Saleen S7-R

Steve Saleen started as a tuner company for Ford products. In 2000, he turned his operation into a full fledged supercar builder, as his small Irvine, California based company introduced the S7, and later, the S7-R racing version. The S7-R has a lightweight steel space frame, with double wishbone suspension, proving that not all supercars require expensive carbon fibre construction and space aged technology. Power comes from a Ford derived 7 litre V8, positioned longitudinally just behind the driver's back, providing a very stable and neutral mid-engined configuration. The mid engined configuration provides an almost 50/50 weight bias, combined with a very aerodynamic shape; this car handles like a dream and has one of the highest top speeds of the class. On high downforce tracks, the Saleen is king. Watch out for slight tendencies to understeer on high speed corners as the big wing on the back will keep the rear tires planted almost too much. However, the high downforce and torquey motor combine for the weaknesses of this car, its EXTREME tire wear, and less than optimal gas mileage. - Jerry Chen, Enis Dauti