New Saleen Supercar: S5S Raptor

[-What-]

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2554/raptor1zh6.jpg

Supercar maker and Ford customizer Saleen took the wraps off its all-new S5S Raptor at the New York Auto Show on Wednesday. Designed to compete with the high-performance offerings from Ferrari and Lamborghini, the Raptor delivers 650 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm.


The Raptor is designed to digest cellulosic ethanol fuel, which should help it score points with environmentalists and advocates of oil independence. ��The higher octane rating of E85 gas also results in more power, Saleen says. The supercharged S5S is reportedly capable of hitting 60 mph in 3.2 seconds.

The Raptor can be equipped with a close-ratio 6-speed manual, or optional paddle shifting
sequential gearbox. Either gearbox can send the rigid aluminum chassis screaming to a top speed of over 200 mph.

The double wishbone suspension and rack-and-pinion steering of the S5S is augmented by ABS traction control and stability control systems. The brake system features 15-inch (381 mm) front rotors with 6-piston calipers, and 13-inch (308 mm) rear rotors with dual piston calipers. Traction is provided by 275/35 ZR20 front and 315/35/ZR20 rear Pirelli Rosso tires that wrap the 20�� forged aluminum wheels.

The aesthetics for the Raptor were developed by ASC Creative Services, America��'s largest independent automotive design firm. The primary designer on this program was Dave Byron, a member of ASC��s Design team��.

According to Saleen executives, the S5S Raptor could enter the market in as little as two years, and should it go forward, it would carry a base price of approximately $185,000.



$185,000 for 650 hp...that's a bargain...is it?

[fisetdavid26]

I would definitely hit it.

[evile]

Saleen is targeting the F430 and Gallardo with the S5S. At $185K the Saleen would be cheaper, and is projected to produce more horsepower. I cannot recall his name, but one of the lead engineers on the Ford GT program is now at Saleen. I believe I read he is spearheading the Saleen S5S program. The S5S is supposed to be a ground up design, but if the Ford GT is any indication the new Saleen could be a performer.

[-What-]

...if the Ford GT is any indication the new Saleen could be a performer.

If the Ford GT is any indication? Dude, I understand where you're coming from, but you don't have to reach outside of the company to find "indications" of performance. The Saleen S7 was a BEAST.

[NSXType-R]

Nice. Mr. Saleen always made cool stuff.

[fpv_gtho]

Looks pretty nice. Some of the angles remind me of the Volkswagen W12 Coupe though Volkswagen W12 Coupe - Ultimatecarpage.com - Images, Specifications and Information (http://ultimatecarpage.com/car/1077/Volkswagen-W12-Coupe.html)

[2ndclasscitizen]

Fark, that looks awesome! Quite a few cues to the Ascari A10 in the profile. Are they using a Ford V8 for this as well?

[evile]

If the Ford GT is any indication? Dude, I understand where you're coming from, but you don't have to reach outside of the company to find "indications" of performance. The Saleen S7 was a BEAST.

True...very true. I've always liked the S7. It is (was) an awesome car. I believe the ALMS hamstrung the S7R with so many restrictions it was no longer competitive. Fortunately, it's still winning races in Europe.

However, at less than a third the cost the S5S could be much more accessible. Relatively speaking. Also, I see the S5S as being potentially a more streetable and usable vehicle.

[baddabang]

From a distance the front almost looks like a honda badge.

[kingofthering]

I would buy it. If only they would change the name from Raptor... :D

[Quiggs]

Generic. Uninspired. Meh.

[kingofthering]

Generic. Uninspired. Meh.

Is it not low enough?

[F1_Master]

Nice. Mr. Saleen always made cool stuff.
Mr. Saleen has no involvement with the company anymore.

This is pretty amazing, but will Saleen actually let the magazines play with this car? With the S7, I don't think there were any publications where the S7 was being compared to any other supercars. The closest thing seemed to be a R&T issue that was about American Supercars which consisted of the S7 TT & the Mosler.

[Quiggs]

No, it just looks like every other $180k+, 600+hp car out there.

[2ndclasscitizen]

This is pretty amazing, but will Saleen actually let the magazines play with this car? With the S7, I don't think there were any publications where the S7 was being compared to any other supercars. The closest thing seemed to be a R&T issue that was about American Supercars which consisted of the S7 TT & the Mosler.

An Australian magazine, MOTOR, did a comparo between the S7 and a Ford GT about year or so back.

[whiteballz]

Generic. Uninspired. Meh.

I duno man, its not any less generic than alot of things.. including golfs.

I'd hit this over a Ferrari anyday of the week, But I think I'd have trouble going past a superlegera or LP560 gallardo for it though.

[JorisP]

Typical American press release. No mentioning of the cc anywhere... <rolleyes>

[Zytek_Fan]

I definitely see some Tesla Roadster and Lamborghini Gallardo in there.
Nothing bad, just noteworthy.

[Ferrer]

It's a good looking car.
If the Ford GT is any indication? Dude, I understand where you're coming from, but you don't have to reach outside of the company to find "indications" of performance. The Saleen S7 was a BEAST.
If I'm not mistaken Saleen actually built the GT for Ford.

[Wouter Melissen]

Typical American press release. No mentioning of the cc anywhere... <rolleyes>

All the info can be found here: Saleen S5S Raptor - Ultimatecarpage.com - Images, Specifications and Information (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/3669/Saleen-S5S-Raptor.html)

[Giankrlo99]

315? thats a big tire for a coupe!

[roosterjuicer]

im not too crazy about it, but its a big step up from the s7...that thing was butt-ugly.

[NSXType-R]

Mr. Saleen has no involvement with the company anymore.

This is pretty amazing, but will Saleen actually let the magazines play with this car? With the S7, I don't think there were any publications where the S7 was being compared to any other supercars. The closest thing seemed to be a R&T issue that was about American Supercars which consisted of the S7 TT & the Mosler.

How does he have no involvement with the company? He's the one who started it.

[Wouter Melissen]

How does he have no involvement with the company? He's the one who started it.

He sold his stake. He launched a different company called SMS Limited last week.

[Quiggs]

I duno man, its not any less generic than alot of things.. including golfs.

I'd hit this over a Ferrari anyday of the week, But I think I'd have trouble going past a superlegera or LP560 gallardo for it though.

Base Rabbit $15,000
Base Saleen $185,000

[NSXType-R]

He sold his stake. He launched a different company called SMS Limited last week.

Oh. I didn't know that.

[VtecMini]

Looks like the bastard child of a Gallardo and an NSX to me. Still, not a bad result. It could certainly have uglier parents!

Assuming the cost will follow the pattern that all American cars follow (1$ = ~£1), It'll be very, very expensive next to the competition. I'm hoping it'll be more like the actual exchange rate, though, and come in under £100k.

[-What-]

He sold his stake. He launched a different company called SMS Limited last week.

That's weird. So is this new S5S Raptor vehicle an SMS product or a "Saleen" product? I read his SMS website and he states that his goal for SMS is to produce exclusive vehicles; supercars and exotics...if he truely sold his stake in Saleen than it would seem like he plans to compete against his old company...seems counter-productive...and why not remain with Saleen if he knew the S5S was coming?

Confusing, but I've never heard of Saleen selling his stake in the company. It would make more sense that he is stepping down from "Saleen" which involves modifying Mustangs, and has moved onto "SMS" which would involve supercars only...like the S5S Raptor and S7. His website for SMS (which isn't finished yet) shows plenty of pictures of the S7, so that would make sense.

[NicFromLA]

It's certainly not bad looking, but I prefer my mid-engine supercars Italian thank you very much.

[Badsight]

cars are "styled" in the wind tunnel

when different groups of people try tackling the same problem , its no surprise that the "solutions" found end up being similer

there isnt 100 different "optimum" designs . and designers are trying to get their individual package pared down to the optimum

thus humans make very similer looking cars in this modern era

[The_Canuck]

It reminds me of the NSX with the head and tail lights actually...

[wwgkd]

So am I the only one that was a little disapointed in it? I guess I got excited thinking it was a replacement for the S7, but it seems like it's lost some of it's character to me. gone soft, I guess you could say. Still, semi-green supercars that don't suck is kind of a nice turn; and it's not a bad car on it's own.

Still go for the 430 Scuderia, though.

[coolieman1220]

saw her today @ NYIAS NSXTYPER should have pics!

[092326001]

looks great
front reminds me of noble/s7
rear reminds me of cls/nsx

[evile]

So am I the only one that was a little disapointed in it? I guess I got excited thinking it was a replacement for the S7, but it seems like it's lost some of it's character to me. gone soft, I guess you could say. Still, semi-green supercars that don't suck is kind of a nice turn; and it's not a bad car on it's own.

Still go for the 430 Scuderia, though.

I liked the S7, but it was a hard sell at its price point. The S5S will still be a limited production car, but it will appeal to more auto enthusiasts since it will be about one-third the price of the S7. The S7 will continue to be built in racing trim. Essentially, it is a race car that was adapted to the road.

[NSXType-R]

:(saw her today @ NYIAS NSXTYPER should have pics!

I do, but unfortunately, they're extremely grainy.

This is what happens when a noob cameraman sets his camera the wrong way. :(

I'll post them up later.

Not convenient for me right now.

[454MAG]

650 hp she will roll well:)

[alex1485]

car is great but I think the headlights could be better, they are kind of too morgan 8ish... slanted like that. but overall its awesome.

[LandQuail]

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2554/raptor1zh6.jpg

Originally Posted by leftlanenews
Supercar maker and Ford customizer Saleen took the wraps off its all-new S5S Raptor at the New York Auto Show on Wednesday. Designed to compete with the high-performance offerings from Ferrari and Lamborghini, the Raptor delivers 650 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm.

M'Kay, sure.

The Raptor is designed to digest cellulosic ethanol fuel, which should help it score points with environmentalists and advocates of oil independence. 􏰁The higher octane rating of E85 gas also results in more power, Saleen says. The supercharged S5S is reportedly capable of hitting 60 mph in 3.2 seconds.

Oh, that's nice.

The Raptor can be equipped with a close-ratio 6-speed manual, or optional paddle shifting
sequential gearbox. Either gearbox can send the rigid aluminum chassis screaming to a top speed of over 200 mph.

Wow. Screaming. Shucks.

The double wishbone suspension and rack-and-pinion steering of the S5S is augmented by ABS traction control and stability control systems. The brake system features 15-inch (381 mm) front rotors with 6-piston calipers, and 13-inch (308 mm) rear rotors with dual piston calipers. Traction is provided by 275/35 ZR20 front and 315/35/ZR20 rear Pirelli Rosso tires that wrap the 20􏰁 forged aluminum wheels.

That's some calipers.

The aesthetics for the Raptor were developed by ASC Creative Services, America􏰃's largest independent automotive design firm. The primary designer on this program was Dave Byron, a member of ASC􏰃s Design team􏰁.

Byron. I guess he did Mary Shelly, then. Wow. That's nice.

According to Saleen executives, the S5S Raptor could enter the market in as little as two years, and should it go forward, it would carry a base price of approximately $185,000.

Oh, is that all.

$185,000 for 650 hp...that's a bargain...is it?

Isn't it?

[LandQuail]

Give me one reason to stay here, and I'll come right back around.

[togos452]

S5S Raptor to enter production?

News from Chris Theodore, Saleen's Vice President and Chief Technical Officer. He helped with the Ford GT.

Saleen S5S Raptor Supercar Concept: Will they build it? - Latest Reviews, Features, and News - Automobile Magazine (http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/0804_saleen_s5s_raptor_will_they_build_it/index.html)

http://images.motortrend.com/features/consumer/112_0602_43z_the_power_list_2006_chris_theodore.jp g

[togos452]

More pictures

Pictures: 2008 New York International Auto Show (http://velocityjournal.com/pictures/sets/140/3.html)

[teatako]

cars are "styled" in the wind tunnel

when different groups of people try tackling the same problem , its no surprise that the "solutions" found end up being similer

there isnt 100 different "optimum" designs . and designers are trying to get their individual package pared down to the optimum

thus humans make very similer looking cars in this modern era

the zonda doesn´t agree with this post.