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Saleen S7

Stateside specialist manufacturer Saleen aims to challenge the likes of McLaren's storming F1 GTR and Lamborghini's monster Diablo with its exotic, hand-built S7 supercar. One-time Indy racer Steve Saleen is in charge, and RHD models will be built in the UK in conjunction with race specialist Ray Mallock.

March 2002

Stateside specialist manufacturer Saleen aims to challenge the likes of McLaren's storming F1 GTR and Lamborghini's monster Diablo with its exotic, hand-built S7 supercar. One-time Indy racer Steve Saleen is in charge, and RHD models will be built in the UK in conjunction with race specialist Ray Mallock.

The S7 boasts a fully crash-tested tubular steel spaceframe chassis with honeycomb composite reinforcement cloaked in sleek, lightweight carbon fibre bodywork. And even the underbody design is aimed at improving aerodynamics. Powering the S7 is a Ford-derived, all-aluminium 7.0-litre V8, reworked and compacted for neater mid-chassis packaging and better weight balance. The engine is good for 550bhp at 6,400rpm and 706Nm at 4,000rpm. A top speed of 240mph is promised and 0-60mph is estimated to take less than four seconds.

With its super-light, race-spec flywheel, keeping the engine running is tricky, but light blips of the throttle produce a spine-tingling bark from the exhausts. The acceleration is ferocious and it almost seems as if a six-speed manual gearbox will be short on ratios. While final refinements are ongoing, the S7 was surprisingly well mannered on our exclusive demonstration run. A sensible ride height means the under-body carbon fibre skid plates don't scrape over bumps, while the ride itself is certainly less harsh than many more established performance cars. Race-crafted suspension, four-corner disc brakes and single-nut 19-inch alloy wheels complete the supercar dynamics. Hydraulically assisted gull-wing doors open the way into slimline race-style seats. Each cabin will be tailor-made and promises optimum comfort for any shape or size of driver.

Although the firm's not well known in the UK, the car has a serious pedigree behind its cool

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