Saleen moved its attention away from modded Mustangs to reveal its all-new S5S Raptor supercar at the recent New York Motor Show. This ethanol-burning stunner is the company’s latest bid to do battle with the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini.
The Raptor sports a supercharged 6,0-litre V8 engine that develops 485 kW at 6 300 r/min and a tarmac-rippling 854 N.m of torque at 4 400 r/min. Despite the colossal power on offer, the Raptor should score a few points with environmentalists, thanks to it being tooled to sip cellulosic ethanol fuel. Not only is this good news for the environment, but enthusiastic drivers will be pleased to hear that this fuel’s higher octane rating enables the engine to unleash more power. According to Saleen, the supercharged S5S is capable of hitting 100 km/h in just 3,2 seconds.
The Raptor can be equipped with a close-ratio 6-speed manual, or optional paddle shifting sequential gearbox, either of which gearbox can send the car screaming to a top speed in excess of 322 km/h.
As the name suggests, the Raptor’s swoopy design is inspired by birds of prey. Under the suitably striking composite bodywork lies a rigid aluminium chassis with a double wishbone suspension set up, as well as a rack-and-pinion steering augmented by ABS traction control and stability control systems.
The braking system sports 381 mm discs with 6-piston calipers up front, and 308 mm rear discs with dual piston calipers. The 20-inch forged aluminium are shod with 275/35 ZR20 front and 315/35/ZR20 rear Pirelli Rosso tyres. And are coated with a chemical that prevents the collection of brake dust.
Saleen executives have hinted that the S5S Raptor could enter the market in as little as two years and carry a price tag roughly that of the Ferrari F430…Modena, you have been warned.
To download a wallpaper of the Saleen S5S Raptor, Click here.
