At the beginning of the new millennium a new supercar was conceived in America. The unique mid-engine car was christened Saleen S7 after its creator Steve Saleen. When it went for sale for the first time in 2002 it was recognized by many as the fastest production car in the world. Rivals quickly introduced newer and more powerful creations that stole all the shine from the Saleen S7.
The supercar 500 hp (375kW) power output was challenged by numerous performance models from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Chevrolet. With this in mind, the engineers at Saleen reworked the S7. The hard work was revealed in 2005 when the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo was introduced.
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| Saleen S7 Twin Turbo |
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| The 500 hp Saleen S7 |
Design
The Saleen S7’s striking shape is influenced by aerodynamics. The carbon fibre body panels incorporate advanced aerodynamics and include split-channel airflow throughout the car, full underside air management, and advanced front tray and side skirt designs and an integrated full-body rear spoiler.
The front and rear diffusers, along with the rear spoiler help reduce aerodynamic drag and improve downforce. The doors open up and away from the body. The Saleen-designed forged alloy wheels feature centre locking wheel nuts with automatic safety locks. Sizes are 19 x 9.5 inches up front and 20 x 12 inches at the rear.
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| Aerodynamic profile |
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| The heart of the beast |
Power
The Saleen S7 features a 7.0-litre all-aluminium twin turbo V8. The engine delivers 559 kW (750 hp) and 948 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheels by a six-speed transmission. 0 to 100km/h takes 2.8 seconds and top speed is an epic 399 km/h. The Saleen S7 architecture begins with a space frame chassis to which honeycomb composite reinforcing is embedded.
Suspension is via fully independent unequal-length double wishbones with coilover springs, lightweight aluminium dampers (shock absorbers) and stabilizer (anti-roll) bars front and rear. Saleen-engineered Brembo-supplied lightweight aluminium six-piston mono-block callipers are fitted front and rear. The large rims are dressed with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tyres.
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| 399 km/h of epic speed |
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| Comfortable interior |
Interior
The Saleen S7 features asymmetrical seating, with the driver position moved slightly more to the centre than the passenger. This improves the driver's ergonomics and the side-to-side weight distribution. Because the S7 features a custom fitted driver seating position with 6 adjustable pedals and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, it comfortably accommodates tall drivers.
Seats and other interior surfaces are covered in elegant leather and suede. Air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless opening for the doors and both trunks, an electric-headed front windshield, windshield wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an AM/FM/CD/DVD/TV system are all standard.
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| Quad exhaust system |
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| One of Americas greatest supercars |
Verdict
Although the Saleen S7 is no longer in production, it remains one of the most monumental performance cars to have ever emerged from America. 
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