Steve Saleen built his reputation the hard way — turning Mustangs into monsters throughout the ’80s and ’90s before dropping the S7 on an unsuspecting world in 2000. That mid-engine marvel was America’s answer to European exotics, a hand-built statement that proved homegrown supercars could run with the best. Twenty-five years later, Saleen is back with the S11, and this time they’re doing something unexpected: letting enthusiasts help shape the final product.
A Different Kind of Debut
Currently on display at LeMay — America’s Car Museum in Tacoma as part of “The Birth of the American Supercar” exhibit, the S11 exists as a full-size clay model surrounded by design sketches. Museum visitors can vote on specific exterior and interior elements that’ll make it into production. For a builder trying to reclaim its supercar throne after some rough years (including a spectacularly messy Chinese factory deal that fell apart), it’s an interesting way to rebuild fan engagement. And it will be “U.S. designed and built,” which is an intriguing selling point during these current times we’re living in.
The S7 was purely Steve Saleen’s vision, a dual-purpose race car for the street with a modified 7.0-liter V8 pumping out 550hp naturally aspirated, or 750hp with twin turbos in the 2005 upgrade. It competed at Le Mans, dominated ALMS, and set benchmarks for American performance. The S11 needs to honor that legacy while still carving its own path.
Built to Be “One Louder”
Saleen promises the S11 will be “one louder” than anything currently available — a cheeky reference that hopefully translates to serious performance specs. Engine, suspension, and aerodynamic details are coming throughout the next 12 months, but the design already hints at the S7’s lineage with its low-slung profile and aggressive stance. Whether it can match the supercar’s racing pedigree will be the ultimate test.
After four decades of building high-performance machines, Saleen understands both form and function (which might beg the question of why involve the public in the first place). The S11 needs that same engineering substance as the S7 beneath its crowd-sourced aesthetics.
Spec Sheet
Model: Saleen S11
Engine: TBD (details forthcoming)
Power: TBD
Design: U.S. designed and built
Current Status: Full-size clay model
Official Debut: Within 12 months
Pricing & Availability
Saleen hasn’t announced pricing or production numbers yet, but expect those details to roll out as design voting progresses throughout the year. You can participate in the design process by visiting the exhibit at LeMay in Tacoma or following along through Saleen’s “American Idle” voting opportunities online.
Recap
Saleen S11 Supercar
Saleen just unveiled the S11, their first proper supercar attempt since the legendary S7, and they’re letting enthusiasts vote on design elements as it develops over the next year.
