Saleen S7

Saleen S7 2002

The Saleen S7 is a high-performance sports car that was jointly designed by RML and Saleen, Incorporated and is currently being built at Saleen's headquarters factory in Irvine, California. It is constructed with a unique hybrid of a steel spaceframe and aluminum honeycomb panels encased with autoclave-cured carbon fiber bodywork. Engineering of the unique engine that is used in the S7 was headed by Billy Tally, Saleen's current Vice President of Advanced Engineering.

Saleen S7 race cars were sold prior to 2002, but the first Saleen S7 road car to be sold was a 2003 Lizstick Red chassis #018 that was delivered on June 6, 2002. Prior to 2005, the S7 was naturally-aspirated and produced 550 hp (410 kW). For the 2005 model year, the engine was equipped with two turbochargers and power output was increased to 750 hp (559 kW). The car was designed to be a Twin Turbo setup from the beginning, however.

The Saleen S7 has also been campaigned in racing events around the world. It has been met with some success in the IMSA's American Le Mans Series, where it competes in the GT-1 class. In all, it has won over 40 events around the globe; mostly in the American Le Mans and in the FIA GT championship. Saleen also introduced factory supported aftermarket packages for 850 and 1035bhp in early 2006. This option would add around $75,600 to the list price. In late 2006 there will be a third party top speed run for the 750bhp S7.

Engine
* Engine: OHV, Aluminum V8
* Bore & Stroke: 4.120 x 4.00 in (104.6 x 101.6 mm)
* Engine size: 7.0 L
* Power Output: 750 hp (559 kW) @ 6300 rpm
* Torque Output: 700 lbf·ft (949 N·m) @ 4800 rpm
* Compression ratio: 11.0:1

Suspension
* Front: Unequal-length double wishbones, lightweight aluminum dampers with coil-over springs, anti-roll bar
* Rear: Unequal length double wishbones, light-weight aluminum dampers with coil-over springs, anti-roll bar
Brakes
* Front: 15.0 in discs/6-pot calipers
* Rear: 14.0 in discs/6-pot calipers
Wheels
* Front: 19 in. x 9.5 in
* Back: 20 in. x 12.0 in
Tires
* Front: 275/30ZR19
* Back: 345/30ZR20
Chassis/Body
* Chassis: Lightweight 4130 Steel space frame-Aluminum Honeycomb Hybrid
* Body Panels: Carbon fiber
* Weight: 2950 lb (1250 kg)
* Ground clearance: 4.00 in (102 mm) (U.S. street-suspension configuration)
* Length: 187.95 in (4774 mm)
* Width: 78.35 in (1990 mm)
* Height: 40.98 in (1041 mm)
* Wheelbase: 106.30 in (2700 mm)
* Track (Front/Rear): 68.82 in (1748 mm) / 67.32 in (1710 mm)
* Weight distribution with one occupant: 40/60
* Fuel Tank: 19.0 US gallons (72 liters)

Performance
* Top speed: 248 mph (399 km/h)
* 0-60 mph: 2.8 seconds