01
Origins
The S1 of 2018 was Steve Saleen's attempt at a volume supercar: a compact mid-engined two-seater with a 450-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-litre four, carbon body over aluminium chassis, targeting Cayman-and-above performance at accessible money. Its industrial story defined it — a joint venture in Rugao, China, was to fund and build the car for both markets, with American assembly promised from imported components. The Chinese venture soured amid disputes and asset seizures that Saleen fought publicly, and the S1's momentum died with the partnership; racing versions and small numbers kept the design alive without the scale intended. The S1 stands as a modern parable of boutique carmaking: the design was the easy part, and the money proved geographic.
2018 Saleen S1 · zombieite · CC BY 2.0
