Auto Extreme

Supercar maker Saleen unviels the S5S Raptor in the New York International Auto Show. This S5S Raptor is a Ferrari F430-killer that is designed to compete with the high-performance offerings from Ferrari and Lamborghini, the Raptor delivers 650 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. The Saleen S5S Raptor looks like one serious supercar and if manufacturers like Ferrari don’t look out, they might fall prey to the Raptor. At the same time, I know that there is some major appeal to having a German or Italian supercar, and certain consumers will never blow that kind of money on a car that has such a strong connection to Ford.

Even so, the all-new Saleen S5S Raptor — which was unveiled at the New York Auto Show yesterday — is quite the sight to behold. It has much more aggressive lines than the Ford GT, offering a wide stance not unlike the Lamborghini Murcielago or the Ferrari F430. And it’s got plenty of grunt to back up that menacing look, generating a formidable 650 horsepower (at 6300rpm) and 630 lbs-ft of torque (at 4400rpm).

The Raptor — which was inspired by the bird of prey — is designed to digest cellulosic ethanol fuel, which should help it score points with environmentalists and advocates of oil independence. The higher octane rating of E85 gas also results in more power, Saleen says. The supercharged S5S is reportedly capable of hitting 60 mph in 3.2 seconds.

The Raptor can be equipped with a close-ratio 6-speed manual, or optional paddle shifting sequential gearbox. Either gearbox can send the rigid aluminum chassis and composite material body screaming to a top speed of over 200 mph.

The double wishbone suspension and rack-and-pinion steering of the S5S is augmented by ABS traction control and stability control systems. The brake system features 15-inch (381 mm) front rotors with 6-piston calipers, and 13-inch (308 mm) rear rotors with dual piston calipers. Traction is provided by 275/35 ZR20 front and 315/35/ZR20 rear Pirelli Rosso tires that wrap the 20 inch forged aluminum wheels. Of note, the Raptor’s wheels are coat with a special chemical formula that prevents brake dust from collecting.

The aesthetics for the Raptor were developed by ASC Creative Services, America’s largest independent automotive design firm. The primary designer on this program was Dave Byron, a member of ASC’s Design team.

According to Saleen executives, the S5S Raptor could enter the market in as little as two years, and should it go forward, it would carry a base price of approximately $185,000 — roughly that of the Ferrari F430.

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