Saleen made a big splash at the 2008 New York Auto Show with the debut of two new vehicles: the Saleen S5S Raptor powered by E85 Ethanol, and the new Dan Gurney-signature series edition Mustang.

Saleen S5S Raptor

Eco-friendly to the max, Saleen has equipped the Raptor with a supercharged 5 liter engine powered by Ethanol making over 650 hp with a claimed 0-60 of less than 3.4 seconds. The Raptor is a concept. There is no guarantee that Saleen will make it, but they are claimed to have scheduled production of the vehicle – the eco-supercar, by 2010 at $185,000 list price.

The Raptor is a two-seater (naturally) and comes from a joint effort between Saleen’s michigan-based engineering group and ASC which are both owned by the same capital group (also know as-the money guys). A claimed speed is in excess of 200 mph, and the aluminum chassis, 15-inch brakes, and 20-inch forged wheels are standard fare for a super car of this caliber.

Saleen’s Special Edition Dan Gurney Mustang

Perhaps no racer is more infamous than Dan Gurney’s history with the Mustang. The paint job, obviously resembles Dan’s 1969 Trans-Am car, which is a super sharp look which will be available in 3 colors starting as early as April. This is a real car – not a concept.

In terms of power, expect the 300 cars to be equipped with a 4.6l Modular with the Saleen supercharger making 460+ hp.

Here is the official press release from Saleen below:

Saleen Automotive, America’s premiere automotive enthusiast brand for over a quarter of a century, announced today at the New York Auto Show that it has entered into a partnership with American automotive legend Dan Gurney for creation of a special Gurney Signature Edition Mustang. ”It is amazing that just two years ago Saleen was standing on stage here at the Javitz Center with Parnelli Jones and today we are with his long time rival and friend, and truthfully one of America’s racing heroes, Mr. Dan Gurney,” said Saleen President and CEO Paul Wilbur.

All 300 of the Gurney Signature Edition vehicles will feature Saleen’s 465 Hp supercharged 281 cubic inch engine, short throw shifter, and 3.73 Max Grip rear axle. In addition, the vehicles will have custom two-tone seats that feature either blue or red AlcantaraTM inserts designed to keep your rear end planted firmly behind the wheel. The legendary Gurney Eagle© logo is featured on the steering wheel and several other places around the car.

The exterior reflects the look of Dan’s 1969 Trans Am series Mustang, masterfully recreated in a fashion that honors history but looks aggressively towards the future. The heritage styled Gurney Edition body kit, ‘duck bill’ rear spoiler and ‘stinger’ style hood all come together in harmony with the carefully placed graphics and die cut Gurney Eagle insignia.

“I am pleased that they could make a car that is so beautiful but still so true to my old race car. At the end of the day, all I really want is a car that is faster than Parnelli’s” said racing great, Dan Gurney. Saleen executives were not prepared to make that statement, but what they did say is: “this is likely the best all around 281 supercharged car that Saleen has ever built,” commented Saleen General Manager, Marques McCammon.

“Dan Gurney has always been about business on the track. His cars were light, fast and handled like they were on rails,” said Saleen Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Chris Theodore. “I’ll admit we added a little weight when we added the blower to this car, but you will be shocked at how this car cuts through a corner.”

The Gurney Signature Edition gets its dynamic ability from the specially tuned Racecraft suspension, Generation-II Watts-Link Rear End, and super sticky Pirelli Corsa tires. This is a suspension combination that has never before been featured on a Saleen vehicle, and one that received the personal stamp from Dan Gurney himself.

“It is like a dream come true to spend time on the tarmac with the Gurney’s. Together, we will create a package that I am sure that market will love,” said Chassis and Dynamics Lead Derk Hartland.

The Gurney Signature Edition Mustang is slated to begin production this April and should start appearing in dealers later that month. With production being limited to only 300 cars, the Gurney Edition is sure to be a must have amongst collectors. In honor of Mr. Gurney’s ‘All American Racer persona the cars will be offered in only three colors: Torch Red, Performance White, and the feature color Vista Blue. One hundred of each color will be made with contrasting color graphics and interiors, and a set of “#2” roundels to truly relive the Gurney experience.

The most important piece of the car to me is Dan Gurney’s signature on the center of the dash,” commented Wilbur. “ I view it as the stamp of approval by one of America’s greatest drivers”

Check out the extra photos below: