2003 Saleen S7

IRVINE, Calif. – After 20 years and more than 9,000 vehicles sold, Saleen has developed a reputation for building enthusiasts' cars that surpass the performance of some of the most expensive and exclusive vehicles in the world. Since its inception, Saleen has worked to take 'before market' manufacturing to the next level. A high-performance specialty vehicle designer and builder, Saleen vehicles are built in compliance with the same governmental guidelines as those of larger automotive companies -- ensuring safety, emissions compliance and quality.

Steve Saleen began his company with a vision of the perfect performance vehicle that could be appreciated by anyone. He based his new enterprise in the middle of what is considered the creative epicenter and performance capitol of the automotive world -- Southern California. In 1984, his first Saleen Mustang was completed and available for sale. It featured special aerodynamics, an attractive, highly functional cockpit and an upgraded suspension system for precise handling.

This formula would prove potent with Saleen buyers for years to come. Today, Saleen, Inc. facility is housed in a 150,000 square foot building in Irvine, Calif. The office space houses the design, engineering and assembly operations, the Composites and Coatings division, as well as corporate offices, a customer service center and the parts distribution facility. Saleen has also opened a new 180,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Troy Michigan and another manufacturing plant in Canada.

The Design team, headed by Steve Saleen, is responsible for all production Saleen vehicles including the S281, S7, the American supercar and the Saleen N2O Focus. Through an evolution of sketches, drawings and clay and foam models, the Saleen vehicles slowly evolve into the specialty cars for the road. The Design team has also created several one-of-a-kind vehicles based on the Ford Contour, Windstar, Mustang, Focus and the Thunderbird. From the Design team, the process moves along to the Saleen Engineering department. Here, the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electronics and
exhaust system are developed. The Engineering team works closely with the EPA to make sure that all Saleen vehicles meet the tailpipe and evaporative emission requirements set forth by the government.

The Saleen Composites division is responsible for creating and manufacturing all alloy components, as well as front and rear fascias, side panels, rear wings and hoods. The Coatings division is responsible for the painting of each vehicle.

The last step in the Saleen manufacturing process is final vehicle assembly. This is where all of the pieces from the Design, Engineering, Composites and Coatings divisions are brought together by certified technicians to create the finished product.

Saleen vehicles can be purchased through authorized Saleen-certified Ford dealers, plus a select group of new S7 dealers, all of which are staffed with certified Saleen sales consultants and service technicians. Saleen vehicles come with a comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranty. Each Saleen is a limited-production, specialty vehicle with serialized console and engine bay plaques that verify the authenticity of the vehicle.

Source - Saleen