Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars releases 2010 sms460 Mustang photos
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Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars has released what are being called “computer illustrations” of the 2010 SMS 460 Mustang. “The only 2010 Mustang authorized to bear Saleen’s name” (parts of the old company that Steve Saleen started more than 20 years ago were sold off to MJ Holdings and they are trying to release a “saleen” mustang… Steve Saleen has filed a lawsuit to keep them from doing so). The real-deal sms 460 issupposed to be i nthe final stages of creation and testing. They are expecting to actually launch the spec’d out Mustang later this year (can anyone say “Sema” ?).
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The SMS 460 will have 470 Horsepower to the wheels from it’s tweaked (and supercharged) 4.6l engine. SMS is saying 0-60 times will be just under 4½ seconds. Also in the works at Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars is a 655 horsepower version called the 460x which will be largely the same engine with the patented “Red Butterfly Induction System”, which is basically a shaker hood system with butterfly valves controlling air flow. Both cars of course will be supercharged with Saleen’s own 296 supercharger.
Red Butterfly Induction System Click For Larger Image
Both 460’s will have revised suspension goodies (which stock Mustangs desperately need), larger brakes with more pistons for better stopping power, and the 460x will have the option of a 6 speed smst manual (while the 460 will keep the stock manual and auto transmissions).
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Of course, many goodies to make the car look different and feel different and to help justify the extra price tag that aftermarket tweakers are now charging.
We’ll will be interested to see some real world numbers from the track and from the strip once these cars hit the road. Roush has been doing a LOT of marketing and proving itself on the track these days (having just won the Koni Sports Car Challenge at Barber Motorsports park). We would love to see a side by side review of the Roush, SMS and GT500 (and possibly even a Shelby SuperSnake!) when these cars finally all become available!
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Here are more details on the uniqueness that is the sms460 Mustang:
Official Press Release from April of this year:
Orange County, California. Steve Saleen, his name being synonymous with fast Mustangs, would not be Steve if he kept his hands off Ford’s newest pony. On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the launch of the original Mustang in 1964, and in reflection on his 25 year association with America’s iconic sports car, Steve celebrates with Mustang aficionados from around the world in launching first sketches of the 2010 SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustangs at the 45th Anniversary Celebrations in Birmingham, Alabama.
Instantly recognizable as Steve Saleen’s work, the new SMS 460 Mustangs feature a host of visual and technical highlights that set them apart from the crowd. “I previewed many of the features of my newest Mustang with the 25th anniversary car I showed last year,” says SMS Supercars CEO and President Steve Saleen.
The front fascia treatment, the SMS Red Butterfly Air Induction HoodTM, the front and side splitters, the rear fascia and diffuser with the high down-force rear wing showed the way Steve Saleen is looking at Mustangs today. “You have to go with the times. While the Mustang remains an icon, Ford has done a very good job with the 2010 model. I wanted to interpret it using my signature to create the latest Steve Saleen version of this American favorite.”
The SMS 460 Mustang offers a 4.6 liter V8 engine featuring a minimum 470 hp and 427 ft-lb of torque, while the even more powerful SMS 460X Mustang engine with all new internal and headwork delivers 655 hp and 600 ft-lb out of the enlarged 5.0 liter V8. Both use the new (patent pending) SMS 296 Supercharger presented last week at the New York International Auto Show. 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 expectedly striking. The 460 Mustang accelerates from 0 to 60 in the low 4 seconds, while the 460X manages the same in the lower 4’s. In addition to engine output, handling, roadholding and braking play an equally important role. The 2010 SMS 460 Mustangs feature Steve’s signature Watt’s linkage suspension with all-new geometry. New SMS brakes front and rear deliver impressive stopping power to match the jaw-dropping performance.
The interior with all-new Alcantara and leather SMS performance seats features the patented Signature Series chevron stripes. Dash and interior panels are covered in hand-stitched high-quality leather. Multiple seat chevron and SMS unique exterior colors are available.
More details about Steve Saleen’s latest Mustang will be revealed in the spring of 2009, deliveries are expected to start mid-summer. Customers interested in buying a SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustang can either contact SMS Supercars directly at www.smssupercars.com or by calling (714) 400 2121.
