Saleen S5S Raptor Photos - 2008 New York Autoshow

Saleen Raptor

Posted by Vinay MenonMarch 19, 2008 at 11:19 am

Saleen Raptor
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.)

saleen raptor

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 Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini 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 Acura NSX should have been.. except with a V10, and minus the supercharger!

| Posted in American Cars, Concept Cars | 6 Comments

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6 Responses to “Saleen Raptor”

Anthony Carbone said on March 19th, 2008 at 11:48 am

Damn that looks sick!
Saleen SMS Mustang Concept Photos 25th Anniversary | CarZi said on July 9th, 2008 at 1:10 pm

[...] Posts Saleen S5S Raptor Photos Molly Saleen Is Smoking Hot Molly Saleen and Molly Pop S281 Revisited Transformers 2 – POLICE [...]
Lane Thielen said on August 26th, 2008 at 2:19 am

that is sick i am adding those to my favorites
Audi fan said on January 1st, 2009 at 4:48 am

The saleen is not bad but let me supercharge my gallardo LP560-4… AND WE LET THE TOP GEAR LAP TIMES DO THE TALKING
2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Pictures & Details | CarZi said on April 7th, 2009 at 1:53 pm

[...] Dark Horse Exteme by Saleen (Details + Pics) Saleen SMS Mustang Concept Photos 25th Anniversary Saleen S5S Raptor Photos Molly Saleen Is Smoking Hot Molly Saleen and Molly Pop S281 Revisited Transformers 2 – POLICE [...]
Mustang Dark Horse Exteme by Saleen (Details + Pics) | CarZi said on April 7th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

[...] Saleen Posts Saleen SMS Mustang Concept Photos 25th Anniversary Saleen S5S Raptor Photos Molly Saleen Is Smoking Hot Molly Saleen and Molly Pop S281 Revisited Transformers 2 – POLICE [...]