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Saleen's Raptor Takes Off

The ethanol-powered, 650 hp racing machine is fit for road and racing

Saleen's Raptor Takes Off

By Stuart Schwartzapfel

At this year's New York Auto Show, specialty auto manufacturer Saleen showed off an ethanol-powered sports car concept, dubbed the S5S Raptor. The vehicle is intended to compete in the American Le Mans racing series and be driven on the street legally.

The two-seat S5S Raptor, which features a lightweight aluminum chassis, was unveiled just as the American Le Mans series announced that E85, a blend of ethanol and gasoline, would be the official fuel of the 2008 season. The S5S Raptor's hand built, supercharged, V8 engine produces 650 hp and 630 foot-pounds of torque. Compared to its well-known S7 supercar, which costs nearly $600,000, the S5S Raptor seems a relative bargain at $185,000. It could hit the market in as little as two years.

The Verdict: Saleen applies a greener touch to the racing genre.

Stuart Schwartzapfel is a regular contributor to BusinessWeek.com. He has studied the automotive marketplace and works as an advertising and marketing strategist for major manufacturers. He does not write about any car brands for which he currently works.