Saleen’s otherworldly S7 supercar will be reborn as the 1,000hp S7 LM

By Miles Branman September 20, 2016

saleen-s7-lm — Saleen S7 LM Teaser Image used with permission by copyright holder

It would appear Saleen is looking for a return to the good ol’ days, especially after news that the performance tuner has amassed a giant chunk of debt and hasn’t delivered cars on time.

To change its momentum for the better, and to commemorate the company’s 20th anniversary of the conclusion of a seven-year run of racing championships, Saleen has announced that its mid-engined supercar of the 2000s will make a return. The S7 supercar was produced from 2000-2009 and by the end of its production run, made 750 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged 7.0-liter V8 engine.

The new model will be called the S7 LM and only seven units will be built, each with unique exterior, interior, wheel, and performance touches. Specs have yet to be confirmed, but the Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club (there’s a club for everything these days) says the LM will use exposed carbon fiber and make about 1,000hp – right on par with today’s leading hypercars.

Read More: Saleen 302 Black Label Mustang

The S7 was always a rare bird, but with just a handful of units being built, each will cost a pretty penny. The presumed price tag is $1 million. We can’t say whether this is the tuner’s Hail Mary to recover from its mountainous debt, but the profits on tuned Mustangs and, recently, Tesla Model S vehicles can’t compare with a million-dollar pay day.

As a bit of history, though the company built cars under the Saleen name for years prior, the Saleen Automotive brand was only formed in 2011 — and then had to fight for rights to its own name a year later. Lawsuits over undelivered products have plagued the tuner since then.

While we’d love to see a new S7 make a movie cameo as in Bruce Almighty, Saleen will need to get its tie on straight if these supercar plans are to pan out.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…

Cars

Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?

Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Cars

The 6 best remote car starters in 2024

Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Cars

The best portable jump starters for cars in 2024

The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

Any time you hit the road, whether you're taking a short or long trip, it's a good idea to have backups handy. A spare or backup tire, some anti-freeze, windshield wash fluid, a road hazard kit, and, last but not least, one of the best portable tire inflators and a portable jump starter. You never know when cold weather, inadvertently leaving the dome light on, or plain old Father Time can curse you with a dead battery. Ensure you have one of the best portable jump starters that can save you in a jam, kickstarting your car even when there isn't anyone around to jump the battery. Naturally, that's why we’ve rounded up what we feel are the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The best portable jump starters in 2024

Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.