Saleen to Build “Supercar” Version of Tesla Model S

A huge whoa on this one. Fabled pony car tuner, Saleen Automotive, Inc. recently issued official press releases stating that they’d be taking their very first jump into the electric vehicle foray by producing their very own Saleen Tesla Model S sports car. Let’s let that sink in for a moment.

We already know the Tesla Model S is a technological and performance model in its own right. Despite a huge, hulking ~4,600 lb curb weight, we’ve seen the innovative sedan trounce Vipers and Stingrays at the drag strip with little more than a hum from the 16,000-rpm motor, fed by the hottest version’s 85-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Power ouput for the Model S’s performance version as we know, is rated at 416 hp / 443 lb-ft.

Some direct, and impactful words from Saleen Automotive, Inc. CEO, Steve Saleen:

“I fully intend to produce one of the most compelling Tesla’s to ever hit the roadway,”

Steve’s statement also includes his praise of Tesla’s values of elite power, style, and performance, likening them to his own company. According to Steve, he’s also looking to produce vehicles not dependent on fossil fuels. A seriously interesting notion for a company’s who’s built their specialty on gussying up pony cars into supercar territories.

Truth be told, I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this. We know Saleen’s built some amazing cars over the years, but with no more than a press release (spec sheets or renderings available soon), it’ll be hard to grasp just how much better Steve’s company will be able to take the Model S, considering they’ve never worked with electric powerplants before.

Not that I’d doubt them though. I’m definitely going to keep my eyes peeled for this one!