This supercar was jointly designed by RML and Saleen, Inc., and is constructed with a unique hybrid of a steel spaceframe and aluminum honeycomb panels encased in autoclave-cured carbon-fiber bodywork. Its unique engine design was co-engineered by Saleen's vice president of advanced engineering, Bill Tally. Here are the specs, starting with the engine:
Engine: OHV, Aluminum V8
Bore and Stroke: 4.120 by 4.00 in. (104.6 by 101.6 mm)
Engine Size: 6985 cc (427 in.3)
Power Output: 750 hp (559 kW) at 6300 RPM
Torque Output: 700 lbf·ft (949 N·m) at 4800 RPM
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
The Suspension:
Front: Unequal-length double wishbones, lightweight aluminum dampers with coil-over springs, anti-roll bar
Rear: Unequal-length double wishbones, lightweight aluminum dampers with coil-over springs, anti-roll bar
Chassis/Body:
Chassis: Lightweight 4130 steel spaceframe--aluminum honeycomb hybrid
Body Panels: Autoclave-cured prepreg carbon fiber
Weight: 2750 lbs. (1250 kg)
Ground Clearance: 4.00 in. (102 mm) (U.S. street-suspension configuration)
Length: 187.95 in. (4774 mm)
Width: 78.35 in. (1990 mm)
Height: 40.98 in. (1041 mm)
Wheelbase: 106.30 in. (2700 mm)
Track (Front/Rear): 68.82 in. (1748 mm)/67.32 in. (1710 mm)
Weight Distribution with One Occupant: 40/60
Fuel Tank: 19.0 U.S. gallons (72 liters)
The Brakes:
Front: 15.0 in. discs/6-pot calipers
Rear: 14.0 in. discs/6-pot calipers
The Wheels:
Front: 19 in. by 9.5 in.
Back: 20 in. by 12.0 in.
The Tires:
Front: 275/30ZR19
Back: 345/30ZR20
The Transmission Ratios:
First Gear: 2.86:1
Second Gear: 1.61:1
Third Gear: 1.14:1
Fourth Gear: 0.96:1
Fifth Gear: 0.81:1
Sixth Gear: 0.64:1
Final Drive: Limited slip, 3.70:1
Price tag sound a little steep? Well, it could be worse. If you purchase your new S7 "across the pond" in Europe, it will run you an additional $83,000, reflecting a price hike of about 15%. Since the Saleen was originally designed for the American market, it must be modified to make it street legal elsewhere.
