New York Auto Show: Saleen S5S Raptor – 650hp ethanol

March 20, 2008March 20, 2008 Chris Chin

Last month we told you about the Saleen S5S Raptor, well, now we’ve seen it in person and it’s every bit as stunning as we expected. While the side profile evokes thoughts of the Lamborghini Gallardo, the powertrain takes a different direction.

Powered by a 5.0L supercharged V8 running on ethanol, the S5S puts out 650-hp, 630lb-ft of torque and features a six-speed manual gearbox. The S5S should be capable of 0-60 in the low 3-second range. Top speed should be in excess of 200mph. Sitting on 20 inch forged rims with 275/35 front and 315/35 rear tires and sprung with double wishbone suspension front and rear, and featuring stability control, traction control and 15″ rotors with six-piston calipers, this car clearly aims to spar with the best of ’em. While the Raptor has 150-hp more than the F430, pricing should be about the same.

Dan Gurney was on hand to introduce the Dan Gurney edition Saleen Mustang with a 4.6liter 465-hp motor, Racecraft suspension with a Watts rear end, Saleen body work and decals to match Dan Gurney’s 1969 Trans Am race car. The car is available in patriotic red, white or blue. Only 100 in each color will be built.

Click through for live shots from the 2008 New York Auto Show.

Saleen S5S Raptor: