Saleen S7 | FerrariChat

Saleen S7

Discussion in 'American Muscle' started by ryankjb, Dec 22, 2009.

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  1. ryankjb

    ryankjb Formula 3

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    I did a search, but couldn't find anything.

    What is the consensus on these? It seems to me that it would be a fantastic car, especially the later TT models, but they received little attention when they were released. This could be because the Enzo came out around the same time, and it was overshadowed, but as far as American cars go, to me, they don't get much better. The looks, the sound, the power, it seems to have it all and yet they are relatively unknown, and extremely rare to see anything written about them. Is this because of low production, or is there something else about them that pushes people away?

    Has anyone driven one, or had a ride in one? I just want to know more about them.
     
    ryankjb, Dec 22, 2009
    #1
  2. nthfinity

    nthfinity F1 Veteran

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    They are VERY fast, but they are the Viper of the super-exotic world. They make fantastic race cars... as proven by their wins in Europe, and the US. On the street, it makes an F40 look tame and supple. (which itself is like driving a school bus until you hit the throttle). It's a beautiful car, and sounds amazing.

    Even with all the alcantera/ suede, and cushioning inside, it's still crude. Gearing is also silly in 5th/6th where there isn't much accell left even with the pair of turbos. (I haven't been in a n/a S7).
     
    nthfinity, Dec 22, 2009
    #2
  3. robert_c

    robert_c F1 Rookie

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    I can't help as I've never been in one. Other than at car shows I've only seen one driving once, in Dallas. I do love them.

    I never thought them to be American Muscle though. American Exotic seems more apropos.
     
    robert_c, Dec 22, 2009
    #3
  4. davidgoerndt

    davidgoerndt Formula 3

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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    davidgoerndt, Dec 22, 2009
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  5. Execproducer

    Execproducer Karting

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    Steve Saleen was my neighbor when I lived in California. He used to have a red S7 in his garage. When he would drive down the street, it was awesome!
     
    Execproducer, Dec 22, 2009
    #5
  6. Ferrari 360 CS

    Ferrari 360 CS F1 Veteran

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    Looks awesome, this car perhaps didnt get the media exposure it deserved.
     
    Ferrari 360 CS, Dec 22, 2009
    #6
  7. nthfinity

    nthfinity F1 Veteran

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    Including race cars, a little over 80 were sold. The Race pedigree is definitely there. I think in time they will be something similar to the Cobra 427's of 40 years ago.
     
    nthfinity, Dec 23, 2009
    #7
  8. ryankjb

    ryankjb Formula 3

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    That is my opinion of them too, it will be a classic.

    So, a little more than 80...that's a lot less than I thought.
     
    ryankjb, Dec 23, 2009
    #8
  9. Carsonp

    Carsonp Formula 3

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    one of my favorite cars of all time. Its like the F40 in a way. Its all business plus has some serious race history.

    Ill take 2. One black competition with black wheels and a regular TT in blue cause its pretty :D
     
    Carsonp, Dec 23, 2009
    #9
  10. DIGMAN52

    DIGMAN52 F1 Rookie Owner Rossa Subscribed

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    You could call Jonathan Peck at RUF in Addison Texas, one of the sponsors here.
    He has been around several of them, and Mike Luongo, a great Ferrari/Lambo tech at RUF, has worked on several of them also.
     
    DIGMAN52, Dec 23, 2009
    #10
  11. ryankjb

    ryankjb Formula 3

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    Thanks, but unfortunately, I'm not in the market for one. I wouldn't want to take up any of their time with a call that has no promise of a sale. However, if they are members here, I would like to hear what they think. I am just interested in them, and good information from ordinary people (non-journalists) who have experience with them is hard to find.
     
    ryankjb, Dec 23, 2009
    #11
  12. nthfinity

    nthfinity F1 Veteran

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    All images (c) Me :)
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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    nthfinity, Dec 23, 2009
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  13. kaz550

    kaz550 Formula 3

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    such an amazing car

    but seems like there are more TT versions popping up than N/A ones
    I need one for a customer by the way if anyone has one available or knows of one
     
    kaz550, Dec 24, 2009
    #13
  14. ryankjb

    ryankjb Formula 3

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    Awesome pics, Isaac.
     
    ryankjb, Dec 24, 2009
    #14
  15. ag512bbi

    ag512bbi F1 Veteran Owner Silver Subscribed

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    FASTEST piece of sh** i've ever driven.
     
    ag512bbi, Dec 26, 2009
    #15
  16. nthfinity

    nthfinity F1 Veteran

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    LOL, thats one way to describe it, indeed
     
    nthfinity, Dec 26, 2009
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  17. ddemuro

    ddemuro Formula 3

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    I love those turn signal stalks, straight from the Focus!
     
    ddemuro, Dec 26, 2009
    #17
  18. robbie

    robbie F1 Rookie

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    I'm amazed at how big it is on the outside and small in the cockpit.
     
    robbie, Dec 29, 2009
    #18
  19. 88MONDIAL

    88MONDIAL Formula 3

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    The guy who bought the first one and since has upgraded to the TT version lives in town, so I've seen it serveral times in the flesh. It is crazy exotic and beautiful. If memory serves me it's like 2,800lbs with 550hp (original version) and now I think the TT has 750hp or something. It has more street presence than you can imagine. Very cool!
     
    88MONDIAL, Dec 29, 2009
    #19
  20. bcc

    bcc Formula Junior Silver Subscribed

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    bcc, Dec 29, 2009
    #20
  21. Carsonp

    Carsonp Formula 3

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    thats the first real close up ive ever seen (the picture of the center console).

    So its hard to understand the comments on how awful the quality is on it. Anyone have anymore close ups on things like that?
     
    Carsonp, Dec 29, 2009
    #21
  22. nthfinity

    nthfinity F1 Veteran

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    It's the S5 Raptor concept. As much as people 'complained' about it's design... compared to the newest supercars coming out, it's definitely ahead of the curve. No official word if it will be built as far as I know. But definitely a strong possibility.

    It's not that the quality is bad; its that it isn't a refined street car. Akin to Mclaren SLR's being horrible to drive, but expound upon that. It's the Viper of the super exotic world... get a ride/ drive one back to back with a Ferrari, or Corvette for that matter.

    Here are a few more images :)
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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    nthfinity, Dec 29, 2009
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  23. Pantera

    Pantera F1 Rookie

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    After seeing one in person I question as to weither or not Steve Saleen was building a Real Supercar or a kitcar.

    I thought it was just god awful!. Its sad when Id rather take an early Diablo over one of those.

    Heck id rather take a Viper!.
     
    Pantera, Dec 29, 2009
    #23
  24. nthfinity

    nthfinity F1 Veteran

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    There are a lot of kit cars around. I never once thought "Kit car." However, after seeing many GT1, and prototype race cars... the S7 is more like a street interpretation of that. You could say "unfinished" race-turned-street car.... but kit car?
     
    nthfinity, Dec 29, 2009
    #24
  25. Pantera

    Pantera F1 Rookie

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    Its very kit carish from my personal experiences you could say the Mosler Photon and Saleen S7 are factory built kitcars. Same could also be said about the Ultimate Aero which used to build replicas.

    The qauiltiy of these cars are about as good as a Factory Five GTM or an Ultima GTR. I have seen many tube chassis based kitcars that where identical to the S7.
     
    Pantera, Dec 30, 2009
    #25
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