Since 1984, Saleen has been modifying Mustangs, competing with the likes of Steeda and Roush. Five years ago, Steve Saleen announced the super exotic Saleen S7, which was a gigantic departure for the company. They went from taking on Corvettes to taking on Murcielagos, Carrera GTs, and Enzos.

Saleen continued its foray into the supercar world by contracting the painting and some assembly of Ford GTs and Dodge Vipers in its Troy, Michigan facility. The S7 Twin Turbo ended production in 2006, and Steve Saleen no longer has any connection with his namesake manufacturer. (He went on to work for Chinese car manufacturer Chamco last year, but parted ways soon after.)

In any case, the new Los Angeles Private Equity guys that took ownership (and combined it with another specialty car manufacturer ASC) want to grow the Saleen brand and take on the F430 and Gallardo with this - the Saleen S5S Raptor.

Along with an all aluminum chassis, composite body panels, you get a supercharged ethanol burning 5.0L V8, 650hp, 630 lb ft, 6 speed manual, 6 piston front brakes with 15″ rotors, 20″ rims (275 front, 315 rears), 0-60 in 3.2 sec, and a top speed in excess of 200 mph. Production is to start in 2010.

If this thing does get produced, for 185K USD, you get a super tight looking mid-engined exotic sports car. We think it looks fantastic… and this will take Saleen well on its way to becoming the most well-known American exotic brand. This is what the NSX should have been.. except with a V10, and minus the supercharger!