Cars : Saleen S7

Cars : Saleen S7

The Saleen S7 is a limited-production, hand-built, high-performance American sports car developed jointly by Steve Saleen for the initial concept and direction, Hidden Creek Industries for resources and initial funding, Phil Frank for the body and interior CAD design and development, and Ray Mallock Ltd. for the chassis engineering. It was the only car produced by Saleen not based on an existing chassis, and became America's first production supercar. The S7 debuted on August 19, 2000 at the Monterey Historic Races. The all-aluminum 427 (a bored-and-stroked derivative of Ford's 351 Windsor small-block, not a big-block) is remarkably tractable and flexible for such a high-output unit—550 hp at 6400 rpm. In 2005, the S7 gained a more powerful twin-turbo powerplant that boosted engine power to 750 horsepower (760 PS/559 kW) and the top speed 248 mph (399 km/h).

The body of the car, made entirely from carbon fiber, incorporates the use of scoops, spoilers, and other aerodynamic features to create split-channel airflow throughout the car, and at 160 miles per hour (257 km/h), the car creates its own weight in downforce.

Interior
The interior of the Saleen S7 was designed to be both luxurious and functional. Leather appears throughout the cabin, with aluminum accents, and the S7 comes with a set of custom-fit luggage. Because of the car's mid-engine layout, it has two trunks, front and rear. Other features include an LCD monitor, rear-view camera, quick-release steering-wheel and a 240 mile per hour (386 km/h) speedometer. The cabin is of an asymmetrical layout, with the custom-fitted driver's seat positioned toward the center both to improve the driver's visibility and center his or her weight in the vehicle.

Chassis
The chassis comprises a space frame-derived design consisting 4130 lightweight steel and aluminum honeycomb composite reinforcing panels. It is divided into bolt-fastened sub-assemblies to allow for rapid access to critical subsystems. The light weight of the chassis allows for the car to weigh a mere 2750 pounds (1247 kg).

Performance
The original naturally aspirated version of the S7 can accelerate from 0–60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in an estimated 3.3 seconds, and to 100 miles per hour in an estimated 7.1 seconds. It can complete a standing quarter mile in an estimated 11.35 seconds, reaching 128 miles per hour (203 km/h). Top speed was an estimated 220 mph.

Electrical system
The first few production Saleen S7 electrical systems were designed and hand-built by Jimmy Rodriguez. Standard electronics include: Power windows, locks, remote control operated doors, hood, trunk, and engine compartment openers, electronic power steering with redundant safety circuits, 110 volt inlet for maintaining vehicle battery, electronic heated front window, electronic fuel pump shut off upon crash impact, rearview camera system with in-dash flip-up monitor, and navigation. Electrical wire harnesses are manufactured with the highest quality materials. Teflon-coated tinned military specification wire, cannon plugs, gold plated pins and sockets were used for the connectors, and wire harnesses were wrapped with a high-temperature glass mesh under a woven Kevlar outer skin.

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Sources : Saleen S7 Photo | Saleen S7 Article