Is Saleen out?

[jherbie]

Much hullaballoo has been created concerning the recent "remarriage" of Ford and Carroll Shelby. Does that mean that Steve Saleen is out of the picture? With Ford hinting at new versions of the GT350/500, not to mention SVT's Mustang Cobra coming out sometime in 2005, where does Saleen fit into the picture? Although designated as an actual auto manufacturer (not just a modifyier of existing cars), he certainly has a deal with Ford for supplying him with the basics of his cars. I've not heard anything from anyone on whether or not Saleen will continue to manufacture specialty Mustangs. Anyone hear anything about his relationship with Ford?

[MRigney]

I am sure that Saleen is not out of the Picture at all. They will be coming out with a Saleen real soon after 05 stangs hit the showroom floor. Customizing the Mustang is big business for Saleen and others like Roush, Steeda. I don't think he would just give it all up.

I am sure that each of those companys has already got a test mule. If they have not then they will be getting one real soon so they can begin customizing it.

Just my two cents...

[jherbie]

I really didn't think that Ford would kill that relationship, but they have been known to do that in the past..........like with Shelby. For some reason, I expected that we'd have heard something about a new Saleen on jthe horizon. Also, although with the S7, Saleen has another car to base on and/or explore his racing programs with, the new Mustang doesn't look to be the most aerodynamic platform to base a race car on, which is a big part of Saleen Mustang heritage. It'll be interesting to see if we see Ford's new pony at the Trans-Am races, and I can't wait to see what the funny cars will look like in NHRA!!

So, with the Camaro/Firebird platform having gone the way of the buffalo, do you suppose that there'll be a lotta Mustang/GTO comparisons? Seems like this will be it's closest (maybe only!) competitor for muscle car buyers. I still say that Pontiac missed the mark in the styling department though, and it looks as if the new GT will undercut the GTO's price by around 7K or so. Will GM's pony cars return to do battle?

One last thought ramblin' around in my head (for now....:rolleyes: )...........any thoughts on whether Ford might offer a "Boss 302", or even new Mach1 with a version of the Lightning's 351, on which the new 4.6L heads are based? I'm sure that Ford's keeping future products under lock and key, but this is a Mustang that the "shaker" hood scoop would look completely at home on........and with Ford's new 302 crate motor available soon, can the return of the Boss be far behind?