Remember Saleen Automotive? This American performance tuner and carmaker has unveiled the all-new S1 sports coupe at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. The S1 is built ground-up with the aim of making the Saleen moniker more affordable that would translate in to higher sales and production volumes.
The Saleen S1 looks futuristic. Its aluminium chassis is wrapped in carbon fibre body panels. Weighing just 1,218 kilograms, the S1 is also aerodynamic, according to the carmaker. The smooth flowing lines, the minimalistic design with the right amount of aggression all around and the large 20-inch wheels make the S1 look like a proper sports car. On the inside, the minimalistic approach continues with a simple dashboard. There is a digital instrument cluster behind a three-spoke steering wheel. An infotainment screen on the centre console completes things inside the subtle cabin.
The two-seater mid-engined S1 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing an impressive 450bhp and 474Nm. Initially it will be available with a six-speed manual, but a paddle-shifter dual-clutch automatic is promised as well. The 0-100kmph time is claimed at 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 290kmph. With Continental ExtremeContact Sport tyres, the S1 can pull upto 1.2g of cornering grip on a skidpad, boasts the carmaker.Â
Deliveries are expected to start late 2018. Booking is open for $1,000 deposit starting today. The S1 will be built at Jiangsu Saleen Automotive Technologies Group's (JSAT) new facility in China. Saleen is now part of JSAT and the new facility is for all-new Saleen vehicles. The American company is in the process of establishing a dealer network with a hope to have 50 showrooms in the U.S. initially.
