Though Saleen won't be officially unveiling its new supercar, the S5S Raptor, on stage until tomorrow, we've got pics and details for you now. Though slated to slot below the hardcore S7 in Saleen's lineup, the S5S Raptor looks no less the part of a high-powered high-performance sports car. It's powered by a supercharged 5.0L engine mounted amidships producing around 650 horsepower and 630 lb-ft. of churn on a steady diet of E85 ethanol.

Developed as a collaboration between Saleen and specialty builder ASC -- both of which are owned by the same private equity firm -- the car is plenty of tech and a bit of throwback. The aluminum chassis 2-seater can get from 0-60 in a supercar-standard 3.2 seconds. When it's time to stop, six-pot calipers hidden by 20-inch wheels clamp down on 15-inch rotors up front. The retro bit: a six-speed manual gearbox. A paddle-shifting sequential is also in the works and may be ready when the car goes into production in 2010. Compared to the S7, the S5S is another relative domestic bargain at only $185,000.

LIVE SHOTS TOMMOROW

From http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/n...ptor-revealed/

 

Very VW

 

Thats hot! Would look sick in black.

 

Cant say I like it. I would like to see how it performs I guess. Hopefully its more reliable than the S7 TT's.

 

It's okay....

 

I like the 1st picture. I figured there would be a more excited response than the above. The rear haunches seem to envoke the design of the Ford concept from several years ago, the Cobra Coupe/ Shelby Daytona looking thing.

 

I'd be concerned that the final product will look cheap ... interesting concept though

 

the front and side profiles look okay but i think the tail lights could be done better

 

 

I like it. +1 on the final product worries. Most finished US cars look discombabulated when compared to the concept. This would be a great F430 and Gallardo competitor.

 

More pictures at http://www.autoblog.com/photos/salee...r-live-reveal/

 

something about the rear looks funny ... i cant figure out what i just dont really like about it

 

LOVE IT,for the price its a bargain,its actually quite un Saleen,the performance figures Sound very good especially if it can perform as well as the S7. Now where are the interior shots?

 

WOW, looks great. but i heard it will not be hardcore of a performer as the S7 TT

 

Good design but the rear tail lights are kinda Acura NSX-ish.