Steve Saleen is on a quest. He intends to bring an analog, agile and lightweight street car with proper race car credentials and a remarkable power-to-weight ratio to the masses, and sell it under the Saleen brand name for about $100k. Saleen the company, as in the makers of the early-2000’s-era S7 American supercar, knows a thing or two about building high-performance automobiles. Now, trying to follow in the footsteps of Lotus and Porsche, it has its sights on this new and audacious project.

Bespoke Saleen Turbo-4

Via Colin Whitley

Reported exclusively to Hotcars by Saleen is something new for the long-time Mustang customizer and Ford engine tuner - the S1 will be powered by a bespoke Saleen engine. Not many details are known at this time but reliable sources confirm it will be a Saleen designed and manufactured turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine producing 450 hp. This debunks reports by other outlets that the S1 would receive a warmed over Ford Focus RS motor. Also of note is the extensive use of carbon fiber throughout with the Saleen Team aiming for a curb weight of under 3000 lbs. following the words of Lotus' Colin Chapman to "simplify, then add lightness."

Spec Check

Via Sportscar365.com

Many automakers enter their production cars into racing series. Saleen is taking a different approach by building the S1 as a race car and racing it in its own spec series, marketed to well-heeled amateur racers who can find partial sponsorship for their expensive ($30k-$40k per race weekend) hobby. The series will visit several iconic racing venues including Watkins Glen, Daytona, etc and will be an arrive-and-drive event where all you need to do is to furnish your own helmet and driving talents.

Tracking it to the Streets

Via Motor1.com

Steve Saleen is hoping to parlay his outlandish vision into a proper road-going car with prodigious power and handling capabilities to do justice to his eponymous company's track record (no pun intended). It is an admirable undertaking, one that will surely be lined with many pitfalls as the car is still devoid of a functional interior and many other road going car equipment and amenities. All the same, passion and vision go a long way towards making dreams come true, and judging by his history, we are not about to write off Steve Saleen and his intriguing S1.

Sources: Saleen Automotive, Road and Track, Jalopnik