New Saleen Supercar: S5S Raptor

[-What-]

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

[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...

[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.