Mar

2008 New York Auto Show: Saleen S5S Raptor Concept

Posted by Published in Car Buying

Looks like: Lamborghini meets Acura NSX
Defining characteristics: Monster 650-hp engine
Ridiculous features: That that monster may be unleashed on roads
Chance of being mass-produced: Saleen needs a new supercar, and that looks pretty darn super

Saleen is best known for its custom Mustang work, but the company plus builds supercars for the rich and speed-addicted as well. The S5S Raptor concept gives us an view of what its next supercar will look like.

Unlike concept cars from large manufacturers, Saleen is a small shop that hand-builds its supercars, so bringing the Raptor to production wouldn’t take too distant. The company says it could go on sale within two years

at a price approach $185,000.

What would that money get you? A supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 good for 650 hp and 630 pounds-feet of torque. Zero to 60 instance? The company predicts 3.2 seconds. Top speed? More than 200 mph. Saleen says these numbers will be aided by the use of E85 ethanol as the car’s fuel.

We’re fans of the look. It might remind us a little of a Lamborghini up front, but the wild bottom makes the Raptor different. More photos below with more to come from the show floor.