G E N E R A L   I N F O R M A T I O N 

 Official Saleen S7 Information & Technical Data

" Saleen is evolving to continue offering enthusiasts and racing teams the ultimate in performance, technology and value.”
                - Steve Saleen


CONTENTS

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Champagne Reception Accompanies Delivery of First Saleen S7 Road Car
 President Steve Saleen handed over the keys to “a Lady in Red,” the first S7 road car.


SALEEN S7 BLENDS BEAST AND BEAUTY
Slinky shape refined in wind tunnel 

SALEEN S7 DRIVETRAIN PUSHES TECHNOLOGY ENVELOPE
Aerospace materials and advanced engineering used extensively

SALEEN S7: A WORLD CLASS SUPERCAR WITH WORLD CLASS SUPPLIERS
Small Volume Manufacturer Pioneers New Methods

SALEEN S7 CHASSIS RACE-BRED FOR ULTIMATE ROAD PERFORMANCE
2001 S7 mixes sophisticated materials and track proven technology

SALEEN S7 FEATURES EVERY COMFORT FOR THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE DRIVER
Performance, Luxury, & Style Co-exist in S7 Interior


 SALEEN S7 - GENERAL INFORMATION
 S7 MSRP / Certification / Saleen Products & Services

 

 


Check back as more information will be posted frequently

 

Champagne Reception Accompanies Delivery of 
First Saleen S7 Road Car


“A Lady in Red” Makes a High-Performance Debut”

 

IRVINE, Calif., June 6, 2002 – At a champagne reception today at the Saleen World Headquarters, President Steve Saleen handed over the keys to “a Lady in Red,” the first S7 road car, the beautiful mid-engine, exotic supercar produced by this American auto maker, to owners Jerry and Kathy Ritzow. 

For the past year the S7 has been burning up the road circuits of America and Europe, winning four different GT Championships during 2001, a remarkable feat for an all-new car. And while the S7 continues its winning ways in 2002, and is set for a repeat appearance at the most prestigious endurance race in the world, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it placed third in class last year, the key ceremony is the fulfillment of a promise made by Steve Saleen at the very beginning of the S7 project. 

“We will race the S7,” Saleen said, “because much of what we have learned about how to make a better performing Mustang for the street came from our racing. We will apply similar lessons from the S7 in competition to the street version we will produce.”
Manufacturing and marketing a fully DOT and NHTSA certified automobile isn’t easy and this is especially true of a small manufacturer like Saleen. But Saleen has been doing just this with his high-performance Mustangs since 1994. 

“Some people don’t realize, Steve continued, “that the Mustangs we sell are certified for sale in all 50 states. That’s why the delivery of this car to Jerry and Kathy is such an important step for this company. No one else in America has done what we have done: Start with an initial concept and build a ground-up fully certified mid-engine supercar.”

“Besides being drop-dead gorgeous and offering incredible performance, we believed in Steve’s commitment to the S7 by being the first to put down a $100,000 deposit with our S7 dealer, Motorcars International,” said Jerry Ritzow. He and his wife live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where Jerry founded an aquarium manufacturing company in 1967, which has grown to be the largest in the world.

Jerry has always been interested in fast cars, but during the last 10 years the interest has turned into a serious hobby. “Kathy and I both enjoy cool cars,” Jerry says, “and we’ve added a number of them to our collection over the last several years.”

In addition, Jerry has attended a number of racing schools including Buck Baker for stock car racing, Skip Barber for road racing and the Frank Hawley drag racing school. 
Obviously, the first of many S7s to come has been handed over to four very enthusiastic and competent hands.

 

SALEEN S7 BLENDS BEAST AND BEAUTY 

Slinky shape refined in wind tunnel

  

  

 

 


There’s something about a supercar that’s different – sensuous lines, scoops and wings, an aerodynamic purposefulness that sets these cars apart. 

Supercar design traits must combine form and function in order to permit stable speeds in excess of 200 mph while also pleasing the eye.  

The all-new Saleen S7 meets both challenges.

Phil Frank, a long-time design consultant with Saleen, penned the S7’s body, using computer-aided drawing techniques.  Saleen, Inc. and famed British racing house Ray Mallock, Ltd. used extensive work in a wind tunnel to add superior aerodynamics to the finished skin.  The S7’s shape says “supercar” but the overall design is distinctive and not derivative of any other car.

“The carbon fiber body is so beautiful, 
we hated to paint it”
                                        - Steve Saleen

The drag to lift ratio, center of gravity, co-efficient of drag and the downforce generated by the S7’s body were all considered as part of the refinements produced in the wind tunnel.  Full underside aerodynamics help reduce turbulence below the body and improve overall stability at high speed. Traditional Saleen design signatures – like functional gills and fascia openings –provide cooling and are integrated to also provide superior airflow around, through and under the car.  Example: Side scoops help cool the transmission while split radiators exhaust under the car and to the sides to create additional down force.  The Saleen S7’s shape provides arguably the best overall aerodynamics of any production car ever built.

The team selected an autoclaved composite body over a space frame chassis with honeycomb reinforcement.  By using the carbon-fiber composite, a significant weight reduction was possible while providing increased strength over steel.

“The carbon fiber body is so beautiful, we hated to paint it,”  - Steve Saleen.  “But the BASF paint we’ve selected provides smoothness and a beauty of its own.”

The body houses trunks front and rear and provides through the rear window a unique view of the engine – a feature mandated from the beginning to help define the S7’s supercar status.  Steve Saleen describes it as, “American V8 under glass!”

The S7’s doors open up and away from the body, another distinctive feature designed into the car as part of its supercar pedigree.  

A unique and functional roof intake system feeds air to the engine, while a nose scoop supplies high volume flow-through cabin ventilation. 

Electrically controlled side mirrors extend on pillars to provide optimum utility.  Covered projector beam headlights meet worldwide regulations.

SALEEN S7'S DRIVETRAIN PUSHES TECHNOLOGY ENVELOPE

Aerospace materials and advanced engineering used extensively

The Saleen S7's 7-liter engine is a technical tour de force, producing 550 horsepower at 6400 rpm.  

The Saleen all-aluminum V-8 follows traditional American cam-in-block design to produce significant horsepower and torque with high reliability.  

The engine generates 520 foot-pounds of torque at 4000 rpm, transferred to the rear wheels through a new generation six-speed transaxle.

 

Although the casting is based on a traditional Ford design, it was completely re-engineered by Saleen to be eight inches shorter than the block on which it was based.  This Front Engine Accessory Drive (FEAD) system permits the use of a Saleen-designed, side-mounted water pump to help improve weight distribution and packaging.

Air flows into the engine through a carbon fiber induction system leading to a magnesium throttle body and intake manifolds.  Induction is through a true downdraft port fuel injection system directly to the intake ports.  Intake trumpets are matched to each cylinder.  

The S7 engine uses materials and engineering from aerospace to reduce weight and improve reliability. The all-aluminum Saleen cylinder heads are created using Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) lathes. Beryllium exhaust valve seats allow more efficiency by transferring heat away from the cylinders. Stainless steel valves and titanium retainers are used for durability.  Forged pistons reduce reciprocating weight while providing improved strength. Piston rods are made of the latest material, EN40B billet steel. Saleen designed its own crankshaft for the S7, using 4340 forged billet steel.  

A Saleen dry sump oil delivery system ensures reduced friction while providing enhanced lubrication to the reciprocating parts. This allows for improved ground clearance and more importantly, in hard or sustained cornering, prevents oil starvation.

Engine placement in the S7 was a consideration as part of the complete engine design process.  The mid-engine placement allows the engine to be tall.  This design also provides advantageous placement for the induction and exhaust plenums.  The camshaft is belt driven to provide more accurate valve placement and reduce noise compared to a chain drive.

The S7’s Saleen-designed muffler is enormous, reducing unwanted noise, and acting as part of the rear impact crumple zone. The exhaust exits through catalytic converters, as the S7 engine is designed to meet all Federal and California emission-control standards as a transitional low-emissions vehicle (TLEV).  An engine management system with direct ignition and OPD II helps the S7 meet the requirements.


SALEEN'S S7: A WORLD CLASS SUPERCAR WITH WORLD CLASS SUPPLIERS

Small Volume Manufacturer Pioneers New Methods

   

The Saleen S7, unveiled at the 2000 Monterey Historic Races, is an American supercar. 

Like most things American, the S7 has its roots in other parts of the world, as the internationally known specialty vehicle manufacturer searched the world over for top components for its new vehicle.

 

“Niche manufacturing is about using the best available from the world’s high-quality suppliers,” 
                         - Steve Saleen, president and founder of Saleen, Inc.

“It’s a non-traditional way to build a car, but for small-volume manufacturing it’s the most effective and efficient method to bring a quality car to market quickly and with minimal cost. 

And I can tell you, the big car companies are watching us very closely.”
 

For example, the S7 utilizes world leading Brembo supplied brakes from Italy, and numerous elements from suppliers in the Midlands area of the United Kingdom, a region that is to motorsports what the Silicon Valley is to the world of computers.  Adding to the international flavor, the S7 was wind tunnel tested at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

 

 

 


  

 

World-leading BREMBO brakes from Italy

 

 

 

 


“The S7 reflects a “best-in-practice” philosophy,”  
                             - Steve Saleen. 

"We handpicked the top OEMs [Original Equipment Manufacturers] from around the globe
to produce the best vehicle possible.” 

"The automotive world is rapidly evolving and Saleen is evolving to continue offering enthusiasts and racing teams the ultimate in performance, technology and value.

SALEEN S7 CHASSIS RACE-BRED FOR ULTIMATE ROAD PERFORMANCE

S7 mixes sophisticated materials and track proven technology

 

Saleen, Inc., internationally known specialty vehicle manufacturer and racecar builder, has created the first true American supercar with the launch of the S7.  

The S7 is designed to compete with the most exclusive high performance cars in the world, while providing a distinctly American driving experience.  

Top speed, quickness, and racecar handling are combined with luxury and everyday road dynamics.

 

The S7 chassis and suspension is the result of Saleen’s years of racetrack and racecar experience.  As part of their industry leading niche manufacturing process, which uses best-in-practice original equipment (O.E.) support from around the world was enlisted to assist in developing the S7’s advanced chassis, suspension system and overall packaging. 

The S7 architecture begins with a space frame chassis to which honeycomb composite reinforcing is grafted.  Suspension is fully independent unequal length “A” arms.  Distinctive CNC machined billet aluminum spider web-like uprights allow airflow to brakes and wheel bearings, which facilitates cooling and increases durability.  Lightweight aluminum dampers with coil over springs are used on all four corners.  

With a 106-inch wheelbase and 68.75-inch front track, the S7 has a relatively big footprint.  This works to enhance stability.  Overall the Saleen S7 is 188 inches long and 78.3 inches wide.  The car is only 41 inches high, three inches lower than a Lamborghini Diablo, and tips the scales at about 2750 pounds, again besting the Diablo by 650 pounds. 

Brakes are Saleen engineered/Brembo-supplied with 6-piston 15-inch ventilated discs in front and 14-inch for the rear.  Wheels are center hub-mounted units specially engineered for the S7.   The car is fitted with Pirelli P-Zero Rossa tires, with fronts being 275x30-19 and the rears 355x25-20.

The S7 fuel tank is in the center of the car, which allows for better overall packaging, increased safety and less handling deviation between full and light fuel loads.

In designing the S7, Saleen put drivability on a wide variety of road surfaces high on the list of objectives.  And, while the S7 would be at home on any racetrack, it is also a car that can be driven with pleasure on highways, autobahns and back roads.   The Saleen S7 hit its engineering target of providing best-in-class performance with great driving pleasure.


SALEEN S7 FEATURES EVERY COMFORT FOR THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE DRIVER

Performance, Luxury, & Style Co-exist in S7 Interior

 

The S7, built by Saleen, internationally known specialty vehicle manufacturer, features blinding performance, attention-grabbing exterior design, and space-age aerodynamics. 

That same flair is evident in the S7’s interior, mixing luxury with functionality in the driver-friendly cockpit.

 


From its plush Connolly leather covered interior surfaces, to adjustable pedals and a removable steering wheel, driver comfort is a priority of the S7. 

The movable pedals and detachable steering wheel make the S7 more suitable for taller drivers than other supercars, and allow for easier entry and exit from the vehicle.


In the asymmetrical cockpit, the driver’s seat is subtly moved toward the center of the cabin, enough to increase the driver’s position and visibility. This enhanced seat position contributes to an improved center of gravity and better weight distribution.

Weight distribution is also a factor in the storage compartments. With a mid-chassis engine location, the S7 features a trunk in the front and rear of the vehicle. The S7 comes equipped with custom-fit luggage for use on long trips.

The culmination of the interior sophistication is a unique video rearview “mirror,” utilizing a rear-mounted video camera and liquid crystal display (LCD) located where a traditional rearview mirror would be, near the top-center of the windshield. The powered side mirrors are mounted on pillars.

Traditional creature comforts included on the S7 are power windows and locks, as well as air conditioning.  An AM/FM audio system with 6-disc CD player is standard. The instrument panel features easy-to-read analog gauges and center-mounted tachometer.  Interior accents are brushed aluminum with body-color highlights.


SALEEN S7 - GENERAL INFORMATION

 S7 MSRP / Certification /  Saleen Products & Services



The Saleen S7 went on sale at its introduction at the famed Monterey Historic Races on August 19, 2000.  

 

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $395,000. 

The Saleen S7 will be initially sold in both the United States and United Kingdom.  Designed and built at Saleen's Irvine, California manufacturing facility, the S7 is sold in the U.S.  through Saleen Certified dealers specializing in exotic automobiles.  Vehicles for Europe and the Middle East will be produced at a satellite facility located in England. Worldwide volume is projected to be 300-400 cars over the estimated four-year production run.  Work has begun on a less-expensive, higher volume model that will help achieve sales goals.

The Saleen S7 is a proof of concept for what Saleen, Inc. has been building for 19 years.  As a specialty vehicle manufacturer, Saleen has produced over 9000 vehicles – using and perfecting the efficient niche manufacturing process, which is now being studied and adopted by the world’s major automakers as they strive to quickly and economically bring small volume products to market.

Saleen, Inc. facilities include total research, design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities.  The company's line also includes the Saleen S281 Mustang, Saleen XP8 Explorer, the SR Widebody, Saleen Performance Parts, 
and Saleen Engineering and Certification Service.

 

SALEEN DRIVERS EARN FOUR GTS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Incredible Inaugural Season for Saleen S7R Teams

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 19, 2001 – Earlier this year, Steve Saleen made the difficult decision to support a customer car program instead of a factory effort in the inaugural race season for his new American supercar, the Saleen S7R.  Not even Saleen, whose firm has won five straight GTS Manufacturers’ Championships (‘96-‘00) with his high-performance Saleen Mustangs, could have anticipated the incredible results of the 2001 race season.

When Carlos Palau won the Spanish FIA GT Championship last weekend, it was the fourth Drivers’ and second Manufacturers’ and Team Championships this year for Saleen Motorsports and the beautiful new Saleen S7Rs.

With four Saleen customer teams entered in four series around the world, the Saleen S7R customer teams have set 29 poles and 27 fastest laps and won 19 out of 32 races this season -- quite possibly the finest inaugural race season for any marque in history.

After debuting at Laguna Seca last year, the Saleen S7R scored its first victory in March at Homestead in the first Grand-Am race of the season.  Driving Park Place Racing’s S7R, Chris Bingham literally dominated the Grand-Am Rolex Series: GTS pole-sitter in all nine races, class winner of seven and the Grand-Am GTS Drivers’ Champion.

Two weeks after Bingham’s first win, Konrad Motorsports’ Saleen S7R scored a major victory over the factory Corvettes in the 12 Hours of Sebring.  Terry Borcheller and Franz Konrad went on to challenge the Goliaths from General Motors throughout the entire American Le Mans Series (ALMS) with Borcheller winning the ALMS GTS Drivers’ Championship in the season-ending Petit Le Mans.  The championship was his third in four years as a Saleen factory driver.

A fourth Saleen S7R competed by Ray Mallock, one of Saleen’s technical partners in the development of the supercar, and driven by Ian McKellar won the Team, Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Championships in the European Le Mans Series GTS class

A high-performance vehicle manufacturer for 19 years, Saleen introduced the S7, the first true American supercar, at the famed Monterey Historic Races in August of last year.  Less than three months later, the first S7R racecar performed admirably in its inaugural race at the same Laguna Seca circuit.  The Saleen S7R’s 7-liter racing V8 generates 600 horsepower and is capable of speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour.  With its extreme ground effects engineering, the car could be driven upside down at 160 mph and still stay attached to the road.

Saleen was crowned the SCCA World Challenge Champions in 1996-1998, while an ex-Le Mans Saleen SR won the Spanish FIA GT in 1999.  Last year, Saleen swept the Grand-Am GTO Championships winning the Team, Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ titles.  This season’s remarkable success with the S7R makes this the sixth straight GTS Manufacturers’ Championship for Saleen Motorsports!

 

All specifications are preliminary and subject to change without notice.  
© 2002 Saleen, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Saleen S7 is a registered trade mark of Saleen, Inc.  No unauthorized use permitted.

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