Category: <span>Timeline Stories</span>

2006: Saleen S7TT Competition

Available as an option or current vehicle upgrade, the Saleen Competition Package added increased aerodynamics, suspension performance, and a 33% horsepower increase. Aerodynamics were increased using a carbon fiber FIA-spec wing, air dam splitter, and difuser upgrades. Suspension included revised shock valve dampening as well as the introduction of a dual-stage spring design which adapts […]

2006: The Saleen Store

Unveiled as ‘A New Era of Automotive Retailing,’ The Saleen Store set a new standard in the automotive retail marketplace with its’ complete Saleen branded experience in a boutique form. Located in Southern California, it was hailed as the pinnacle of the high performance lifestyle. Offering everything from Saleen branded merchandise, Saleen aftermarket performance parts, […]

2006: Saleen/Parnelli Jones Edition

Making its’ debut at the NY Autoshow, the 2007 Saleen PJ is added to the Saleen vehicle lineup. As a limited edition Saleen vehicle, the Saleen PJ Mustang used design cues from the actual 1970 Parnelli Jones Boss 302 Mustang. Also, the Saleen PJ was produced with the 3-Valve Saleen 302 Naturally-Aspirated engine, which produces […]

2006: Saleen S331 Sport Truck

Making its debut at the LA Autoshow, the 2007 Saleen S331 Sport Truck is added to the Saleen vehicle lineup. Nicknamed “Thunder” it was available as both a Supercharged and Naturally Aspirated version, the S331 underwent the complete Saleen manufacturing process.

2005: Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

Saleen introduces the S7 Twin Turbo with 750HP. Saleen offers 15” brake system for the Mustang. Saleen debuts an all-new 2005 Saleen Mustang line-up. The S281 3-V obtains 330hp, the Supercharged reaches 435 hp Saleen debuts a new line featuring the Saleen Scenic Roof and Speedster Package. HID headlights are introduced by Saleen.

2004: Saleen N20 Focus

Saleen introduces the first “nitrous-ready” OEM vehicle to the marketplace, the Saleen N2O Focus. Running a 14sec, 1/4 miles, it is based on the Focus platform that N20 model is complete with styling, performance, and comes factory ready with a 75-shot (10-lb) Nitrous Oxide bottle mounted in the rear.

2004: Release of the 2005 Saleen Mustang

With a dramatic redesign in 2005, Saleen debuts their new lineup at the OC Autoshow. All coupe models allow for the Saleen Scenic Glass Roof option, which is a Saleen innovative design. This year Saleen also develops and introduces an all new H.I.D. headlight system for the mustang.

2004: Ford Mustang GT-R Concept

Under the direction and design from the Ford Performance Group, Saleen assists in the custom build for the Mustang GT-R concept vehicle. Using Ford 5.0L “Cammer Engine” and Doug Gaffka’s design, the Saleen Special Vehicles team successfully performed the build of the Mustang GT-R.

2004: Saleen S7TT

Touting an all new fender design and a spoiler/diffuser aerodynamic package; Saleen debuts the S7 Twin Turbo. Utilizing the space age chassis design, the S7TT offers increased HP and Torque to compliment the multitude of geometry updates for the suspension and braking. With the 40 percent reduction in aero drag and a 60% increase in […]

2004: N20 Focus

Saleen introduces the N20 Focus.

2004: Imola, Italy

September 8, 2004: Imola, Italy. With Steve Saleen in attendance privateer team Vitaphone Racing Team scores what could be the most dramatic home track upset victory in motorsports history with their S7R in the FIA GT Series. Drivers Michael Bartels and Uwe Alzen took the all American S7R Supercar to an overall victory at Ferrari’s […]

2003: Saleen SA-20

Saleen celebrates its’ 20 year anniversary with the Saleen SA-20 Mustang. The SA-20 is a special edition that was offered to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Saleen Automobiles. Offered only in a convertible model, the SA20 was the first model to use the new Saleen Tonneau cover and lightbar.

2003: Hollywood Horsepower

Saleen debuts the summer of ‘Hollywood Horsepower’. Three movies premiered this summer featuring Saleen vehicles on the silver screen. With the most screentime, the Saleen S7 is what Jim Carrey drove in the ‘Bruce Almighty’ movie when he had his ‘God-Like’ powers; therefore inspiring the quote “The Pope may occasionally be driven in a Ferrari, […]

2003: Saleen celebrates 20 years in business

Saleen celebrates 20 years in business. Saleen begins assembly of Ford GT and other specialty vehicles in a New Troy, Michigan manufacturing facility

2002: Ford GT40

Saleen is awarded two contracts to build the new Ford GT (40) for Ford. Saleen was commissioned to engineer, manufacture and assemble the vehicles, including all of the paint production and shipping. Saleen’s Chief Program Engineer was responsible for the design, testing and certification of the supercar, including chassis, powertrain, body, interior and electrical systems.

2002: Saleen Mustang

With the discontinuation of the S351 lineup, Saleen debuts the S281 Extreme model. Available in both a speedster (convertible), or coupe option; the Saleen Extreme also uses the all new Saleen Twin Screw Supercharger which debuted the same year.

2002: The Championships Continue

Saleen S7R customer teams continue to operate in four series (American LeMans, Grand Am, British GT and Spanish GT) winning 18 out of 40 races and three Drivers’ Championships and several more Team and Manufacturers Championships. Also wins 21 poles and sets 23 fastest laps.

2001: Inaugural Saleen S7R Season

2001 marked the inaugural race season for the newly debut Saleen S7. Saleen S7’s campaigned in FIA GT, ALMS, Grand-Am, European Le Mans, and 24 hours of Le Mans series. Among setting 27 fastest laps, 29 pole positions, and a pocketful of podium finishes [including 19 1st place wins], the S7R takes victories in its’ […]

2001: Saleen S7

Making its debut at the Monterey Historic Races in October, the 2001 Saleen S7 is built from the ‘ground-up’. Taking its’ model designation from the 7-liter mid-engine design, the Saleen S7 utilizes a spaceframe chassis design. Capable of reaching speeds over 200MPH, the 2001 Saleen S7 is a naturally aspirated precursor to the Saleen S7TT.

2001: 4 Championships for the S7R

Steve acting as a team manager oversaw and led the Saleen S7Rs to win 4 different championships (ALMS, Grand Am, ELMS, Spanish GT) Also Qualified on the pole position and setting the track record for the 24 hours of Le Mans. Saleen finished 3rd at Le Mans.

2000: Grand-Am Road Racing

Saleen mustangs dominate the 2000 season and capture the GTO Grand American Road Racing Championship. Saleen drivers also achieve multiple first place wins, fastest laps, pole positions, and lap leaders in the SCCA World Challenge Series the same year.

Category: Timeline Stories