2005 SALEEN S7 NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Saleen S7?
At the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show, Saleen debuted a twin-turbo version of the S7. Apparently, last year's output of 575 horsepower was deemed insufficient so Saleen installed twin turbochargers to the 7.0-liter V8 to boost horsepower to 750 and raise the torque output to 700 lb.-ft. With a handy calculator, one can amusingly discern that the S7 has enough power to equal the output of seven Toyota Echos. And the S7 weighs only about 700 pounds more. Along with the extra horsepower, the 750-hp Saleen S7 has revised suspension tuning, improved aerodynamics for less drag and more down force and, alas, a higher price.

Advantages of the 2005 Saleen S7:

• Pretty much the fastest and most capable new production performance car you can buy in the U.S.
• American-designed and built

Objections to the 2005 Saleen S7:

• Pretty much the most expensive new production performance car you can buy
• Narrow performance focus limits its usability
• Lack of antilock brakes or stability control might be a concern for those drivers with more machismo than talent

Editor's Advice:
At a price about $550,000, the 2005 Saleen S7 competes with heady competition such as the Lamborghini Murcielago, the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR, and the Porsche Carrera GT. Of this group, the Saleen is the only one designed to be a racecar and a road car. This dual-purpose aspect shows up in the driving experience; the S7's is about as close to full-bore racecar as one can get from new production vehicle. Is America's only true supercar for you? Only a test drive will tell.