Episode 224: Racer Steve Saleen
About this episode
Steve Saleen, a legendary figure in American automotive history, reflects on his journey from a young speed enthusiast to a successful manufacturer of iconic supercars like the Saleen S7. Celebrating the S7's 25th anniversary, he discusses its impact on the supercar market and his experiences in racing and engineering. Saleen shares insights into his collaborations with major brands like Ford and Dodge, the challenges of navigating corporate changes, and his vision for the future of performance vehicles, including an upcoming museum exhibit showcasing the evolution of American supercars.
Racer Steve Saleen
Dodge Viper
"Dodge Viper, even a foray into the electric performance with Tesla."
The Dodge Viper is a very powerful sports car that is famous for its strong engine and unique look.
The Dodge Viper is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful V10 engine and distinctive design, produced from 1992 to 2017.
Ford Mustangs
"...ver to wear in American badge. From his legendary Mustangs and high-performance trucks, to the mid-2000s for..."
Tesla
"even a foray into the electric performance with Tesla."
Tesla is a car company that makes electric cars, which are powered by batteries instead of gasoline.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle and clean energy company known for its innovative electric cars and advancements in battery technology.
Saleen S7
"This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Saleen S7, the American supercar that stunned the world. Hand-built, uncompromising, and impossibly bold, the S7 proved that an independent U.S. automaker..."
The Saleen S7 is a high-performance sports car made in the USA. It's famous for its speed and style, and it was built to compete with luxury brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini.
The Saleen S7 is an American supercar known for its high performance and unique design. It was notable for being hand-built and aimed to compete with established European supercar brands.
Audi S7
"...his year marks the 25th anniversary of the Seline S7, the American supercar that stunned the world. Ha..."
The Audi S7 is a fancy car that looks nice and drives really well. It has a powerful engine, which means it can go fast, and it's designed to be comfortable and stylish at the same time.
The Audi S7 is a luxury performance sedan that combines elegance with powerful performance, featuring a turbocharged V6 engine and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, it represents a blend of practicality and sportiness, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
McLaren
"could not only compete with Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren..."
McLaren is a British car brand that makes very fast sports cars and is also famous for racing in Formula 1.
McLaren is a British automotive manufacturer known for producing high-performance sports cars and its involvement in Formula 1 racing.
Lamborghini
"could not only compete with Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren..."
Lamborghini is another luxury car brand from Italy that makes very fast and flashy sports cars. They are known for their unique designs.
Lamborghini is an Italian manufacturer of high-performance sports cars, famous for their aggressive styling and powerful engines.
Ferrari
"could not only compete with Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren..."
Ferrari is a famous car brand from Italy that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They are well-known for racing and luxury.
Ferrari is a renowned Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and success in motorsport, particularly Formula 1.
American supercar
"...the past, the present, and the future of the American supercar and the never-ending pursuit of speed."
An American supercar is a very fast and powerful sports car made in the United States. These cars are known for their speed, unique looks, and advanced technology, like the Saleen S7 and Ford GT.
The term 'American supercar' refers to high-performance sports cars manufactured in the United States, often characterized by their powerful engines, advanced technology, and distinctive designs. Examples include the Saleen S7, Ford GT, and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
Pebble Beach Week
"...we had set it up at the Pebble Beach Week to have our debut at the racetrack there in Monterey at Laguna Seca."
Pebble Beach Week is a big car event in California where people show off fancy and classic cars. It's a chance for car lovers to see some really special vehicles.
Pebble Beach Week is an annual automotive event held in California, featuring luxury and classic cars. It includes various activities, culminating in the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where rare and vintage vehicles are showcased and judged.
aerodynamics
"I did a lot of the development I did actually in England for the aerodynamics on this to reverse ourselves into the F1, looking at where Aero would be going in the future."
Aerodynamics is about how air moves around cars. Good aerodynamics helps cars go faster and use less fuel by reducing drag.
Aerodynamics refers to the way air interacts with a moving vehicle. It's crucial in automotive design as it affects speed, fuel efficiency, and stability, especially in high-performance cars like those in Formula 1.
Ford F150
"...there's going to be some derivative of the Ford F-150 truck or something."
The Ford F-150 is a popular pickup truck that many people use for work and everyday driving. It's known for being tough and reliable.
The Ford F-150 is one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the United States, known for its durability, versatility, and range of powerful engine options. It has a strong reputation for both work and leisure use.
Ford Gtd Mustang
"...it's similar to what Ford's trying to do with the GTD Mustang. Right."
The Ford Mustang GTD is a special version of the Mustang that is made to be really fast and perform well on race tracks. It still looks like a Mustang but has extra features to make it even better for driving enthusiasts.
The Ford Mustang GTD is a high-performance variant of the iconic Mustang, designed to deliver track-ready capabilities while maintaining everyday usability. With advanced engineering and a focus on performance, the GTD aims to elevate the Mustang's legacy in the world of sports cars.
F7
"From the racing pedigree, the F7 is the most successful supercar to date in the respect that it has won at literally every major race track in the world."
The F7 is a high-performance sports car that has done very well in racing competitions globally.
The F7 is a supercar known for its racing success, having won at numerous prestigious tracks around the world.
24 hours of Le Mans
"And when we finally won the 24 hours of Le Mans with the car and the racing version,"
The 24 hours of Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts a full day, where cars try to go as far as possible in that time.
The 24 hours of Le Mans is one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world, held annually in France, where teams compete to cover the most distance in 24 hours.
Porsche 356
"...Dad ended up from a friend, purchased a 1956 Porsche 356 European model. And I got to drive that when I got my driver's license."
The Porsche 356 is an early sports car made by Porsche. It was popular for its speed and handling, and many car enthusiasts love it today because of its classic design.
The Porsche 356 is a classic sports car produced by Porsche from 1948 to 1965. It was the first production automobile by the company and is known for its lightweight design and excellent handling.
Porsche Owners Club
"And the Porsche Owners Club was a bunch of professional and amateur Porsche racers."
The Porsche Owners Club is a group where people who own Porsches can meet and share their interest in these cars. They often have events and races together.
The Porsche Owners Club is a community for Porsche enthusiasts, including both professional and amateur racers. Members often participate in events, track days, and social gatherings centered around their love for Porsche vehicles.
motorsport
"is when I really got the urge to follow racing."
Motorsport is a term for sports that involve racing cars or motorcycles. It includes many types of races and competitions.
Motorsport refers to competitive events involving motorized vehicles, including car racing, motorcycle racing, and other forms of racing. It encompasses various disciplines, from Formula 1 to rally racing.
Porsche 911
"And then I sold the Porsche because I wanted to get a newer one, a 911 S. And then I realized it was going to take a long time to save up for that."
The Porsche 911 S is a special version of the Porsche 911, which is a famous sports car. It usually has better performance and features than the standard model.
The Porsche 911 S is a variant of the iconic Porsche 911 sports car, known for its performance and distinctive design. The 'S' typically indicates a sportier version with enhanced features.
Shelby Cobras
"... had a big, and watching the Shelby Mustangs, the Cobras, and of course the Ford GT40s on this deal, I fel..."
Ford Gt40S
"So I saw an ad to buy a used Shelby Mustang in Southern California. So I ended up buying that and fixing that up. And that's what introduced me to the world, if you will, Ford performance. And so that had a big, and watching the Shelby Mustangs, the Cobras, and of course the Ford GT40s on this deal."
The Ford GT40 is a famous race car that won many races, including the Le Mans. It's known for being very fast and well-built.
The Ford GT40 is a legendary race car known for its success in endurance racing, particularly at the Le Mans 24-hour race. It was designed to compete with Ferrari and is celebrated for its engineering and performance.
Formula Atlantic
"...that driving sedans wasn't necessarily, or production cars wasn't necessarily the best path, you needed to be in formula cars. And so I ended up selling my house at the time I was not married and bought a Formula Atlantic."
Formula Atlantic is a racing series where drivers compete in fast, single-seat cars. It's a place for drivers to gain experience before moving on to bigger racing leagues.
Formula Atlantic is a type of open-wheel racing series that serves as a stepping stone for drivers aspiring to reach higher levels of motorsport, such as Formula 1. It features single-seat cars that are designed for high performance on road courses.
Formula One
"...I competed wheel-to-wheel on the Formula One side was Jills Villanue and KK Rosberg, who won the Formula One championship."
Formula One is a type of car racing that involves very fast cars competing in races around the world. It's known for its advanced technology and skilled drivers.
Formula One is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, governed by the FIA. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world, and is known for its cutting-edge technology and high speeds.
Pontiac Motor Company
"...but I was offered a pain drive with Pontiac Motor Company."
Pontiac was a car brand that made sporty cars in the U.S. It was popular for many years but stopped making cars in 2010.
Pontiac was a brand of automobiles produced by General Motors, known for its performance-oriented vehicles. The brand was discontinued in 2010, but it had a significant impact on American car culture.
special edition
"So I left my position at the end of the racing season in 1983 and started the company to build special edition V8 version Mustangs."
A special edition car is a unique version of a regular car that has special features or designs. It's often made in limited numbers to make it more exclusive.
A special edition car is a variant of a standard model that features unique design elements, performance enhancements, or limited production runs. These editions are often created to commemorate an event or to offer something unique to enthusiasts.
American muscle car
"...there was certainly the Mustang as an American muscle car or sports car. On this was the right platform."
Muscle cars are fast cars made in America, usually with big engines that make them powerful. They became popular in the 1960s and are known for their sporty looks and speed.
American muscle cars are high-performance vehicles typically featuring powerful V8 engines and a focus on straight-line speed. They emerged in the 1960s and are known for their aggressive styling and performance capabilities.
Ford Gt
"...many may not realize that you built the mid 2000s Ford GT, right? And the late 2000s Dodge Viper."
The Ford GT is a super-fast sports car that looks really sleek and is built for racing. It's special because it has a lot of advanced features and is inspired by an older car that was famous for winning races a long time ago.
The Ford GT is a high-performance sports car that pays homage to the legendary Ford GT40, which dominated the Le Mans races in the 1960s. The modern version, introduced in the mid-2000s, features advanced technology and a powerful engine, making it a significant achievement in automotive engineering.
Ford F7
"When we came out with the F7 is I kept Ford top management of Ford Motor Company informed of what we were doing and what we were about to debut and what our intentions with the vehicle works."
The Ford F7 is a type of car made by Ford. It's part of their sports car lineup and shows Ford's commitment to creating exciting vehicles.
The Ford F7 is a model that was developed as part of Ford's lineup, likely aimed at the sports car market. It represents a significant effort by Ford to innovate and expand their offerings in this segment.
code name
"And they went through several iterations under what they call the code name Petunia."
A code name is a special name used for a project before it has an official name. It helps keep things secret while the project is being worked on.
A code name is a temporary name used during the development of a project, often to keep the details confidential. In the automotive industry, code names can refer to new models or concepts that are still in development.
OEM
"Well, and so that's what really kind of got me more in the OEM. What is the large OEM bill?"
OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer. It's a term used for companies that make parts for cars, which are then sold under another brand's name.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, referring to companies that produce parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. In the automotive industry, it typically refers to the car manufacturers themselves.
Dodge Challengers
"...have benefited from the saline treatment. You did challengers before there were Hellcats. You did Camaros. You ..."
Chevrolet Camaros
"...d challengers before there were Hellcats. You did Camaros. You even did Tesla. So do you approach each bran..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that looks really cool and goes fast. It's been around for a long time and is known for being fun to drive, especially if you like cars that have a lot of power.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that has been a symbol of performance and style since its introduction in 1966. Known for its powerful engines and aggressive design, the Camaro has competed with other muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, making it a significant player in automotive history.
suspension
"...everything from power trains, suspension aerodynamics..."
The suspension is the part of a car that helps it ride smoothly over bumps and turns. It keeps the car stable and comfortable for passengers.
The suspension system of a vehicle connects the body to the wheels and helps absorb shocks from the road, providing comfort and stability while driving. It plays a key role in handling and ride quality.
vehicle dynamics
"...what I learned on vehicle dynamics and everything from power trains, suspension aerodynamics..."
Vehicle dynamics is about how a car behaves when it's moving, like how it turns or stays stable on the road. It's important for making cars that are safe and fun to drive.
Vehicle dynamics refers to the study of how a vehicle responds to various forces while in motion, including handling, stability, and ride comfort. It is crucial for designing vehicles that perform well under different driving conditions.
power trains
"...everything from power trains, suspension aerodynamics..."
Power trains are the parts of a car that make it move, like the engine and transmission. They help the car go faster or save fuel.
Power trains refer to the components of a vehicle that generate power and deliver it to the wheels, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. They are essential for determining a vehicle's performance and efficiency.
Dodge Realm
"...they? Yeah, it was like when we ventured into the Dodge realm on this because of what we were doing with the Vi..."
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for work or outdoor activities. It's popular because it can handle tough jobs while also being comfortable to drive.
The Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck known for its ruggedness, versatility, and strong performance capabilities. It has been a popular choice for both work and leisure, offering a range of configurations and powerful engine options to suit various needs.
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