And if the production model meets all these performance claims, the S1 will become one of the best sports cars in this niche. [6] These acceleration times are achieved through a power-to-weight ratio of 0.17 hp/lb (0.28 kW/kg). Once it discontinued the S7, Saleen went back to modifying muscle cars, providing upgrades not only for the Mustang but for the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger (and even the Tesla Model S) too.

The interior is packed with both premium features and modern technology and you can add many options due to the car’s more affordable sticker.

Read our full review of the 2017 Porsche 911. “The Saleen 1 is the first all-original Saleen vehicle since the S7. The Saleen Cup was launched in partnership with SRO Motorsports Group in 2019 to demonstrate the capabilities of the S1.

Although rated at "only" 252 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, the unit is powerful enough to push the French car from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.4 seconds.

First up, it’s design is based on the classic model, making it appealing to neo-retro enthusiasts. It’s also equipped with a seven-speed manual transmission as standard, but unlike the Saleen S1, it’s also offered with a seven-speed, dual-clutch PDK.
This gives the rear-wheel-drive sports car more traction and more assistance to the front when braking. The S1 is powered by a proprietary 2.2 litre turbocharged inline-four engine developed in-house by Saleen,[4][5] rated at 450 hp (336 kW) and 350 lb⋅ft (475 N⋅m) of torque.

It’s called the S1, and it was introduced at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. © Copyright TopSpeed. Above there’s a large spoiler, while the bumper below has a massive grille in the middle, a race-inspired diffuser, and a couple of center-mounted tailpipes. All Rights Reserved, Introducing the $1000 TopSpeed Student Scholarship, The Saleen S1 is a Big Beast in a Little Body, The Saleen S1 Can be Yours for $1,000 Deposit; $100,000 Total; Deliveries Start in Mid-2018, Not much is known about the technology behind it. The big vent in the hood and the smaller cooling outlets mounted atop the wheel arches add more race-specific character to the design.

[3] The brake calipers and rotors measure 15 inches in diameter at the front and the rear.

Continue reading to find out more about the Saleen S1.

The two-door is also built from scratch by the American company, which is a big feat given that Saleen was almost bankrupt a few years ago.

Interestingly enough, the S1 is similar to the Artega GT in the middle section.

The small sports car is a surprising appearance.

Needless to say, the Saleen looks great on paper performance-wise and its simple yet modern design inside and out turn it into a proper competitor for the Porsche 911 GTS. The Saleen S1, also called the Saleen 1, is a two-seater sports car developed and built by American automobile manufacturer Saleen Automotive.

You’ve worked out all the details and determined the model, features and options for your new Saleen vehicle.

[5] The engine is mid-rear mounted and drives the rear wheels. Unveiled in 2017 as a tribute to the iconic A110 of the 1960s and 1970s, Alpine first production model in decades has plenty to brag about. An all aluminum light weight chassis, combined with a carbon fiber body, results in a vehicle weighing less than 2700 lbs. It was unveiled at the 2017 LA Auto Show, and is the first car developed entirely by Saleen since the Saleen S7 ended production in 2009. But that’s not a bad thing, as these seemingly borrowed cues work well with Saleen’s new design.

There’s no infotainment screen in sight, but it could be hidden behind that lid in the lower center stack. The door panels are simple but elegant, with the white center sections making it seem as if the dashboard extends onto the sides. Launched in 2009, the GT was short-lived, being discontinued when Artega went bankrupt in 2012. Everything looks crisp and simple and it’s pretty obvious that Saleen aimed for a clutter-free layout.

Granted, its new joint-venture with the Chinese should bring the necessary funds to the table, but putting a car like the S1 in production is far from easy. Read our full review on the 2001 Saleen S7. But it’s worth mentioning that Saleen isn’t alone in this project.

[4], The S1 uses double wishbone suspension on the front and rear axles of the vehicle, allowing for easier tuning of suspension kinematics and properties such as camber angle or toe.

This Saleen-inspired Fender Stratocaster is a carbon-fiber work of art, Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display, This third version pays tribute to the company’s success from 2015, when it returned to Le Mans after almost two decades. As a result, it needs only 3.5 seconds to hit 60 mph and 11.3 seconds to cover the quarter mile. Saleen offers some of the most advanced technologies in the industry, and we will work with you to ensure your new Saleen is designed, built and delivered to your exact specifications. The car has claimed acceleration times of 3.5 seconds for 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) and 11.3 seconds for the quarter mile. “The Saleen 1 is the first all-original Saleen vehicle since the S7. Saleen says the 1's aluminum chassis and carbon fiber body—designed with the expertise gained from the S7 program—qualifies it as a "sports car … I’ve seen bigger automakers struggle with vehicle built from scratch and I’m not yet convinced that Saleen has the means to build one .
Read our full story on the 2017 Alpine A110. The seats aren’t as aggressive as in a race car, but they do have firm side bolsters and should provide plenty of lateral support for spirited driving.

The Saleen designed, turbocharged inline, 4-cylinder, with unique split block engine configuration, produces 450HP.

Saleen is already taking preorders for the sports car, which requires a $1,000 deposit. The S1 is also capable of 1.2g of lateral acceleration in a turn.[5]. It’s quite potent too and the small-displacement, turbocharged engine should make it fuel efficient as well.

Production of the S1 is planned to be 1,500 units yearly, with a starting price of US$100,000 each. 3. Surprisingly enough, Saleen went with a six-speed manual transmission in a market that turned almost entirely to automatics. Saleen has been struggling to survive for quite a few years now and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the S1 become a flop in a few years. [3] Production of the S1 is planned to be 1,500 units yearly, with a starting price of US$100,000 each.[4]. Although all these facts and figures have yet to be proven in real life, the S1 sounds promising.

The combined horsepower and lightweight chassis yields supercar performance in a compact sports car package. Surprisingly low for a brand that needs a bit of cash to get things moving. Assuming that the S1 will live up to the company’s claims that is.

Saleen also revealed that the S1 project began a few years ago when the firm purchased the tooling for the Artega GT, a German sports car designed by Henrik Fisker in the late 2000s.

The door and quarter window have a similar shape, as does the outlet on the rear fender. Pricing starts from nearly €60,000 in Europe, significantly more affordable than what the S1 is expected to cost. This mid-engined, two seat, independent suspension vehicle is the next generation of a true sports car. On top of being powerful, the S1 is light too. ©2020 by Saleen Automotive, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Hopefully we’ll see that Saleen S1 vs. Porsche 911 GTS video soon! The American brand hopes to sell at least 1,500 units a year in the U.S., a similar amount in Europe, and significantly more in China.

Ciprian's career as a journalist began long before earning a Bachelor's degree, but it was only after graduating that his love for cars became a profession.

It looks like a winner in just about every department, but I don’t want to get too excited until I see the first car roll off the assembly line. The headrests are integrated into the seat design, providing a motorsport-inspired look.

[3], The manufacturer claims a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h) for the Saleen S1.

The Continental tires have codes of 255/30 ZR 20 for the front and 335/25 ZR 20 for the rear. While the tub is made from aluminum, the body panels are carbon-fiber, which results in a curb weight of only 2,685 pounds. Other amenities include Sirius radio, Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker sound system. The rear end is fresh and unique. Speaking of which, the wheels are wrapped in Continental ExtremeContact Sport tires for optimum grip.

Established in 1983, Saleen quickly became one of America’s most renowned Ford Mustang tuners. The Alpine A110 is less powerful, slower, and isn’t available in the United States, but it’s one of the best affordable sports cars that Saleen will have to go against in Europe.

One of the first hand-built American supercars, the S7 went on to become a legend and survived for no fewer than nine years on the market. Already a highly praised company in the 1990s, Saleen became a full-fledged automaker by launching the S7 in 2000. The steering wheel in front of it looks simple too, with no buttons and switches whatsoever. Pricing starts from $120,700, which makes the German sports car a bit more expensive.

The fascia itself is very narrow, as is the red stripe that incorporates the taillights.

Performance figures aren’t yet available, but the 911 Carrera GTS should be able to hit 60 mph from a standing start in less than 3.7 seconds with the quick-shifting PDK. [5], The interior of the S1 is finished mostly in leather, suede, and Alcantara. It might be just a prototype though, as it doesn’t even include the usual badge at the center. The Saleen designed, turbocharged inline, 4-cylinder, with unique split block engine configuration, produces 450HP. [7] A modified version of the S1, called the Saleen Cup car, is the exclusive car raced in the series. division.

The black-and-white upholstery is a nice touch, but Saleen should provide more color options. The S1 is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, however a paddle shift automatic transmission is expected to be offered as an option. It has loads of design features that make it look unique and I must say it’s a fresh take on the sports car concept. Onto the sides, we can see more of those traditional compact sports car features, such as the short front hood, the short overhangs, and the sloping roof. Granted, that’s almost a second slower than the Saleen, but the A110 is some 300 pounds lighter, which translates into better dynamics and a more exciting experience at the race track. [8], Saleen plans to further modify the S1 Cup car for GT4 homologation for the 2020 season. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in mid-2018. The Saleen S1 is powered by a mid-mounted, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

Not only it came out of nowhere, but it also arrived at a time when Saleen barely emerged from years of struggling with financial difficulties.