Having long been a fan of open-air roofs like T-tops and Targa tops, but not of full-fledged convertibles, I have to say I'm intriqued by the new SKYVu Scenic Roof system debuted by Saleen at the New York International Auto Show. No word on the cost yet, but it's downright droolworthy. Check out the full deets after the jump...
ASC INCORPORATED PARTNERS WITH SISTER COMPANY, SALEEN, TO DELIVER INDUSTRY LEADING PRODUCT INNOVATIONS
New York, NY (March 20, 2008) - ASC, America’s Tier 1 automotive supplier of design and open air body systems integrations and Saleen, America’s premiere automotive enthusiast brand have come together to deliver two new market-leading innovations wrapped in industry-leading style andperformance:
· ASC’s “SKYVu” Scenic Roof System, featured on the S281SC, is a natural evolution to
Saleen’s market leading Scenic Roof, captivating the hearts and minds of coupe owners.
“The marriage of ASC and Saleen represents the perfect combination of performance and new product innovation,” stated Steve Laurain, General Manager of ASC. Marques McCammon, General Manager of Saleen Automotive replied, “ASC has been leading the market with engineered body system integrations for over 40 years and they have the largest independent automotive design organization in the U.S. I can’t think of a better partner for Saleen.”
SKYVu Scenic Roof system
The second punch from the Saleen / ASC duo is the all new “SKYVu” scenic roof system. SKYVu is the ultimate hybrid of a scenic roof and a sunroof with the open air feeling of a convertible. This power roof system replaces the entire roof of the Saleen S281SC with glass allowing the consumer to experience a sun drenched cabin than can only be found in a Scenic Roof equipped Saleen coupe. Then, at the push of a button, the glass paneled roof lifts open and slides over the vehicle backlight to reveal a roof that is completely open to the SKY.
“In the SKYVu, we have achieved a convertible experience without the weight penalty, and without the compromise of the coupe roofline that usually comes with the convertible,” said Chris Theodore, Chief Technical Officer of Saleen and ASC. “The result is a safer, faster, open air vehicle experience.” SKYVu leaves the roof rails of the vehicle intact, allowing the vehicle to maintain core coupe structure that leads to chassis rigidity critical to ride and handling performance and does not compromise structural integrity of the vehicle in roll-over scenarios. It is a system based on proven and robust technologies that ASC executives say can be integrated into nearly any production coupe application.
ABOUT ASC
ASC’s award-winning programs include vehicle development and sub-assembly of the Chevrolet SSR (winner of a “Gold” award in the 2004 Industrial Design Excellence Awards, or IDEA, competition sponsored by Business Week magazine); convertible systems for the Toyota Solara, Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder and the Jeep Liberty; and numerous appearance programs and body packages for such products as the Dodge SRT-4, Dodge Viper SRT-10 and Pontiac Grand Am SC/T. ASC was founded in 1965 and headquartered in Warren, Mich., Contact: Steven Laurain (734) 246 0051, steven.laurain@ascglobal.com
ABOUT SALEEN
Since the company’s inception in 1984, Saleen has produced thousands of 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 manufactured the American super car — the Saleen S7, as well as the S281 Mustang, S331 Sport Truck and the Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang. In addition, Saleen provided all paint and assembly of the Ford GT as a special project for Ford Motor Company. Saleen is also currently providing paint and subassembly for the Dodge Viper SRT-10. Saleen’s World Headquarters is located in Troy, Michigan.
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