Mere days ago, Steve Saleen and his new(er) organization, SMS Supercars, took the wraps off the 2010 SMS 460 Ford Mustang at the “Mustangs Northwest Roundup” in Seattle, WA.  The latest modified Mustang from Steve’s dreams will be the only one officially authorized to bear the Steve Saleen nameplate as a tribute to the dedication, history, and success he has cultured for over 30 years.  Steve states the SMS 460 Mustang is “…everything I stand for.  It reflects my unrivaled tenure in the Mustang business…”.  Well, Mr. Saleen, if SMS is exactly what you say and the SMS 460 delivers what’s promised, color us excited.  We’ll be waiting to see more of this slick pony car later this year when the launch happens.  What’s more interesting is the SMS460 will come in two trims: the base and the “X”.  The SMS 460 is equipped with a 4.6 liter V8 producing 470 hp and 427 ft-lb of torque, while its bigger brother blasts out (with the help of an upgraded internal assembly and some head work) 655 hp and 600 ft-lb of torque from a 5.0 liter block.  Over 650 hp?  The story gets better and better…  Both SMS 460 flavors get their insane power increases by utilizing the new SMS 296 Supercharger to provide a healthy breath of forced induction.

There’s lots more to these cars, so keep reading for more details in the official Press Release.

Press Release

Orange County, California. (July 20, 2009) Yesterday, Steve Saleen and his company SMS Supercars unveiled the first CAD illustrations of the 2010 SMS 460 Mustang at the “Mustangs Northwest Roundup” event in Seattle. The SMS 460 Mustang will be the only Mustang authorized to bear Steve Saleen’s name, to use the benefit of his heritage and to incorporate his performance innovations derived from over thirty years of racing and manufacturing experience. Steve Saleen, President and CEO of SMS Supercars: “The SMS 460 Mustang embodies everything I stand for. It reflects my unrivaled tenure in the Mustang business, my passion and love for the Mustang brand.”

The SMS 460 Mustang’s striking design separates it from any other vehicle in the market. Chief Creative Officer of SMS, Phil Frank notes, “Steve Saleen’s new SMS 460 Mustang is a dramatic, timeless and iconic visual statement that confidently leads the pack, continuing the evolution of the image of the Steve Saleen brand.” The SMS 460 Mustang is in final tooling and prototype testing stages and the market launch is planned for later this year.

The SMS 460 Mustang will offer a 4.6 liter V8 engine featuring 470 hp and 427 ft-lb of torque, while the even more powerful SMS 460X Mustang engine with all new internals and extensive headwork pumps out 655 hp and 600 ft-lb from the enlarged 5.0 liter V8. Both use the new (patent pending) SMS 296 Supercharger for their incredible horsepower and torque gains. 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 striking.

The SMS 460 Mustang accelerates from 0 to 60 in under 4.5 seconds, while the 460X manages the same in closer to 4. In addition to engine output, handling, road holding and braking improvements, the 2010 SMS 460 Mustangs will feature Steve’s signature Watt’s linkage suspension with all-new geometry. New SMS 15” six piston front and 13” four piston rear brakes deliver impressive stopping power to match the jaw-dropping acceleration. The SMS 460X Mustang will also feature the unique (patent-pending) Steve Saleen Red Butterfly Induction System. The interior with all-new Alcantara and leather SMS performance seats features the patented Signature Series chevron stripes. Multiple seat chevron and SMS unique exterior colors are available through the SMS Tailor Made options.

Steve Saleen receives Lee Iacocca Award for “dedication to excellence” On July18, 2009, Steve Saleen was honored with the prestigious Lee Iacocca award for dedication to excellence in perpetuating an American Automotive Tradition during the “Mustangs Northwest Roundup”. Says Steve: “I am humbled to receive this award, it reflects my over thirty years of ongoing involvement in the passion and love for Mustangs.”

About Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars – Speed, Science and Style Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars, a company founded by renowned race driver and automotive icon Steve Saleen, is a manufacturer of high-end lifestyle performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars designs, engineers, tests, certifies, manufactures and assembles all of its own products and vehicles. SMS Supercars’ first products, the SMS 570 and SMS 570X Challengers were launched in early 2009, with the SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustang models destined for market entry later in 2009.

Customers interested in buying the only authorized Steve Saleen Mustang can contact SMS Supercars directly at www.smssupercars.com or by calling (714) 400-2121.