Saleen S7

The Saleen S7 is a limited-production, hand-built, high-performance American supercar developed jointly by Steve Saleen for the initial concept and direction, Hidden Creek Industries for resources and initial funding, Phil Frank for the body and interior CAD design and development, and Ray Mallock Ltd. for the chassis engineering. It was the only car produced by Saleen not based on an existing chassis. The S7 debuted on August 19, 2000 at the Monterey Historic Races. The all-aluminum 427 (a bored-and-stroked derivative of Ford's 351 Windsor small-block, not a big-block) is remarkably tractable and flexible for such a high-output unit--550 hp at 6400 rpm. In 2005, the S7 was replaced by the S7 Twin Turbo, which featured a more powerful twin-turbo system that boosted engine power to 750 horsepower (760 PS/559 kW) and the top speed 248 mph (399 km/h).

The body of the car, made entirely from carbon fiber, incorporates the use of scoops, spoilers, and other aerodynamic features to create split-channel airflow throughout the car, and at 160 miles per hour (257 km/h), the car creates its own weight in downforce.The interior of the Saleen S7 was designed to be both luxurious and functional. Leather appears throughout the cabin, with aluminum accents, and the S7 comes with a set of custom-fit luggage. Because of the car's mid-engine layout, it has two trunks, front and rear. Other features include an LCD monitor, rear-view camera, quick-release steering-wheel and a 240 mile per hour (386 km/h) speedometer. The cabin is of an asymmetrical layout, with the custom-fitted driver's seat positioned toward the center both to improve the driver's visibility and center his or her weight in the vehicle.

The Saleen S7R is a racing version of the standard, naturally aspirated S7, produced from 2000 to 2007. It was designed to compete in grand tourer-style motorsports series and events such as the American Le Mans Series, FIA GT Championship, and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ray Mallock Ltd. assembled the first few S7-Rs under the supervision of Saleen's engineering team in their workshops in Britain, before Saleen assumed all S7-R assembly with the French Oreca squad executing final outfitting in 2006. A total of fourteen S7Rs were completed to race-ready condition. Seven additional S7Rs were assembled to a level of completeness requiring the assignment of Vehicle Identification Numbers; however, these chassis were never outfitted into complete vehicles.

Performance

The original naturally aspirated version of the S7 can accelerate from 0–60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in an estimated 3.3 seconds, and to 100 miles per hour in an estimated 7.1 seconds. It can complete a standing quarter mile in an estimated 11.35 seconds, reaching 128 miles per hour (203 km/h).

Performance (Mfg Estimates)

0-60 mph (97 km/h): 2.8 sec

0-100 mph (161 km/h): 5.9 sec

0-200 mph (322 km/h): 27 sec

Quarter-mile: 10.5 sec

Top speed: 248 mph (399 km/h)

Manufacturer    Saleen

Production          2005–2009[8]

Assembly            Irvine, California, United States

Predecessor       Saleen S7

Class      supercar

Body style           2-door coupe

Layout  Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive[8]

Engine  Ford 427, 7.0 L twin-turbocharged V8

Transmission      6-speed manual[8]

Wheelbase         106.3 in (2,700 mm)

Length  187.95 in (4,774 mm)

Width    78.35 in (1,990 mm)

Height   40.98 in (1,041 mm)

Curb weight       2,950 lb (1,338 kg)