The Saleen S7 Twin Turbo is one of the fastest production cars in the world. To attain this title, Saleen’s engineers coupled twin turbochargers to the already oversized V8 engine. Modified fenders and new diffusers and spoilers resulted in a 40 percent decrease in drag and a 60 percent increase in down force over its revolutionary predecessor, the Saleen S7.
Performance
When introduced in 2002, with a 500lb –ft torque and brake horsepower in excess of 500, the S7 was the only street-legal vehicle in the United States with these specifications. At the time, it was the fastest production car in the world. Understanding that competition is fierce in the auto world, and not wishing to rest on their laurels, the Saleen team, headed by their visionary founder, Steve Saleen, immediately started work on a successor to the Saleen S7. The resulting car was the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo. The massive 7000 cc. engine produces an amazing 750 hp that can push the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo top speed to an outrageous 250 mph.
Handling
Many fast cars are merely that, fast, and don’t always have the handling capability required. They are demons of speed if placed on a straight track but introduce a curve into the equation and they can’t always handle the power they have. The Saleen S7 Twin Turbo has power assisted, high-mounter, rack and pinion steering. This baby can handle its power.
Braking
Braking has also been given some serious thought on theSaleen S7 Twin Turbo. 15 inch discs in the front and 14 inch discs in the rear provide superior stopping power and the braking system features twin master cylinders connected by a balance bar, a set-up identical to what is found on most race cars. The suspension system has been completely revamped and has excellent handling characteristics during accelerating, turning and braking. Among other innovations are the dual stage shock absorbers. These wonders of engineering provide different spring rates at different speeds essentially customizing the shocks for the type of driving being done.
The Final Analysis
At $555,000 it is an understatement to say that the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo’s price is a little extravagant but cars of inferior performance regularly command prices higher than half a million dollars. The Saleen S7 Twin Turbo specs indicate its ability to outperform even the most extreme of hyper-cars. Surpassing the performance of the Saleen S7 was a feat in and of itself. Saleen managed this by building the racing version, the S7R, and the road-going version side by side. They are virtually identical, except that the street version is more powerful. With a zero to 60 in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 mph, the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo is one of the fastest production cars in the world.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
The Saleen is one of my absolute favorite cars. Not only is it fast but it’s sleek and the shape is amazing. It can handle the power without giving in to weakness.
It has fins! It looks like it should be a prototype of a James Bond car, one that can go underwater. It actually looks like it has an intelligence all it’s own with the way the headlights are spaced in front.
I can see myself driving this Saleen S7 Twin Turbo all dolled up in my finest leather jacket and shades. Seriously, how it must feel to drive one, I cannot believe. At the very least, I’d like to borrow one to drive to my class reunion this summer.
Do you know what the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo reminds me of? A shark. This car has such a sleek, predatory look about it. It looks dangerous, fearless, and unobtainable.