Saleen Is Back: A New Supercar Is Coming — and You Can Help Design It

The legendary American automaker returns with the new Saleen S11, a supercar that promises to be wilder than ever — and fans will have a say in its final design.

Remember Saleen, the American manufacturer that made car enthusiasts dream in the 2000s with the Saleen S7, one of the most outrageous supercars of its era? Well, the brand is officially back, and it’s preparing an all-new model: the Saleen S11, a car that could restore its status among the great names in performance. But here’s the twist — fans will actually help shape the final design of this radical new machine.

A Supercar Designed with Public Input

The Saleen S11 prototype was quietly unveiled in Tacoma, Washington, at the LeMay – America’s Car Museum, as part of an exhibition titled “The Birth of the American Supercar,” curated in part by Steve Saleen himself. On display is a full-scale clay model, showcasing a sleek red body, futuristic lines, and massive wheels, offering a glimpse of what’s to come.

However, the design isn’t finalized yet. Saleen has opened the door for the public to participate in shaping both the interior and exterior of the car. Visitors to the museum — and soon, enthusiasts around the world — will be able to vote on specific design elements that could make their way into the production version. It’s a bold, interactive approach rarely seen in the exclusive world of supercar design.

A Project with True American Soul

Steve Saleen describes this initiative as a tribute to the spirit of American performance. “It’s an honor to debut the S11 design at the LeMay Museum and to hear from American supercar fans,” he said. The project has even been nicknamed “American Idle,” a playful nod to American Idol, but with a high-octane twist. Over the next year, Saleen will present different design choices, and enthusiasts will get to decide what the final car will look like.

For now, technical specifications and pricing remain under wraps, but the company promises that the new model will be “one louder than any other supercar on the market.” The best bet? A naturally aspirated V8 paired with a manual transmission — the kind of raw, analog experience that has defined Saleen’s most iconic creations.

A Long-Awaited Comeback

The new Saleen S11 marks the long-awaited return of a brand many thought was gone for good. After producing the Saleen S1 in China until 2020, the American firm is going back to its roots: low-volume production, high performance, and tailor-made craftsmanship. If all goes according to plan, the final version will make its official debut within the next 12 months, putting Saleen back on the global supercar stage.

With this participatory approach, Saleen aims to reconnect with enthusiasts of pure driving, offering something few brands dare to attempt: inviting fans to take part in the creation of a dream car. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that when Saleen promises power, it always delivers.