A new press note about the upcoming title by Straight4 Studios. Now with the first images of the new car.
The 2004 Saleen S7-R, powered by a 7.0-litre V8, is an American masterpiece of speed, precision, and racing ambition. With 600 horsepower and a lightweight, aerodynamic design, it dominated GT endurance racing, fusing raw power and elegance into a machine built to etch its name into motorsport history.
Saleen S7-R
- Engine: 7.0-litre N/A V8
- Power: 600 bhp at 6,400 RPM
- Torque: 746 Nm at 5,400 RPM
- Weight: 1,150 kg
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Layout: Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Saleen S7-R (2004 spec)
The Saleen S7-R is a striking testament to American ingenuity and ambition, an endurance racing machine that stormed the motor racing world in the early 2000s and quickly solidified a forever place as an icon of motorsport. Derived from the Saleen S7—a supercar that broke new ground for American performance cars (the first-ever production mid-engine, US-made supercar)—the Saleen S7-R was bred for the track, where its speed, resilience, and aerodynamics proved to be a match (and frequently too good) for its more illustrious European competition.
Performance and Engineering
Designed with a singular focus on dominating endurance racing, the Saleen S7-R merged engineering innovation with sheer, brute power. Its foundation was a lightweight yet robust frame, crafted from carbon fibre wrapped around a steel and aluminium chassis. This structural blend provided the perfect balance of rigidity and weight saving, tipping the scales at around 1,100 kilograms (2,425 pounds). Saleen then added some fat American power to create an absolute GT racing legend. Every element of the S7-R was purpose-built for competition, from its aggressive stance to the sophisticated engineering beneath its skin.
At the heart of the S7-R roared a naturally aspirated 7.0-litre V8 engine, capable of producing between 600 and 750 horsepower depending on the series and tuning. This monster of a powerplant guaranteed 200 mph and made the Saleen S7-R a formidable contender against rarefied European titans. Its engine, raw and untamed, was not just about sheer power—it delivered it with precision, allowing drivers to push the car to its limits with confidence.
Aerodynamics and Design
Aerodynamics defined the S7-R’s physical presence and performance. Its elongated, muscular body was sculpted to cheat wind resistance and harness it for stability. A prominent rear wing provided critical downforce. The front splitter, rear diffuser, and strategically placed air vents worked in harmony to reduce drag and channel much-needed cooling air. Form and function in one striking aesthetic; a car whose beauty matches its performance.
Flexibility was another hallmark of the Saleen S7-R. Racing teams could adapt the car to meet the demands of different championships, modifying its engine output, suspension, and aerodynamics to align with specific regulations and track conditions. Adjustable braking systems and finely tuned suspension gave the S7-R an edge in adapting to varying surfaces, from smooth European tracks to the bumpy, technical layouts of North America. This ability to evolve made it a weapon of choice for privateer teams looking to challenge factory-backed giants.
Racing Pedigree and Achievements
The S7-R made its competitive debut at Laguna Seca in late-2000, but first gained attention at the 2001 24 Hours of Le Mans, the ultimate proving ground for endurance racing machines. Though it entered a crowded field of seasoned competitors, the S7-R quickly proved its mettle, showcasing not just speed but resilience. From its early days, the S7-R competed in elite series like the FIA GT Championship, American Le Mans Series (ALMS), and French GT Championship, consistently holding its own against the best Europe had to offer.
The Saleen S7-R saw numerous podium finishes across international series, proving its versatility and reliability on circuits as varied as the Circuit de la Sarthe and Sebring International Raceway.
The S7-R was one of the most successful race cars of its day. Motor Trend notes that the SR7 competed in 235 races with 154 podium finishes, 129 fastest laps, 118 poles, and 78 wins, 10 GT championships and one class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s what comes when power breeds with pedigree.
The Saleen S7-R remains an icon of global motor racing, a machine born of ambition and shaped by the relentless pursuit of victory. With its aggressive styling, earth-shaking power, and razor-sharp handling, it captured both the imagination of fans and the respect of rivals. It stands as a symbol of American determination, innovation, and the enduring allure of motorsport’s most gruelling challenges.
You’re going to get a chance to dominate with it in Project Motor Racing in 2025.
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