Saleen S7

Saleen Inc. is a specialty vehicle manufacturer founded by Steve Saleen in 1983. It specializes in producing technologically advanced vehicles in collaboration with either the Saleen group or Allen Speedlab race team.

There have been a number of high-performing Saleen vehicles that were introduced in the market, but the most notable was the Saleen 7. The Saleen group also did some specialized work with Ford Motors, in line with the development of the Ford GT.

Aside from manufacturing spare parts for various car brands; Saleen also creates and designs concept sports cars for vehicle enthusiasts. Moreover, they are involved in providing design and engineering services as well as vehicle certification.

In the United States, it was the Saleen group that started the American version of the super car. It was actually the perfect business opportunity for owner Steve Saleen, being a race car driver and enthusiast.

The Saleen 7 is a handcrafted super car developed jointly by Saleen, Hidden Creek Industries, Phil Frank Design and RML but solely manufactured by Saleen Inc., in Irvine, California. The first version was not influenced by an existing design and was considered the first true American production of a certified superccar.

Succeeding designs of Saleen 7 have integrated the twin-turbo system, ably raising the 7.0 liter, V8 DOHC engine to 750 bhp at 6,300 rpm and a torque rating of 700 lbs ft at 4,800 rpm. At the time of its launch, it was considered the fastest American car that can handle speeds slightly over 200 mph.

The chassis of the Saleen 7 is 4130 lightweight steel space frames with honeycomb composite panels, while the sleek body is made out of carbon fiber; thus, reducing the overall weight to only 2,750 pounds. The aerodynamic design of the body is based on a study via computer simulation and the outcome is the integrated split-channel of airflow all throughout.

To keep the Saleen stable and comfortable even on rugged roads, it is outfitted with an unequal length double wishbone independent suspension on both its front and rear wheels, with lightweight aluminum dampers, coil-over springs and anti-roll bar or stabilizer. To provide precise braking power, all wheels use ventilated disc brakes with the Saleen engineered/Brembo lightweight aluminum, six piston mono-block calipers. Transmission used on the Saleen 7 is the longitudinal, 6-speed all synchromesh transaxle.

To complement its exterior, an elegant interior has been laid for the Saleen; a generous amount of leather or suede in tones of black, tan or multi-toned with aluminum and color accents. The driver's seat is positioned almost at the center to command visibility and correct the center of gravity provision since the load will be evenly distributed.

The cabin is comfortable as passengers will experience flow-through ventilation and air-conditioning system. The driver is furnished with an adjustable tilt and steering column as well as controls for power windows, power door locks and a central locking system that is accessible with just a flip of the switch. The Saleen S7 windshield is heated through electrical energy and is equipped with the Saleen Power Flash system or a computer integrated coil-on-plug ignition system.