The Zonda R debuted at the Geneva Motor Show 2007, using the 6.0 litre V12 engine sourced from the race version of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR. The Zonda R’s competition lies with track-biased cars such as the Ferrari FXX and Maserati MC12 Corsa rather than the original Zonda’s road competitors as it is not road-homologated.

Despite sharing much of the Zonda’s shape, the R is almost entirely new, sharing only 10% of the Zonda F’s components. It has been obliquely suggested by Horacio Pagani that this car is a testbed chassis for certain components of the Zonda’s replacement (in the same vein as the Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione and the successive F40) and that the Zonda R accurately reflects some of the Zonda’s successor’s features.

Chassis

The central carbon chassis incorporates a roll cage and a rubber racing fuel cell with 4 fuel pumps and quick refuel filler cap, similar to GT race cars. The wheelbase has been increased by 47 mm (1.9 in) to increase stability. The front and rear subframes are brand-new, built to accommodate new suspension geometry, and produced in Avional. The slick-shod wheels are new forged-magnesium center-lock models, which in conjunction with on-board pneumatic airjacks (again, like the FXX) allow rapid change of the entire wheel assemblies.

The car senses, displays and logs information about the amount of downforce that is generated at each wheel at all times. It is thought that this system will enable owners to adjust set-up according to track conditions and to improve their cornering technique.

Bodywork

In addition to the wheelbase increase (47 mm), overall length has increased by 394 mm (15.5 in) and track by 50 mm (2.0 in). The bodywork and aerodynamics have been altered to offer maximum downforce, featuring a longer front bonnet with flaps, a closed underbody and a new rear overhang with adjustable rear wing and race-derived diffuser. These are intended to translate into increased aerodynamic efficiency and downforce for maximum cornering speed. It is also noted that the car’s new rear bodywork is minimal in the extreme, being composed mostly of vent. This is thought to be symptomatic of the need to keep the engine cool enough, even under hard track use. Again, this is similar to the gutted bodywork of the Ferrari FXX Evoluzione.

Engine

Output has increased to 740 bhp (552 kW; 750 PS) at 8500 rpm and 525 lb·ft (712 N·m) of torque. A lightweight carbon fibre high performance intake system, racing multiple disc centered clutch and Formula One-style exhaust system, hydroformed in Inconel 625 and ceramic coated for optimal heat dissipation, have been added. The engine is combined with a 6-speed transverse-mounted manual sequential synchronized gearbox. Engine was built by Mercedes-AMG.

Interior

The car’s interior is spartan reflecting the car’s racetrack aspirations and intended home, and features bespoke seats, customized to the driver to offer maximum support. As before, the Digitek instrumentation provides essential information and the sophisticated telemetry allows a variety of sensors to monitor numerous aspects of the car.

Video: Pagani Zonda R

The Perodua Myvi is a supermini/subcompact hatchback manufactured by Malaysian car maker Perodua since 2005. Based on the second generation Daihatsu Sirion/Boon and Toyota Passo, the Myvi is the result of Perodua’s collaboration with both Toyota and Daihatsu. The Myvi is the best selling car for 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 in Malaysia.

2011 New Perodua Myvi

The 2011 Perodua Myvi Second Generation was launched by the 16th of June, 2011.

Equipments

The New Perodua Myvi 2011 is available with 3 trims. 1.3 Standard, Premium and Elegance. All available in a four speed automatic gearbox or 5 speed manual. Dual airbags are now standard across the range. ABS and EBD is available in Premium and Elegance variants. Foglamps are available in Premium and Elegance trim. The standard trim gets Steel rims with caps and other variants get Alloy rims. Electronic Power Steering is now standard. The Automatic transmission lever is now relocated to the dashboard area like Perodua Alza. A integrated 2-DIN 6-inch Touch Screen DVD Navigation system with Maps powered by Telekom Malaysia is available in the Elegance variant only. The Elegance variant also gets chrome door handles and different bodykit.

The Myvi is available in six colours, five of these being metallic – Ebony Black, Glittering Silver, Medallion Grey, Pearl White and a new shade called Mystical Purple – and an Ivory White solid shade.

Performance and Safety

The 2011 Myvi is powered by the 1.3 litre K3-VE engine with DVVT and EFI. Powertrains available are 4-Speed automatic or 5-Speed manual. Both transmissions transfer engine power to the front wheels. Vents are added in the rear bumper to minimise flapping issues. Dual SRS Airbags are standard acorss the range, the first of National cars in Malaysia. the center belt of the rear seat is now 3-point ELR instead of a lap-belt only. ISOFIX is standard across the range for standard installations of child seats.

Perodua Myvi baru 2011

Ia dijual pada harga atas jalan bermula dari RM43,900 bagi transmisi manual standard hingga RM57,400 bagi transmisi automatik.

Reka bentuk luarannya kini lebih segar apabila lampu utama hadapan dengan rekaan bersegi manakala lampu belakang yang panjang berbanding terdahulu.

Sesuai dengan temanya iaitu ‘Lagi Best’ apabila bampar hadapan dilengkapi lampu kabus untuk memberi pandangan yang jelas pada waktu malam, sekali gus tampak sporty.

Warna terbaru yang dipadankan iaitu ‘Mystical Purple’ turut tampak bergaya untuk membezakannya dengan model terdahulu.

Ruang kabinnya lebih segar dan panjang sedikit melebihi 15 milimeter (mm) berbanding model terdahulu untuk memberi keselesaan kepada penumpangnya.

Papan pemukanya yang diperbaharui dengan kombinasi dua warna mampu menaikkan imej untuk model terbaru ini.

Selain itu, tempat tombol gearnya nampak unik kerana ia berada pada bahagian papan pemuka di bawah sistem audio seperti kenderaan MPV, sekali gus memberi ruang luas serta memudahkan pemandu mencapainya.

Jentera ini juga sesuai untuk dikatakan sebagai ‘rumah’ kedua apabila ia dilengkapi banyak tempat menyimpan barang yang terletak pada pintu, berhampiran tombol gear serta di bawah kerusi.

Sesi pengenalan model ini kepada media diadakan tiga minggu sebelum ia dilancarkan Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin di Dewan Merdeka, Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC), pada 16 Jun lalu.

Enjin K3-VE dengan kapasiti 1.3 liter ini memberi kelainan dari segi prestasinya apabila ia lebih ekonomikal tahap penggunaan bahan api, daya pecutan, kurang getaran dan memberi daya pecutan yang terbaik.

Ia juga ditala semula untuk mencapai tahap ekonomikal yang lebih baik apabila versi manual mencatat perjalanan 17.5km bagi seliter (km/l) petrol, berbanding model lama iaitu 17.1km/l.

Sementara itu, model automatik mencatatkan jarak 14.6km/l berbanding 13.5km/l pada model lama.

Ini jelas bahawa Perodua mengambil keputusan mengekal?kan konfigurasi enjin sedia ada walaupun dikhabarkan dengan mendakwa Myvi terbaru ini bakal menggunakan enjin 1.5 liter baru.

Perbezaan ketara untuk Myvi baru apabila dipadankan dengan stereng berkuasa elektrik untuk memberi tindak balas yang cepat untuk mengawalnya.

Pengenalan model terbaru ini juga ditingkatkan dengan ciri-ciri keselamatan apabila semua variannya dilengkapi beg udara bagi penumpang hadapan dan pemandunya.

Tiga peringkat pakej ditawarkan kepada pelanggan yang berminat; Standard, Premium dan Elegance. Paling menarik adalah ciri baru yang diperkenalkan untuk versi Elegance, iaitu sistem khas multimedia dan navigasi dengan skrin sesentuh enam inci.

SPESIFIKASI PERODUA MYVI

ENJIN: K3-VE dengan sesaran 1,298 cc DOHC, DVVT.

KUASA MAKSIMUM: 67 Kw pada 6,000 rpm

TORK MAKSIMUM: 117 Nm pada 4,400 rpm

CIRI-CIRI KESELAMATAN: Beg udara bagi penumpang dan pemandu, stereng berkuasa elektrik

HARGA: Bermula RM43,900 hingga RM57,400.

Perodua Myvi Homepage: http://www.perodua.com.my/

USIA dan prestasi kenderaan bergantung kepada penjagaan serta penyelenggaraan pemiliknya. Sikap ambil mudah aspek itu merugikan kita kerana kenderaan yang dimiliki bukan hanya untuk kegunaan harian, malah menjamin keselamatan kita dan keluarga serta pengguna lain ketika di jalan raya.

Penjagaan rapi dan teratur juga membolehkan kita memandu dalam keadaan selesa walaupun untuk perjalanan jauh.

Sama ada anda membeli kereta terpakai atau baru, aspek penting yang perlu diambil berat adalah prestasi serta aspek keselamatannya dan anda dinasihatkan melakukan penyelenggaraan berkala, sama ada oleh pusat servis atau anda sendiri jika berkemahiran.

Rutin penjagaan berkala membolehkan kita mengetahui keadaan kenderaan, termasuk mengesan bahagian atau komponen yang haus, rosak dan perlu diganti.

Berikut beberapa langkah boleh dilakukan:

Periksa minyak pada bahagian kotak gear atau ditukar dengan minyak yang baru terutamanya bagi kenderaan menggunakan gear manual.

Anda juga boleh menilai ketebalan bunga tayar, sama ada perlu ditukar dengan yang baru atau tidak.

Panduan di atas adalah sebahagian daripada asas penyelenggaraan yang boleh anda lakukan sendiri. Ia dapat memberi maklumat kepada pemilik mahupun pengguna kenderaan supaya sentiasa mengambil berat status kenderaan mereka.

Penyelengaraan berterusan adalah langkah bijak menjaga usia kenderaan supaya sentiasa bertenaga dan selamat di jalan raya, malah suatu kelebihan apabila anda mahu menjual kereta berkenaan.

Sumber: 1Klassifieds -

Stirling Moss (2009)

The SLR Stirling Moss is a limited edition (75 vehicles) of the series, which uses a speedster styling that does not include roof or windscreen. The design is inspired by the 300 SLR race car, and was by Korean designer Yoon Il-hun. It was to be the last series of the McLaren SLR built under the partnership between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren, until McLaren announced their own final edition of the SLR in late 2010.

The supercharged V8 engine is rated 650 PS (480 kW; 640 hp). The car’s top speed is 350 km/h (220 mph) with acceleration from 0–100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds. The car is approximately 200 kg (440 lb) lighter than the regular model.

Mercedes-McLaren SLR Stirling Moss

The SLR Stirling Moss began production in June 2009, after SLR Roadster’s production ended in May 2009. All 75 cars were produced by December 2009. The SLR Stirling Moss has MSRP of €750,000 and was available only to SLR owners.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 NAIAS.

Proton Saga FL 1.6 Executive

Proton Saga FL Executive with a capacity of 1.6 liter engine that promises more power and driving satisfaction.

Comes in white, it is sold at RM46, 549, only RM3, 700 higher than the model FL Executive Saga 1.3.

FL Executive Saga 1.6 have differences in terms of the new alloy rims, stickers on the car body and slight modifications in the internal space.

The 1.3 and 1.6-litre Campro engines are essentially re-stroked versions of each other. With a common bore of 76.0mm, the engine displaces 1,332cc with a 73.4mm stroke in the 1.3 models. In the 1.6 versions, the engine’s stroke is stretched to 88.0mm to give a 1,597cc displacement.

As per the Persona, Gen.2 and Satria Neo, the Saga 1.6 makes 110hp @ 6,000rpm and 148Nm @ 4,000rpm, up from 94hp and 120Nm made by the 1.3.

Proton Saga FL Executive dengan kapasiti enjin 1.6 liter yang menjanjikan lebih kuasa dan kepuasan memandu.

Didatangkan dalam warna putih, ia dijual pada harga RM46,549, hanya RM3,700 lebih tinggi daripada model Saga FL Executive 1.3.

Varian itu mempunyai perbezaan daripada segi rim aloi yang baharu, pelekat pada badan kereta dan sedikit pengubahsuaian pada ruang dalaman.

Berikut adalah beberapa panduan cara penjagaan alat pengilap cermin supaya ia tahan lama atau memanjangkan tempoh guna sebelum ia diganti baru. Pengilap cermin adalah salah satu eksori kenderaan yang juga perlu diberi perhatian.

*Langkah pertama, pastikan getah pengilap itu dibersihkan bagi mengelakkan habuk halus atau pasir terlekat padanya. Habuk atau pasir yang terlekat padanya akan menyebabkan cermin kenderaan bercalar apabila ia bergerak.

Elakkan getah pengilap terkena bahan yang boleh mencairkan atau mengeraskan getah seperti turpentine, minyak tanah atau sebarang asid. Semua bahan itu boleh menyebabkan getah pengilap menjadi cari atau keras, sekali gus tidak akan memberi kesan ketika ia mengilap cermin kenderaan.

Pada sama, pastikan semburan air untuk mengilap cermin turut berfungsi ketika digunakan. Semburan air campuran syampu yang di syorkan oleh kedai aksesori perludigunakan setiap kali pengilap itu berfungsi, bertujuan melicinkan permukaan cermin, sekali gus memudahkan tukar pengilap baru dari mana-mana kedai aksesori mengikut saiz yang sesuai dengan kereta kerana untuk memudahkan orang ramai, cara mencuci kekotoran yang terlekat pada cermin.

Pemilik tidak perlu mendapatkan bantuan orang lain untuk menukar pengilap cermin ini kerana ia mudah di lakukan sendiri. Yang penting mereka mendapatkan alat pengilap baru dari mana-mana kedai aksesori mengikut saiz yang sesuai dengan kereta kerana untuk memudahkan orang ramai, cara memasang dan menganggalkan alat pengilap ini juga disediakan di belakang pembungkusnya.

*Alat pengilap cermin juga menyediakan pelbagai jenama sama ada buatan luar negara atau buatan tempatan. Melindungi kenderaan daripada pancaran sinaran matahari juga dianggap langkah bijak untuk memberi ketahanan kepada getah pengilap.

Akhir-akhir ini pelbagai jenis pengilap cermin dijual di pasaran termasuk pengilap berkembar (double blade wiper). Untuk menarik minat pengguna, pengeluar turut menjual pengilap pelbagai warna.

Sesetengah pengeluar kenderaan berpendapat, ada beberapa risiko menggunakan pengilap jenis kembar seperti memberi kesan sampingan kepada motor yang meggerakkannya.

Mereka berpendapat penggunaan pengilap berkembar boleh menyebabkan motor penggerak rosak dengan mudah kerana ia terlalu berat untuk menggerakkanya berbanding jenis biasa seperti yang disyorkan mengikut spesifikasinya.

LONDON – The world’s most expensive sports car now turns upon the throne of Lamborghini cars made in Italy managed to overtake the previous leaders, Bugatti Veyron.

Lamborghini cars are sold with Sesto Elemento £ 170 price difference of thousands (RM 830,389) with a value of £ 1.77 million (RM8.7 million).

The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento (literally “Sixth Element” in Italian) is a two-seater, V10 high-performance concept car produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini, which debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

The Sesto Elemento is equipped with a 6-speed paddle-shift, semi-automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system, mated to a 5.2-litre V10 engine borrowed from the Lamborghini Gallardo, generating 570 horsepower and 398 ft-lb of torque.

The chassis, body, driveshaft and suspension components are made of carbon fiber, reducing the overall weight to a mere 2,202 lbs, making it the lightest car Lamborghini has ever produced. Perspired air is released through 10 distinctive hexagonal holes in the engine cover, while two intakes funnel cool air into the mid-mounted engine compartment.

The Sesto Elemento’s high amount of horsepower combined with low overall weight translate to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.26hp/lb. Lamborghini claims a 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of just 2.5 seconds.

However, Sesto Elemento Lamborghini car that has a speed 321 kph are still unable to match the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport made in Germany with a maximum speed of 407 kilometers per hour.


The car is featured in the video game Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, in the downloadable content (DLC) pack Lamborghini Untamed, alongside the digitalized Lamborghini Countach and Lamborghini Diablo SuperVeloce.

Only 20 cars were would be built.

Kereta sport paling mahal Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

LONDON – Kereta sport termahal di dunia kini bertukar takhta apabila kereta Lamborghini buatan Itali berjaya memintas pendahulu sebelum ini, Bugatti Veyron, lapor sebuah akhbar semalam.

Kereta Lamborghini Sesto Elemento itu dijual dengan perbezaan harga £170 ribu (RM830,389) dengan nilai £1.77 juta (RM8.7 juta).

Ia dibina pada tahun ini di Sant’Agata Bolognese, Itali.

Menurut Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann, model itu pertama kali dipamerkan dalam Pertunjukan Kereta Paris Oktober lalu.

Bagaimanapun, kereta Lamborghini Sesto Elemento yang memiliki kelajuan 321 kilometer sejam masih tidak dapat menandingi Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport buatan Jerman dengan kelajuan maksimum 407 kilometer sejam.

Kereta terbaru Lamborghini itu menggunakan enjin 5.2 liter V10 dna beratnya kurang satu tan.

Hanya 20 buah unit kereta itu akan dibina.

Kereta Bugatti Veyron dikeluarkan di Molsheim, Alsace, Perancis. – Agensi

Model terbaru skuter Vespa pasti mengembalikan popularitinya seperti zaman kegemilangan era 50-an yang menjadi kegilaan orang ramai.

Vespa ciptaan anak kelahiran Itali, Enrico Piaggio itu mula menembusi pasaran seluruh dunia sejak 1946.

Selain itu, jualan motosikal skuter melonjak sehingga 100,000 unit sejak filem Hollywood bertajuk ‘Roman Holiday’ dipertontonkan pada 1952 yang mengisahkan perjalanan merentasi Rom menggunakan Vespa.

Vespa juga sangat digemari masyarakat negara ini sebagai pengangkutan harian malah dalam filem lakonan Allahyarham Tan Sri P Ramlee, motosikal itu turut menjadi sebahagian daripada kegunaan pelakon.


Kini, model Vespa dengan rekaan menawan serta menggunakan teknologi terkini menjadikan satu daripada pilihan peminat skuter.

Di negara ini, model terbaru buatan Itali itu boleh didapati selepas Piaggio Group melantik Naza Premira Sdn Bhd sebagai pengedar eksklusif Vespa keluarannya di negara ini.

Ia masih mengekalkan kerangka besi pada bahagian belakang menjadikan ia sebuah jentera dua roda dengan rekaan unik dalam kategori skuter lain yang berada di pasaran semasa.

Jika dilihat pada bahagian hadapan, lampu dan cermin sisi berbentuk bulat membuatkannya tampak klasik serta mempunyai gaya tersendiri.

Dapar depan yang lebar serta dilengkapi lampu isyarat memberi gambaran menarik selain berfungsi melindungi kaki daripada percikan air hujan.

Lambang Vespa krom pada dapar depan juga menyerlah jenama model ini menyusuri di jalan raya.

Panel meternya sangat unik apabila mempunyai penyukat kelajuan kilometer sejam (km/j) dan batu (mph) serta dilengkapi jam digital bagi memudahkan penunggang melihat masa.

Model diimport sepenuhnya daripada Vietnam ini dilengkapi penghidup automatik menggunakan transmisi automatik untuk memudahkan menunggangnya.

Vespa LX150 ini menggunakan enjin silinder tunggal empat lejang dan berbeza dengan model terdahulu yang menggunakan dua lejang.

Ia dijana enjin sesaran 150 cc dan memberi tahap penjimatan bahan api serta lebih mesra alam kerana tidak mengeluarkan asap seperti model Vespa dua lejang sebelum ini.

Kuasa maksimumnya mencecah 11.66 hp dan tork 11.5 Nm menjadikan Vespa ini sebagai pilihan yang berbaloi dimiliki.

Pengendaliannya sangat lincah serta tangkas kerana mudah ditunggang sama ada di lebuh raya atau di laluan yang sesak dengan kenderaan lain.

Prestasinya cukup memberi kuasa pecutan menyusuri di lebuh raya dengan sistem suspensi stabil untuk memberi imbangan ketika mengambil selekoh.

Tempat duduk yang empuk dan lebar memberi keselesaan membuatkan tidak berasa lenguh terutama ketika menunggang dalam jarak jauh.

Sistem breknya memberi cengkaman yang mengagumkan kerana dapat menghentikan jentera dengan cepat.

Revstone Industries, the parent company of Saleen Performance Vehicles, announced that it will no longer produce vehicles under the Saleen name, although it will continue to produce aftermarket parts through the Saleen Speedlab brand and honor warranties for all existing vehicles. The company cited the confusion and controversy with Steve Saleen’s company, SMS Supercars, as the main reason for stopping production of Saleen-branded vehicles.

In a letter to their customers and dealers, SPV said the following:

The statement continues…

A representative for Saleen said that Revstone will continue to build performance Mustangs in the future, but the brand under which those vehicles will be produced is yet to be determined and will be announced at a later date.

Source: Saleen Performance Vehicles

History and Information

Saleen, Incorporated, commonly known as Saleen, was an American manufacturer of high performance sports cars and high performance automotive parts in Troy, Michigan, formerly based in Irvine, California. Founded by Steve Saleen in 1983, Saleen was a Delaware corporation owned by Hancock Park Associates from 2001 to 2009.

Saleen manufactured limited edition, high-performance vehicles. Saleen was an automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and was the last American small car manufacturer bearing OEM status. Unlike aftermarket “tuner” companies, Saleen was subject to the same federal regulations governing design and testing of their automotive products as larger vehicle manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors, or Toyota. Most of Saleen’s vehicles were highly modified versions of existing mass produced sports cars such as the Ford Mustang. Saleen produced over 8,000 modified Mustangs from 1983 through 2009. It also produced modified versions of a number of other Ford models.

Saleen’s flagship car was the Saleen S7, introduced in 2000. The S7 is a mid-engine, high-performance sports car that was initially priced at just under US$400,000. The S7 won four different GT championships in 2001 and has broken records at the prestigious 24-Hour Le Mans race. The S7 was Saleen’s only production car not based on an existing design or chassis.

The parts and gear department of the company marketed car parts and accessories such as custom wheels, exhaust systems, brakes and other high performance parts. Saleen operated a retail store at the Irvine Spectrum in Irvine, California to sell these car parts and accessories directly to customers and to offer vehicle sales without a need for a sales-lot. However, the store was quietly closed on December 7, 2007.

Saleen operated an assembly plant (Saleen Special Vehicles) in Troy, Michigan where it conducted assembly and painting for the Ford GT for Ford Motor Company and temporarily offered prototyping and show-car building services to other automotive OEMs.

As of mid-2005, Saleen discontinued manufacture of the “Nitrous-ready” N2O S121 Saleen Focus. The 550 hp (410 kW) naturally-aspirated mid-engine Saleen S7 was discontinued after the 2004 model year with the introduction of the Saleen S7TT although both editions are commonly referred to as the Saleen S7.

Early Years

The company was founded in 1983 originally as Saleen Autosport by Steve Saleen, a former Formula Atlantic race car driver. The 1st Saleen wasn’t produced until 1984 though when they built 3 cars as the first production run – a white hatchback, a copper glow hatchback, and a black hatchback. In 1984, Saleen Autosport became Saleen Performance, Incorporated. In 1985, Steve Saleen’s secretary miscounted the vehicles produced that year, omitting vehicle number 6 as a result of confusing it with 9. Since 1985, Saleen has had the tradition of not issuing the #6 bumper number on any of its vehicles. Sometimes, a Mustang equipped with a Saleen aftermarket bodykit will bear 6 as its bumper number, signifying it as a “Fake” Saleen Mustang. Each year up through the eighties, Saleen was able to produce a new record volume of cars. In late 1990, Saleen contracted with Car & Concepts in St. Louis to produce the Saleen Mustang.

As the recession of the early 90′s hit, so did it a take a toll on production. Cars & Concepts continue production through the 1991 model year when they closed their facility due to their own financial woes. Production was returned in-house to Saleen Performance, Incorporated in 1992. By then, the production of cars had been reduced to 12 for the 1992 model year. Steve Saleen teamed up with comedian Tim Allen in 1993 who helped to promote the Saleen Mustang and received new financial backing through Hidden Creek Industries. With a new financial backing and all-new body style in ’94, production numbers began growing again.

Beginning in 1995, Saleen-Allen Racing facilitated the start of preparations for the development of a ground-up vehicle project by implementing a 7.0L V8 engine in their track-cars which eventually gave rise to the powerplant utilized in the S7. In 1997, Saleen competed at the 24 Hours of le Mans, ending a 30-year Mustang hiatus from the event. During the development of the Saleen SR, Saleen formed a strategic partnership with BASF that resulted in the development of unique paint color formulations coupled with advertising centered around Saleen products. During this time, the Saleen paint color liztick red, named for Steve’s wife, Elizabeth, was developed.

Corporate Information

In the late 1990s, the company was renamed Saleen, Incorporated. Hancock Park Associates provided an infusion of financial support to allow Saleen to grow. Beginning at the end of 2004, major shifts occurred in the corporate structure of Saleen, moving away from a race-team style hierarchy toward a structure commensurate with an automotive OEM. It was at this time that the Saleen workforce reached its largest size of 435. At the end of July 2006, to much fanfare, Saleen opened a retail store at the Irvine Spectrum in Irvine, California which quietly closed in December 2007. Beginning with the 2007 model year, the Saleen-designed 450 hp (340 kW) supercharger kit in the F-150-based S331 was offered by Ford as a ship-through Ford-endorsed performance option on Harley Davidson Edition F150s. In early 2007, Daniel Reiner was appointed Chairman and CEO of Saleen. At the 2007 New York International Auto Show, Chip Foose unveiled a Ford-endorsed limited edition F150, powered by the Saleen-designed powertrain used on the Saleen S331SC.

On May 14, 2007, Steve Saleen and Billy Tally resigned from Saleen after nearly 24 and approximately 9 years with the company, respectively. At the time of his resignation, Steve Saleen was serving in the position of Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors while Billy Tally was the Chief Officer of Technology. John Spruill, having last served as domestic programs manager, resigned from Saleen in early June 2007 after a nine year tenure with the company to continue his career working with Saleen and Tally in a different business venture.

On August 8, 2007, Paul Wilbur was named President and CEO of Saleen to succeed Reiner while Chris Theodore, formerly VP of Product Development at Ford, was appointed to the position of CTO, filling the position vacated by Billy Tally.

Restructuring

In early 2008, Saleen began reducing the non-engineering staff located in Irvine, California and consolidating operations in its Troy, Michigan manufacturing plant, relocating its official headquarters to that location. Chris Theodore, previously in the position of CTO, was promoted to the position of CEO at Saleen on August 8, 2008 when Paul Wilbur vacated the position to pursue business opportunities outside of Saleen.

On August 12, 2008 Miedema Auctioneering held a 10 hour auction for Saleen Inc. at 6567 Sterling Drive South, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. During the auction it was possible to obtain everything necessary to assemble a new Saleen Mustang. All factory furniture, tooling, and facilities were for auction. Computers, milling machines, work tables and office equipment hastily piled was listed for sale. On August 18, 2008 Miedema Auctioneering executed a similar auction at Saleen Inc. 76 Fairbanks, Irvine, CA 92618

For Sale

On November 11, 2008, Saleen announced intentions for a sale of its corporate operations. Shortly thereafter, the remainder of research and development operations ceased with the departure of the remaining Saleen engineering staff in December 2008. A few months later, on February 2, 2009, MJ Acquisitions acquired the tooling and rights to the design of Saleen’s supercharger, along with the aftermarket and high performance street vehicle business units (Ford Mustang and Ford F150-related products). However, the business units associated with the S7 and S5S Raptor in addition to the paint operations (including the Dodge Viper contract) were integral components of Saleen not purchased in the sale. Thus, the Saleen and Saleen Racecraft brands are currently owned by MJ Acquisitions although Saleen, Inc. no longer exists.

Originally, MJ Acquisitions stated, “Regrettably, Saleen Inc. is unable to honor any warranties” after ceasing operations. Saleen Performance Vehicles, however, reversed their position with a press release on July 24, 2009, stating that all Saleen vehicles are still covered per their original warranties.

On March 3, 2011 it was reported that the Saleen Mustang or Saleen Focus vehicles would no longer be produced.

Source: Wikipedia