said Owners and Enthusiasts.

It's an intertwined relationship, but I don't see it favored on the above stated alone; nor biased.

As an organization it outlived Saleen Autosport, Saleen Enterprises, Saleen Performance, Saleen Inc, ASC/Hancock Park. Outlived would-be executives, investment groups, crazy employees and even a few crazier members/volunteers.

Point is. Regardless of corporate identity, the mission of this Group continues as directed. Archiving Saleen history for current and future record.

I typed a diatribe.

Oh right, my bias… or there lack or. Anyway, one of the reasons I failed to attend the 2008 Atco Event dinner was from my need not to hang around celebrity or be perceived as doing such. I came into this with enthusiasm for the vehicles, to learn about most everything Saleen or Saleen-related.

From a historic perception… SS is Saleen. It's not simply a faceless brand. All it takes is a trip through any series of Greg's media binders to realize this. He was Mr. Media.

I don't hold bias, but maybe I gained an appreciation for the creator on an enthusiast level.


As a general comment to one of the posters above, I did inquire to Mr. Phil Frank (SMS Brand Manager) about an entry-level, non-S/C SMS 460… but Mr. Frank will not discuss future model plans.

In closing… I don't have a spare $70,000.00… so… my thoughts regarding the SMS 460 don't carry weight.

Simply, as a fan it looks to be a great vehicle proposal and I do look forward to seeing one in person.

WOW Dave! I feel enlightened!

[Dave]

Originally Posted by NeoS281

WOW Dave! I feel enlightened!

Additionally and comically... SS also outlived Saleen Autosport, Saleen Enterprises, Saleen Performance, Saleen Inc, ASC/Hancock Park. Outlived would-be executives, investment groups, crazy employees and even a few crazier members/volunteers.

It would be foolish for anyone to count him out. He just keeps coming back time-and-time again. Conventional logic and reason seem not to apply to SS... or simply he's Superhuman.

Neat looking cars though.

[Jim D.]

Keeping this thread on-topic...

I think we'll see some changes to the SMS 460 by the time it reaches production.

I am pleased that the rear view is what I consider to be less offensive than the stock Ford rear. I am at least warming up to it.

I will say it's not surprising that PJ owners perhaps don't like it as PJ buyers generally weren't S-series buyers. The PJ was groundbreaking in terms of embracing new people to the Saleen hobby, as many didn't know what a Saleen was until they saw a PJ. I can't tell you how many PJ owners have said this to me.

If it looks a tad ricey, I will say they grow a lot of rice out here in California, not that I'm agreeing with such a statement.

I can say this past weekend at Mustangs Northwest Roundup Steve dropped hints that he's not showing us everything in these images just yet, so make of that statement what you wish... but there's likely more to come.

[uneedav8]

I have to say I am very surprised after reading all these post. It seems like many of you do not find the styling appealing. I guess you can't please everyone. It looks just like the 05-09 Saleen. The 2010 mustang looks at lot more modern and the SMS styling fits it well. As much I love the 05-09 Saleens, I would rather take one of these 460's any day. If I saw one of these on the road before seeing this post. I would have no doubt on my mind that it's a Saleen. That right there tells me that Steve and Phil Frank is right on the money. Everything on the car fits the Saleen styling evolution. I need to defend it because I think it's awesome.

[eviligloo]

Honestly if they just redid the entire rear end of the car and made it less slanted then I bet people would flock to it.

Ford blew it with the styling on the back end....and Steve could correct that and make it less angled and it would look really appealing.

The prices, however, are really high. That's a hard pill to swallow.

[Bob D.]

^ +1. eviligloo is spot on in his thoughts, IMO. Increasingly, I think that whoever successfully solves that rear end design hiccup has a real chance to distinguish themselves in a crowded field, and draw people to their brand who might not have otherwise considered them.

[redflagsc]

I too like the SMS car but I like the fact that SMS reinbursed me for the small problem I had on my 08 car. I hadn't yet heard of anyone getting reinbursed but here it is. When my car broke down alot of people in the area were squaking that Steve wouldn't really honor warranties, they tried to say hey was just blowin smoke! The proof is here, Steve held up his end of the bargain. Next dilemma: how to earn enough money to purchase a 460X in a few yrs