The only vehicle Saleen can truly call its own is the $600,000 S7, a 750hp mid-engined supercar powered by a 7.0L twin-turbo V8 engine and capable of traveling at more than 200mph. If Saleen hopes to live up to the title of being a genuine carmaker it’s going to need more clean-sheet models.
Saleen is in fact looking at adding a new, less-expensive mid-engined performance model to its lineup. Speaking with Wards Auto, Saleen CEO Paul Wilbur said there were plans to develop a more conventional mid-engine car built around a simple aluminum body. “The $150,000 to $200,000 (price) point is where we’d want to be with our next car,” Wilbur explained.
When questioned about the looming CAFE regulations Wilbur said Saleen wasn’t worried about the regulation and that it was “ready to embrace green technology.” Some of the areas being investigated include potential electric and diesel powertrains as well as E85 capable models.
Reader Comments
Wed Jan 30 2008 12:50 PM
chris says
Id like to see saleen do a straight 6, or a small V8,.. turboed. Make it a small car, and make it a bargain. go after the vette. make a halo car that will make saleen a household name.
Wed Jan 30 2008 1:47 PM
Gus says
Agreed. I don't think their strength lies in taking on Lambos, but they could cream the Vette and Viper and regular, well off Americans will take notice...
Wed Jan 30 2008 2:52 PM
ohmy says
ya mos def agree with you guys. they need somethign to get their name/brand out and down here in the OC i see a bunch of lambos and ferrari's so if they can make those buyers buy a saleen instead that would help tremendously
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