When looking for a tasteful blend of power, performance and style, look no further than Saleen’s current lineup. The aftermarket giants from Irvine recently
revealed their S5S Raptor at the New York Auto Show.
StangPlanet missed the show but had a chance to get up close to the concept. While it’s no Mustang, we thought you’d want to see it if you haven’t yet. And with a 5.0L engine pushing out 650 horsepower and 630 lb-ft. of torque, it’s everything a Mustang enthusiast can appreciate.
But aside from power, the Raptor also has its claws around another concept: energy efficiency. She runs on E85 ethanol and still manages to get to 0-60mph in an astonishing 3.2 seconds, which is underlined by its slender aluminum-framed supercar body with composite panels.
One specific highlight that most ripened gearheads can appreciate is the six-speed manual gearbox that may compliment a paddle-shifting sequential in the future. Again, this is a concept— “a glimpse of things to come," in the words of Saleen’s Chief Technical Officer Chris Theodore. But even as a concept, the folks at Saleen and ASC Creative Services sure included plenty of details—down to the tires, which are coated with a chemical that prevents the collection of brake dust!
A production model may be ready as early as 2010, and would be available domestically at an estimated $185,000. Saleen’s CEO Paul Wilbur has expressed that the car is simply a concept and he’s only looking for feedback. So give it to him! Reply below after you check out a few pre-official reveal snapshots from us, and more pics from Saleen, Autoblog (video!), and Popular Mechanics.