Corona, California. (April 16, 2010) On the day before the 46th anniversary of the debut of the Ford Mustang, which was launched on April 17, 1964, Steve Saleen, the man whose name has become synonymous with high performance Mustangs, launched his most eagerly awaited SMS Signature Series cars, the 2011 SMS 302 Mustang.

SMS Supercars President and CEO Steve Saleen says: “Many automotive enthusiasts have embraced our SMS 570 Challenger, but I know our core fans have been waiting for the first Mustang to come from the new company, SMS Supercars. I am thrilled to be able to end the suspense today. With the new 5.0L 2011 Mustang arriving at dealerships shortly, it was appropriate for us to act swiftly and present our SMS 302 Mustang based on this early model year change. We know the 302 name will excite any Mustang fan as well”.

After the successful launch of the 2010 SMS 570 Challenger in the Spring of 2009, the 2011 SMS 302 Mustang represents the second in the trio of SMS American Supercars, which will be followed by the introduction of the 2011 SMS 620 Camaro later this year. At first, two SMS 302 versions will be offered, the SMS 302 4V with a normally aspirated 5.0L engine, followed by the SMS 302 SC, using the patented SMS 296 Supercharger.

Continues Steve: “Our line of SMS Mustangs will be the only Mustangs authorized to bear my name, to use the benefit of my heritage and to incorporate performance innovations derived from my over thirty years of racing and manufacturing experience. With the extensive design, development, manufacturing, certification and warranty coverage that we put into each vehicle, the government agencies all recognize SMS as the manufacturer of record for these cars”.

Power

The SMS 302 4V utilizes the all-new normally aspirated twin overhead cam 5.0L V8 engine with over 440 hp and 400 ft-lb of torque. This is accomplished with an all-new 4-valve head design, a high flow exhaust system, an optimized pulley drive system, premium fuel calibration and performance filtration.

The SMS 302SC will pump out over 535 hp and 450 ft-lb of torque, thanks to the use of the SMS patent pending 296 Supercharger System with Asymmetric Multi-Lobe Screws, SMS Six-PackTM Intercooler System and SMS patent pending Duo-Path Induction. Transmission options for both are a 6-speed Automatic or a 6-Speed TR3650 Manual.

Performance

The 2011 SMS 302 4V will accelerate from 0-60 in under 4.5 seconds and pass the quarter mile in 13.5 seconds at a speed of 116 mph. The SMS 302SC numbers are even more impressive with a 4.3 second 0-60 and a quarter mile in 12.1 seconds at 119 mph.

Suspension

Both SMS 302 models come standard with the new and unique SMS S4 High Performance Suspension, comprising of S4 Specific Rate Front and Rear Springs, S4 Front Struts, S4 Rear Shocks, S4 Front and Rear Sway Bars with High Durometer Pivot Bushings and the all-new SMS unique S4 Watts Link rear suspension.

Both models utilize Pirelli PZero High Performance 275/35ZR 20 tires on 20″ x 9″ 5-spoke alloy wheels at the front and 275/40ZR 20 tires on 20″ x 10″ 5-spoke alloy wheels at the rear. The brakes with ABS Cross Drilled Rotors, Powder Coated Calipers and High Performance Racing pads deliver impressive stopping power to match the jaw-dropping acceleration.

Design

The SMS 302 has a striking design that separates it from any other vehicle in the market. Chief Creative Officer of SMS, Phil Frank notes, “The SMS 302 is a dramatic, timeless and iconic visual statement that confidently leads the pack, continuing the evolution of the image of the SMS brand.” The sculpted front fascia utilizes a high volume lower radiator intake with brake ducts and an integrated front splitter with ducting for supercharged models. The striking new hood differentiates the car with its chrome trimmed heat extraction grilles. Available for either model as an option is the patented SMS Red ButterflyTM Center Ram Air Induction which debuted in 2008 on the SMS 25th Anniversary Mustang Concept. Notes Steve, “When those butterflies crack open under throttle, people stop and stare.”

The bold side skirts echo the new Mustang’s upper spear shape in the fenders while flowing seamlessly into the deep sculpting of the vented rear fascia. The high downforce rear diffuser includes a rear Formula One-style rain light in reference to Steve’s racing pedigree. The most dramatic element of the SMS 302 is the transformation of the rear of the car through the integration of the rear fascia, rear fender caps and the trunk lid spoiler; which creates a longer silhouette and its exotic car good looks and makes the SMS 302 unmistakably a Steve Saleen product.

Interior

The interior with all-new Alcantara and leather SMS performance seats with the patented Signature Series chevron stripes, two-tone leather chevron door inserts, a leather-wrapped billet aluminum shift knob and leather wrapped steering wheel set the SMS 302 apart from lesser offerings. Instrumentation features a 200 mph gauge cluster and a supercharger gauge pod with boost and charge air temperature gauges for the SMS 302 SC. Standard features include a color keyed center console, a powerful Shaker 500 Stereo with SYNC® and a 276 Watt amplifier, aluminum SMS door sill plates and embroidered model designated floor mats to give the interior its finishing touch.

Tailor Made Options

SMS offers it’s discerning customers a wide range of SMS Tailor Made options, including a dozen unique show car paint colors such as Burnout Black, Tire Smoke White, Sour Grape Green, Plum Insane, Pineapple Express Yellow and Maliblue to name a few. Customers can further personalize their car’s interior in matching colors for the seat Signature Series chevrons and stitching if so desired.

Authenticity

Through the years, Steve’s cars have become collector’s items and many have held or even gained value due to their exclusivity and authenticity. After passing the extensive quality control and dynamic driving test, each SMS 302 is personally signed by Steve and then receives its matching serialized SMS VIN on the engine bay plaque, dash plaque and front bumper for authentication.

Story by Ford Motor Company