New York 2008: Saleens Latest SuperCar the S5S Raptor Shines Beneath the Lights

The S5S Raptor is the latest supercar concept to come from the designers at Saleen and it is sure to stop most auto enthusiasts in their tracks at this years New York Auto Show. The first thought that comes to mind is that Saleen must have lured over some Hot Wheels designers to come work in their design department. The look of the S5S Raptor has toy written all over it, but this conceptual gem is a toy aimed at a completely different crowd.  Plus, instead of arriving in a cardboard and plastic box for about $3 this super toy would run up to $185,000.  …I think the kid in me just fainted.

Following in the lead of some Le Mans racing teams and some other rare concept supercars the Saleen S5S Raptor runs on ethanol fuel. The bio-fuel allows them to avoid the high-octane blends while giving the supercar a slightly Green flavor. And if the S5S Raptor makes it into production in the two years Saleen said it would take I am sure the well connected supercar aficionado on the East Coast would be able to truck in that ever elusive bio-fuel.

The S5S Raptor is driven by a 5.0 liter twin-screw supercharged engine producing 650-hp and 630-ft lbs of torque. That is sufficient power to give the Raptor a top speed of 200 mph and a 0-to-60 time of 3.2 seconds. As the Official Press Release says below the S5S Raptor is “mean and clean” with its road prowess and clean burning ethanol fuel.

There are sure to be complaints and comparisons on the S5S Raptors design elements as many critical observers of the supercar class typically do. So here is your chance to be heard as Saleen is looking for the media and general publics response to their S5S Raptor Concept to determine if it will make it into production. The vote coming out of these offices is a firm “yes,” but then again the one yes-vote is the best these offices can do. The 185,000 dollar votes it would take to own one is not quite in our possession yet.

Check out the Full Gallery of photos, video and the official Saleen Press Release for more details on the S5S Raptor Concept. (more…)

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Hybrid Technologies Building 220+ MPG Supercar

Hybrid Technologies is working on a new supercar using a gas-electric hybrid engine and that should hit 220 mpg—minimum!!






Power under the hood will have to trump a cushy ride: Hybrid Technologies is aiming for a 150- to 180-mi. range per charge from the all-electric model, while the lithium-ion-meets-gas hybrid needs to hit 220 mpg—minimum. And that’s not to mention performance. When we asked Cerven if Hybrid Technologies could hit close to the Corvette ZR1 level horsepower equivalent numbers in the mid-600s, he laughed, vaguely adding that we were “way out of the ballpark—it’s gonna be wild.”

The production version will be unveiled in late 2009, or early 2010.

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[Source: PopularMechanics.com]

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Is the F700 Concept the Future of Mercedes-Benz Design?

It has been said that when Mercedes-Benz placed their F700 concept sedan on the spinning stage at the Frankfurt Auto Show they were putting on display the future of Mercedes design. While there will obviously be alterations to what you see now on the F700 when the car morphs into the 2012 C-Class, what you see above may be the dominant features to be exhibited. And just like many future concepts there are those who see the beauty in the intended design concept and there are others who may just be glad they buy BMW’s. (more…)

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Dodge Readies Nitro Panel Van Concept

Every year, the folks who build those ridiculously huge wheels and gigantic spoilers you see on the road get together for a trade show like no other: SEMA. We won’t be covering all those wheels, spoilers and tuner versions of new cars like some other blogs will; that’s just not us. But anything you may potentially find at a dealership fits in our realm of coverage, and this early look at one of the show’s concepts is as good a starting point as any for our SEMA coverage.

Dodge’s new Nitro SUV hasn’t been out long enough for a full Cars.com review, but we did get some seat time a few weeks ago and were impressed. Is there need for a flat-panel version, like the HHR Flat Panel that Chevy introduced for production a few weeks ago? We’re not sure. These early sketches look good and could sway a few businesses —  think surf shops —  to plunk down real cash, but the regular four-door version has a floor that folds almost as flat and still fits four people for a lunch run.

Folks at Dodge say there are no plans for production of this concept. We’ll wait until the real thing rolls onto the floor at SEMA before passing final judgment, but so far we’re guessing there's a 50/50 chance this sees the light of day.

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Roadster Aplenty: Dodge Demon Concept

At the Geneva Auto Show in March Dodge unveiled their Demon Roadster concept. Yet another two-seat roadster to possible consider in the coming year. Dodge has not announced any plans to put the Demon into production, but it certainly would be a nice lite addition to their beefier car lineup.

In a recent test drive of the Dodge Demon Car and Driver gave the car very favorable marks in comparison to the Saturn Sky and the newly redesigned Mazda Miata.  Both in style and in comfort the Demon may position itself in a closer competition with the Nissan 350Z; baseline engine ofcourse.

Since this car is based off of the Crysler Crossfire’s frame and with the recent sale of Crysler, we’ll just have to wait and see what the  future holds for the mini-Demon on Wheels.

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