The Saleen S5S Raptor was a prototype concept car built by Saleen and first shown at the New York International Auto Show on 20 March 2008. It was intended as a less expensive stablemate to the S7, with a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 and a projected price of $185,000.
Saleen S5S Raptor at a glance
| Maker | Saleen |
|---|---|
| Type | prototype concept car |
| Unveiled | 20 March 2008, New York International Auto Show |
| Design | ASC design studio, Metro Detroit, 2007 |
| Engine | 5.0 L supercharged Saleen V8 |
| Power | 650 hp (485 kW) |
| 0–60 mph | 3.2 seconds or less |
| Quarter mile | 10.9 seconds |
| Expected price | US$185,000 |
| Award | 2009 Best Exotic Concept, DuPont REGISTRY |
based on one source
History of the Saleen S5S Raptor
The S5S Raptor was designed in 2007 at the ASC design studio in Metro Detroit and unveiled the following spring in New York. It was conceived as a concept rather than a production car, and Saleen positioned it well below the mid-engine S7: the expected retail price of $185,000 was roughly $400,000 less than that of the S7.
The engine was to be a supercharged 5.0-litre Saleen V8 similar to the unit used in the 2008 S302E, producing 650 hp. On paper that was enough for acceleration to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds or less and a quarter-mile time of 10.9 seconds. The car was recognised as the 2009 Best Exotic Concept by the DuPont REGISTRY, and it later appeared in several video games, including CSR Racing and the Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon series.
Design and features
- Supercharged 5.0 V8: a Saleen engine of the type used in the S302E, rated at 650 hp in the concept.
- Entry point to the range: planned at about $185,000, far below the S7.
- ASC design: bodywork developed at the ASC studio in Metro Detroit in 2007.
- Concept status: shown and awarded, but never a series-production model.
Saleen S5S Raptor versions
- S5S Raptor concept (2008): the only version built, shown at the New York International Auto Show.
The S5S Raptor was intended to sit below the Saleen S7, and above the Mustang-based S281. More cars are in the Saleen collection.
Video: Saleen S5S Raptor – New York Auto Show – Kelley Blue Book Interviews David Byron
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Saleen S5S Raptor, English Wikipedia: design, engine, performance, price, award
