Road and Driver

Last week, Saleen Performance Vehicles launched it’s latest Mustang, the Saleen 435S. Remember, Saleen Performance Vehicles should not be confused with SMS Supercars. The latter is owned and run by Steve Saleen whereas Saleen Performance Vehicles is owned by MJ Acquisitions. In fact, SMS and Steve Saleen filed a lawsuit against MJ Acquisitions for using his name. All drama aside, here’s the specs of the 2010 Saleen 435S Mustang.

The Saleen 435S Mustang is equipped with a Saleen Series VI twin-screw supercharger attached to a 4.6 liter V8, producing 435 horsepower and 425 ft/lbs of torque. Power is transfered to the wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission and 3.73:1 gears. As Mike Shields, the new Saleen Performance Vehicles CEO states, the company wanted to “deliver a lot at an affordable price.”

In addition to the engine, the Saleen 435S boasts a sport-tuned suspension and optional 14 inch brakes slotted and cross-drilled rotors inside 18 inch alloy wheels. Optionally, an “Aero Package” is available that features front chin and rear spoilers.

No official word on pricing, however, sources predict the price tag to be somewhere in the $40k range. For more details, check out the official press release below.

Press Release:

Saleen Performance Vehicles today unveiled its first 2010 product, the Saleen 435S, based on the new 2010 Ford Mustang. The introduction took place as part of the Special Vehicle Team Owners Association’s annual “Mustang Week” event. The 435S is the first vehicle launched under Saleen’s new ownership, following the purchase of Saleen Inc. earlier this year.

This car continues the Saleen tradition of offering limited-edition, high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts who are looking for an exhilarating driving experience, with refined drivability for real-world road conditions.

The 435S is designed to provide affordable, high-value performance.

“In these difficult economic times we wanted our first vehicle to deliver a lot for an affordable price,” said Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles. “It was created much more for ‘go’ than for show. We focused on power and handling, and it’s a great platform to build on if a customer wants to take it farther later on.”

Heart of the car’s performance is its 4.6-liter, 3-valve SOHC V8 engine, complete with a Saleen Series VI twin-screw supercharger and two-stage intercooler. This engine produces a vigorous 435 horsepower and 425 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, and has a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio with limited-slip differential.

The car rides 1.5 inches lower than a Mustang GT, thanks to its Saleen Racecraft performance suspension. The system is designed to reduce body roll, provide nimble, precise handling and improve traction, while retaining the compliant ride of a good daily driver. The suspension package includes springs, a stiffer front stabilizer bar, and nitrogen-pressurized shock absorbers tuned exclusively for the 435S.

The vented brake rotors, front and rear, are slotted and cross-drilled for improved feel and stopping performance. Larger, 14-inch slotted front rotors with 4-piston calipers are available as an option.

The 435S has the Saleen-signature long, low, sleek looks and aggressive stance that have distinguished the company’s previous cars. Traditional Saleen styling cues include an understated trim panel between the taillights with “Saleen” in raised lettering, mesh covers over the fog lights in the grille, and the Saleen name and chevrons as graphic elements placed low on each side. An optional Aero Package includes a lightweight chin splitter and rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics.

Other exterior highlights include unique, 18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels (19- and 20-inch wheels are available), and “435S” lettered on each side of the hood’s power dome.

Inside, the modifications are designed to enhance the driving experience and to express the car’s character. These include a new, short-throw shifter for quick, precise gear-changing performance, and new, driver-oriented gauges. These uniquely styled gauges retain Mustang’s MyColor™ capabilities that allow the owner to select from more than 125 custom colors for the instrument cluster. The car’s identity is highlighted by a Saleen logo embroidered on the headrests.

“All in all, we believe the 435S is the right car at the right time,” said Shields. “It’s a terrific performance value that we’re proud to offer. And this is just the first of many great Saleen vehicles we’ll be launching in the future.”

Source: TheMustangSource.com via Autoblog

It has eighteen speeds, curtains, and an air horn—and it goes 95 mph.

Things I did in preparation for driving a big rig: Watched “Maximum Overdrive” (it came highly recommended; I recommend it only to those whose lives seem 97 minutes too long); bought a camouflage hat at a truck stop; and checked with the Michigan Secretary of State to confirm that I am legally allowed to drive such a vehicle.

Turns out my class-B commercial driver’s license with air-brake endorsement is sufficient documentation for the authorities, as long as I don’t try to tow more than 10,000 pounds at once.

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A mid-afternoon rainstorm on Friday forced officials to use owner points and other criteria to set the grid for Sunday afternoon’s Sunoco Red Cross 500 at Pocono Raceway. The rainout was the fifth in Sprint Cup this year.
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+ Despite skepticism from many, the federal Cash for Clunkers rebate has been a success and is NOT suspended. [Car and Driver]

+ Kia has released renderings of the VG, an upmarket sedan slated to replace the Amanti. [Car and Driver]

+ Mazda has released a special JDM-only MX-5 Miata in celebration of the roadster’s 20th anniversary. [Car and Driver]

+ Our spy photos confirm that BMW is nearing production on the X6 hybrid that will share the two-mode system that was co-developed with GM and DaimlerChrysler. [Car and Driver]

+ With the success of the CARS program, the House of Representatives voted in favor to provide an extra $2 billion in funding for the Cash for Clunkers rebate. Senate approval is still needed. [Car and Driver]

+ Dealers share their experiences with Cash for Clunkers up to this point. [Automotive News]

+ Due to Michigan’s continued economic hardships and the inability to secure sponsorships, officials have cancelled the 2010 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix with hopes of bringing it back in 2011. [Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix]

+ Schumacher dodges F1 test ban by driving an old car in preparation for his return to the series. “Although those cars are not current or last year’s ones, I simply like to drive as much as possible.” [Autocar]

+ Chrysler has announced that it will continue production of the PT Cruiser, a car they refer to as being “too cool to categorize.” Since its introduction in 2000, 1.3 million PT Cruisers have found their way into the garages and hearts of people across the world. [Chrysler]

+ Forbes reporter Christopher Steiner, author of $20 Per Gallon, speculates about how daily life would change at $8 and $18 dollars per gallon in this interview. [The New York Times]

+ A Facebook poll of Italian Fiat fans results in the Fiat 500 “So Pink” special edition. The Barbie Beetle finally sees competition. [Fiat on the Web]

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Michael Schumacher is “testing” today for Ferrari at Italy’s Mugello track, according to reports–despite Formula One’s ban on in-season testing.
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Will the Renault Formula One team and its drivers, Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet Jr., be allowed to compete in the Grand Prix of Europe on Aug. 23? Expect a decision on Aug.
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It will be at least two years before the whine of Indy Cars returns to the Motor City.
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Ford Motor Co. will use football and the Web to try to convince a new set of consumers that the Taurus is not the stodgy car they remember.
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The federal cash-for-guzzlers program continues to operate this morning despite dealer reports that it was to be suspended at midnight last night because it was approaching its $1 billion limit.
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Unless you’ve been to an Experience day at Solihull its not the kind of place you can normally just turn up and have a look. But thanks to Microsoft Maps we can have a bit of a snoop.