Saleen Extreme Stars as 'Decepticon' Police Car in 'Transformers'

Saleen Extreme Stars as 'Decepticon' Police Car in 'Transformers'

~ 2008 Extreme Makes its World Debut with More Than 600 Horses and One Bad Attitude ~

IRVINE, Calif., July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The cars are the stars in DreamWorks' new hit movie "Transformers," and the Saleen S281 Extreme is receiving rave reviews as everyone's favorite bad guy. Appearing in various scenes, the Extreme -- disguised as a deceptive police car code-named "Barricade" -- pursues lead character Sam Witwicky, played by Shia LaBeouf, and ultimately battles his "Autobot" protector, a 1976 Chevrolet Camaro named "Bumblebee."

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070724/LATU083)

Saleen delivered multiple S281 Extremes to the "Transformers" set for filming, but none were equipped with the new Saleen-supercharged 302 cubic- inch engine of the soon to be released 2008 model. Debuting in late-summer 2007, the new Extreme is expected to set a new benchmark for performance vehicles in its class. Designed by the same engineering team as the Saleen S7, the new Extreme will be the first vehicle to deliver true super car performance in a production sports car.

"Fans of the movie can see the Extreme police car on display at The Saleen Store in Irvine, California," said Mike Simmons, chief marketing and sales officer of Saleen Inc. "What's even more exciting is they can actually purchase the production model from their local Saleen certified dealership, without the police badging and vicious alter-ego, of course. The 2008 Extreme is a limited production vehicle of only 200 units and a waiting list is already starting. However, we have two more attainable S281 models that have the same body style as the "Barricade" car. They might not destroy 'Autobots' as easily, but they are plenty fast and fun to drive."

About the 2008 Saleen S302 Extreme

As the headliner of Saleen's "S" model line, the 2008 S302 Extreme will boast a redesigned and supercharged version of the company's highly acclaimed and potent 302 engine introduced in 2007. Although official specifications are still under wraps, the new powerplant will produce well in excess of 600 horsepower.

This new Extreme model will replace the current 550 horsepower model. The S281/S302 model line also includes the 335 horsepower S281 3-Valve, as well as the 465 horsepower S281 Supercharged. All three S281/S302 vehicles share like styling cues, but each maintains its own personality, driving dynamics and performance elements.

Exact specifications and performance ratings for the new 2008 S302 Extreme will be released at the time of the launch in late summer 2007. As true with all Saleen vehicles, the 2008 Extreme will be fully certified to meet federal safety and emissions standards.

Individuals can go to www.saleen.com/transformers.htm to find more information regarding Saleen's involvement in "Transformers" and to learn about the Saleen Extreme and other Saleen models.

   Saleen Vehicles in Major Films and Television     "Transformers"            Saleen S281 Extreme          2007    "Entourage"               Saleen S7 Twin Turbo         2007    "The Bachelor"            Saleen S7 and S281 SC        2007    "Red Line"                Saleen S7 Twin Turbo         2007    "Bruce Almighty"          Saleen S7                    2003    "Hollywood Homicide"      Saleen S281 SC               2003    "2 Fast 2 Furious"        Saleen S281 SC               2003    "Varsity Blues"           Saleen S281 Speedster        1999    ABOUT SALEEN  

Since the company's inception in 1984, Saleen has produced over 12,000 complete and EPA-certified vehicles, more than any other specialty automobile manufacturer. In addition, Saleen has equipped more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide, further emphasizing their capabilities and commitment to excellence.

A nine-time Manufacturers' Champion in GT sports car racing, Saleen manufactures the American supercar - the Saleen S7, as well as the S281 Mustang, S331 Sport Truck and the Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang. Saleen also supports OEM partner niche vehicle initiatives including projects such as the Ford GT, Supercharged Harley-Davidson Edition F-150 and the Dodge Viper program. Saleen's manufacturing facilities are located in Irvine, California and Troy, Michigan.

   Contact:    Michael Haas    Saleen Media Bureau    (949) 609-5940    mhaas@saleen.com  

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Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070724/LATU083
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Source: Saleen

CONTACT: Michael Haas, Saleen Media Bureau, +1-949-609-5940,
mhaas@saleen.com

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Profile: International Entertainment