Trim levels: base

MSRP: $395,000

Notes: Steve Saleen made his fortunes tuning Mustangs before turning to the development of a race car and an accompanying street-legal version. The fruit of this effort was the S7, an authentic American supercar. Its gestation was long and methodical, but it finally made its debut as a 2003 model. Unlike the infamous Vector, the Saleen had the credentials to back up its claims, with brand cachet and extensive experience in the tuner field. Powered by a Saleen-modified Ford pushrod V8, the S7 could break 200 miles per hour. When tested by Road and Track, it reached 60mph in just 3.3sec., a feat matched only by Ferrari's Enzo in the United States (above 60mph, the Enzo's performance was significantly better). A notable omission on the S7 was modern safety systems: no traction control, no stability control, not even power brakes. This accentuated the Saleen's racecar pedigree. No airbags were fitted; a honeycombed aluminum safety structure was all protected the driver and passenger. The S7's interior was swathed in leather, and air conditioning and a 6-disc CD changer were provided, the only concessions to creature comfort in this no-holds-barred supercar. The seats were measured according to each driver, and fixed in the cabin, only the pedals being adjustable. Two tiny trunks were provided fore and aft, and a camera was added to aid in reversing maneuvers. Well executed and breathtaking, the S7 was the quintessential American response to the supercar phenomenon: raw muscle, no concessions, no mercy. Fully 64 gills marked its exterior.

Series: 2003-current

PERFORMANCE