The 2008 Saleen S5S Raptor

 

America's answer to Italian supercars

 

 

     Ever wanted an American car that looks Italian but isn't? Have you ever wanted an American car that has Ferrari-like looks? If you answered yes to both questions then you might be interested in Saleen's attack on Ferrari and other Italian automobile companies; the Saleen S5S Raptor.

     Now I bet you're saying to yourself "America can't make a car that good looking on their own." "I doubt it doesn't even drive as good as any European supercar." You would be wrong. Dead wrong. The Raptor was created in 2007 in Metro Detroit at the ASC design studio which is an American company. No foreign companies such as Lotus or Fiat worked on building this car which shows that America might finally be able to compete with the Europeans in the near future or possibly even the present day.

      The Saleen S5S Raptor uses a 5 liter supercharged Saleen V-8 that delivers 650 brake horsepower, and allow the car to reach a top speed of 200 mph. The supercharger is a twin-screw system that is helped by a water-to-air charge cooler. That should be something for an Italian company like Ferrari to worry about at a racing championship like Le Mans. Zero to sixty takes 3.2 seconds while it can reach a quarter-mile in 10.9 seconds. The engine is capable of delivering 6,300 rpm with a maximum torque of 4,400.

      The Raptor has two choices of transmissions. The first choice is a 6-speed manual while the second choice includes a 6-speed paddle shift manual that comes with 20 inch tires and wheels. Curb weight is said to be under 3,400 lbs. while 44% of the tonnage is given to the front axle. The body is made of Aluminum and composite body panels to reduce weight.

      Now for the parts. The Raptor's suspension features double wishbones in the front and rear. As for the brand of brakes the Raptor uses it remains unknown. What is known is that the front brakes will have 15 inch rotors with 6-piston calipers while the rear brakes will have 13 inch rotors with 2-piston calipers. The interior is very simplified and features very few confusing switches and other parts.

      Compared to it's father the Saleen S7 which costs $580,000, the Saleen S5S Raptor will cost a much cheaper $185,000. Unfortunately you can't buy this car yet as it is still a concept. Saleen is also unsure as to whether they will mass produce the car and sell it. If the Raptor does make it into production it's main business and racing rival will be the Ferrari F430 as said by most car enthusiasts due to it's similar price and looks. However I think the real threat to the Raptor will be in the form of the incredible and fiery Ferrari 458 Italia. I really want British Top Gear to get their hands on this concept supercar and test it out, but given the guys' dislike of almost every American car it's unlikely they will. If they do review this car on the show I think it will be the first American supercar to completely blow them away. If so wouldn't it make you happy to hear them apologize to the American community for not knowing how to make proper cars? Especially if you're an American yourself.