2010 Saleen S5S Raptor Concept – The Next American Supercar?

Saleen has unveiled a new concept called the S5S Raptor, an American street vehicle designed to compete with those Italian exotics that just keep getting better and better. What better way than to slap in a super-charged V8 capable of 650 horsepower. The 5.0 liter engine also puts out a ridiculous 630 lb.-ft of torque. All of this is accomplished using ethanol based E85 which, according to Saleen, provides greater compression and more horsepower than its pure gas based brethren.

The plan is to offer a paddle-shift sequential gearbox as an option and provide a 6 speed manual transmission standard. 15 inch rotors in front and 13 inch rotors in back should keep the cars stoppage stats pretty competitive. It will ride on 275/35R-20s in front and super wide 315/35R-20s in rear. The S5S will have an ultra-light aluminum chassis and composite body mated with a double wishbone suspension system.

So, you’ve read this far and you are still asking, how fast, how fast? Estimates put the car’s top speed over 200 mph and a 0 to 60mph time at 3.2 seconds. At $185,000, the Raptor will be available at a very enticing price point.

Source: Road & Track