In an attempt to draw the attention of the budget-minded tuning fans, Saleen’s Saleen’s value-performance Racecraft division presented a souped up version of the Ford Focus Coupe that will be available during the first quarter of 2009 with a base price under $20,000. Dubbed the RC2, Saleen Racecraft’s proposal features a bodykit with a new front fascia and mesh grille, side skirts, a boot lid spoiler, a rear skirt and 18-inc alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone performance tires. Performance upgrades will include an estimated 15 HP bump over the base 2.0-liter engine’s output of 143 HP. A sport suspension and a more powerful braking system will also be included in the package.

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Saleen’s Aftermarket Division, SpeedLab, has brought back the classic appeal of shaker hood styling. However, this is not just cosmetic. The SuperShaker is a true “cold air” intake that sits above the hood and is sealed off from the hot air in the engine compartment. This is especially beneficial in static situations such as at stop lights or take off during drag racing. Once up to speed, the shaker hood scoop rams fresh cold air into the air box where it is pressurized, allowing greater boost at higher speeds. According to SpeedLab, the SuperShaker kit combined with the Saleen series VI intercooled supercharger will increase total power from 500 - 700HP.

Available for 2005 or newer Ford Mustang GT’s, the complete Supershaker kit which includes the supercharger and all necessary hardware is $6949.99, however, Saleen will install the kit for you for an extra $1450.

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Steve Saleen and his new tuning company SMS are creating two limited edition versions of the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T. The SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger will feature a SMS Supercharged 5.7-liter V8 Hemi delivering 500Hp to more than 700Hp respectively. Both models will come equipped with a series of performance parts, including drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

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When we first saw the Saleen S5S at the New York Auto Show, we thought, “That’s nice, but it’s got concept only written all over it.” Well, apparently there’s a greater degree of possibility there than we’d initially thought. Saleen Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer Chris Theodore dropped in to the offices of Automobile magazine to talk S5S. Seems they’re feeling out the market by touring the car around their dealers right now and thanks to an overwhelmingly positive response, the company no longer related in any way to Steve is considering sending it into production. Our favorite part of the whole discussion is about how they decided on the design. (source: Jalopnik)

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Saleen is offering for the first time its high performance 302 cubic inch (5.0L) premium V8 engine for sale as a standalone crate engine through its SpeedLab Aftermarket Division. The engine will be available in either short block or long block varieties and in either naturally-aspirated or supercharged forms.

Based on the 4.6L 3V Ford aluminum block, the entire internal package is upgraded with Saleen engineered forged pistons, rods, crankshaft and valve train components, and camshaft profiles. Power will range from 390hp in the naturally-aspirated version and up to 580hp for the force-fed unit.

Furthermore, these packages can be upgraded with 6-speed transmissions, high performance clutch/flywheels, higher performance rear end differentials as well as a Watts rear suspension kit designed for the Ford Mustang

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This very blogger wrote a post yesterday about the Saleen S5S Raptor. I didn’t mention the cars I thought the Raptor looked like, but a fair number of commenters did. This is what you should know: in person, the car looks like nothing else but the S5S Raptor, and it looks better than any car you think it might look like. It is, to put it plainly, all kinds of hot. Even in yellow, which is this blogger’s least favorite car color, I’d still pay for it. Saleen CEO Paul Wilbur said the Raptor is a concept, and he wanted the media’s feedback on building it. Mr. Wilbur: yes. Today. Like, now. Check out the hi-res pics and let Mr. Wilbur know what you think.

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Though Saleen won’t be officially unveiling its new supercar, the S5S Raptor, on stage until tomorrow, we’ve got pics and details for you now. Though slated to slot below the hardcore S7 in Saleen’s lineup, the S5S Raptor looks no less the part of a high-powered high-performance sports car. It’s powered by a supercharged 5.0L engine mounted amidships producing around 650 horsepower and 630 lb-ft. of churn on a steady diet of E85 ethanol.

Developed as a collaboration between Saleen and specialty builder ASC — both of which are owned by the same private equity firm — the car is plenty of tech and a bit of throwback. The aluminum chassis 2-seater can get from 0-60 in a supercar-standard 3.2 seconds. When it’s time to stop, six-pot calipers hidden by 20-inch wheels clamp down on 15-inch rotors up front. The retro bit: a six-speed manual gearbox. A paddle-shifting sequential is also in the works and may be ready when the car goes into production in 2010. Compared to the S7, the S5S is another relative domestic bargain at only $185,000.

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