Saleen’s Brand History
Two decades ago, Saleen was a major figure in the sports car world. The brand was associated with powerful Mustangs, tuning, and the mid-engine S7 — a true American supercar that challenged the best European models.
Saleen’s Modern Ambitions
Today, Saleen continues to pursue the same dream, but the formula looks somewhat different. The future S11 is meant to revive the brand’s supercar spirit, but this time, the design process is not happening entirely behind closed doors. This car is partly shaped by collective decision.
Presented as part of the “Birth of the American Supercar” exhibition at the LeMay America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington, the S11 is not yet a functioning prototype.
Public Participation in Design
Instead, visitors can see a full-size clay model, surrounded by design sketches showing what the next chapter in Saleen’s history might look like. And most interestingly — you can participate in how the S11 will look.
If the S7 was largely the vision of Steve Saleen, the S11 breaks that tradition, as museum visitors can vote on aspects of the car’s final exterior and interior appearance.
“It is an honor for us to present our S11 design at LeMay,” said Saleen. “We will be offering enthusiasts various design options throughout the year, and they can help decide what makes it into the final product.”
Doubts About Collective Design
Design by committee is not famous in the supercar community for creating the most desirable cars. However, for a small manufacturer like Saleen, this approach could help reconnect with fans, create buzz, and strengthen its market position.
Unknown Technical Details
Most surprisingly, we still know nothing about the S11’s engine, suspension, or aerodynamic goals. Saleen only promises that the car will be “a step ahead” of anything else on the market, though what exactly that means is unclear.
We appreciate the confidence, but it will be a genuine surprise if Saleen can return to that prestigious level it once held.
The Exhibition and Its Significance
The exhibition, curated by founder Steve Saleen, spans over a century of American engineering artistry in creating performance cars — from muscle cars to modern exotic models — and will be updated quarterly with new vehicles and features.
This approach to car development could become a test for other manufacturers considering involving customers in the creative process. The success or failure of the S11 will impact not only Saleen’s future but also other brands seeking innovative ways to remain relevant in the competitive supercar market.