During Mustang Week at Myrtle Beach, Saleen Performance Vehicles unveiled its Saleen 435S based on the new ’10 Mustang. It’s the first vehicle launched under Saleen’s new ownership, following the purchase of Saleen Inc. earlier this year.

The 435S continues the Saleen tradition of offering limited-edition, high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts who are looking for an exhilarating driving experience, with refined drivability for real-world road conditions. The heart of the car’s performance is its 4.6-liter, 3-valve SOHC V8 engine with a Saleen Series VI twin-screw supercharger and two-stage intercooler. Producing 435hp and 425 lb. ft. of torque, it’s mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and 3.73:1 rear axle ratio.

Riding 1.5 inches lower than a Mustang GT thanks to its Saleen Race craft suspension, the Saleen 435S is also equipped with slotted and cross-drilled rotors and 4-piston calipers, 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels (19- and 20-inch wheels are available), short-throw shifter, and unique gauges with My Color capabilities. The exterior features the Saleen-signature looks and stance. Traditional Saleen styling cues include an understated trim panel between the taillights with “Saleen” in raised lettering, mesh covers over the fog lights in the grille, and the Saleen name and chevrons as graphic elements low on each side. An optional Aero Package includes a lightweight chin splitter and rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics.

For more information about the Saleen 435S, visit the Saleen Performance Vehicles website at www.saleen.com.

Editor's Note: The announcement about Saleen Performance Vehicles’ new Saleen 435S Mustang had barely hit e-mail inboxes when Steve Saleen fired off his own press release stating that he and his company, SMS Supercars, had filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent MJ Acquisitions, the parent company of SPV, from promoting their products under the Saleen name. In his release, Saleen commented, “It amuses me that faceless executives and wannabes are trying to misrepresent themselves as some kind of continuation of Saleen, which they are not. SMS Supercars is the true Saleen. It is the only company I endorse, the only company entitled to use my name and legacy, and the only company that carries my signature on its products. The legal action we have undertaken will emphasize once and for all that the only genuine Saleen products are mine.”

Saleen Performance Vehicles fired back, stating that MJ Acquisitions purchased many of the assets of Saleen Inc., including the rights to the Saleen brand and certain assets relating to Saleen’s supercharger, aftermarket and high performance street vehicle businesses, in February 2009. Mike Shields, President and CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles, stated, “We’re dismayed by the lawsuit filed by Steve Saleen, and even more disappointed by the fact that it appears to be an attempt to disrupt the debut of our new Saleen vehicle. Our company’s purchase of certain assets in February entitles us to use the Saleen brand for our superchargers, aftermarket parts, and high-performance vehicles. The Saleen Performance Vehicles brand is not about one person. It represents a legacy of high-performance vehicles.”

So here we go again with another round of lawsuits involving Mustangs. Stay tuned…