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What auto show would be complete without a little Saleen added to the mix. This year Saleen has pushed the old S7 out of the way in exchange for the new S5S Raptor Concept. While some reviewers have called the S7 “vulgar”. The S7, which was debuted in 2000, is what it is… a supercar!

The name says it all, as the S7 simply translates to “Saleen 7.0 Liter”, Twin Turbo, V-8, 750 Horsepower, 0-60 in just 2.8 seconds… well, in so many words.

The S5S follows along with the same name gimmick, this time translating to “Saleen 5.0 Liter Supercharged”, V-8 Mid-Engine, 650 Horsepower, 630 lb-ft Torque, 0-60 in just 3.2 seconds. Yes, it is 0.4 seconds slower than its “vulgar” predecessor.

But we really can’t give the new Saleen S5S Raptor to much of a hard time, because it is actually capable of reduced emissions and oil consumption now that its engine runs off of ethanol. While the enthusiasts will like the new ethanol engine, as it pays tribute to the IRL and American Le Mans Cars, the environmentalists can have their fun, while also patting themselves on the back for doing their small part in saving the world.

Some “green” folks might say that there are a heck of a lot of better things you could do with $185,000, but then again, they have probably never slipped behind the wheel of a custom build Saleen supercar.

The smaller 5-Liter V-8 of the S5S once again puts to good use a twin-screw supercharger hooked up to the standard six-speed manual. Living up to its racing heritage, the Raptor has been designed to use a paddle-shifted sequential gearbox, if a buyer should choose.

Just as it was designed to go fast the S5S is also designed to stop almost as quick using its hefty fifteen-inch front brakes and thirteen-inch rears. Add in the standard ABS and traction control, and almost anyone could handle its power as long as they didn’t get too carried away.

While the Raptor resembles the S7 in many ways, it’s design idea was meant to tone down the exotic lines and features of the S7 and get it right down to the essentials of smooth lines, aerodynamic curves, sinister headlights, a boastful lower front air intake grill, and Saleen Mustang style air vents.

The obvious wave of the future is going to be LED lights, as much of the concept vehicles in the show played up rather heavily and the S5S is no different, with its numerous headlight LED’s that climb over the hood and are then followed up in the rear below the integrated spoiler.

Another popular feature of the S5S that would seem to be in our not-so-distant future, is an all glass canopy that allows the passengers to enjoy a virtual convertible without even getting one hair out of place!