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44-646: The Leyland-DAB Lion was a mid-engined double-decker bus chassis manufactured by Leyland between 1986 and 1988. The Leyland-DAB Lion was designed as a mid-engined double-decker bus chassis based on a Danish Automobile Building design. Only 32 were built for Clydeside Scottish , Eastern Scottish and Nottingham City Transport . Following the takeover of Leyland by Volvo , the Lion ceased production in 1988. [REDACTED] Media related to Leyland-DAB Lion at Wikimedia Commons Mid-engine design The mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive format can be considered

88-492: A front-engine or rear-engine car. When the engine is in front of the driver, but fully behind the front axle line, the layout is sometimes called a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, or FMR layout instead of the less-specific term front-engine; and can be considered a subset of the latter. In-vehicle layout, FMR is substantially the same as FR, but handling differs as a result of the difference in weight distribution. Some vehicles could be classified as FR or FMR depending on

132-616: A large displacement of 427 cubic inches (7.0 L) the engine is based on and has been developed around the more compact and lighter small-block architecture and is in fact not based on the FE big-block . It proved remarkably tractable and flexible for a high-output requirement—550 hp (410 kW) at 6,400 rpm. In 2005, the S7 gained a more powerful twin-turbocharged powerplant which boosted engine power to 750 hp (559 kW) and estimated top speed of 248 mph (399 km/h). The body of

176-575: A number of different classes competing across the globe in America, Asia and Europe. The first S7-R assembled by RML was completed in late 2000 and made its racing debut in the American Le Mans Series event at Laguna Seca Raceway . Run by Saleen-Allen Speedlab, the car finishes in 26th place. For 2001, the first customer chassis would be completed, and their respective teams would enter various championships: Fordahl Motorsports ran in

220-458: A problem in some cars, but this issue seems to have been largely solved in newer designs. For example, the Saleen S7 employs large engine-compartment vents on the sides and rear of the bodywork to help dissipate heat from its very high-output engine. Mid-engined cars are more dangerous than front-engined cars if the driver loses control - although this may be initially harder to provoke due to

264-405: A progressive and controllable manner as the tires lose traction. Super, sport, and race cars frequently have a mid-engined layout, as these vehicles' handling characteristics are more important than other requirements, such as usable space. In dedicated sports cars, a weight distribution of about 50% front and rear is frequently pursued, to optimise the vehicle's driving dynamics – a target that

308-409: A rearview camera system with in-dash flip-up monitor and navigation. The electrical wire harnesses were said to be manufactured with the "highest quality materials." Teflon -coated tinned military specification wire, cannon plugs , gold plated pins and sockets were used for the connectors, and wire harnesses were wrapped with a high-temperature glass mesh under a woven Kevlar outer skin. The engine

352-401: A vehicle safer since an accident can occur if a vehicle cannot stay in its own lane around a curve or is unable to stop quickly enough. Mid-engine design is also a way to provide additional empty crush space in the front of the automobile between the bumper and the windshield, which can then be designed to absorb more of the impact force in a frontal collision in order to minimize penetration into

396-423: Is an American hand-built, high-performance sports car designed and built by American automobile manufacturer Saleen Automotive Inc. Developed jointly by Steve Saleen for the initial concept, direction and engine, Hidden Creek Industries for resources and initial funding, Ray Mallock Ltd. (RML) for chassis, suspension and aerodynamics, and Phil Frank for the body and interior CAD design and development. It

440-521: Is divided into bolt-fastened sub-assemblies to allow for rapid access to critical subsystems. This design contributes to the car's light overall weight of 2,865 lb (1,300 kg). The naturally aspirated version of the S7 is able to accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in an estimated 2.8 seconds, and to 100 mph (161 km/h) in an estimated 7.1 seconds. It completes a standing 1 ⁄ 4 mile (402 m) in an estimated 11.35 seconds, reaching 128 mph (206 km/h). Top speed

484-408: Is typically only achievable by placing the engine somewhere between the front and rear axles. Usually, the term "mid-engine" has been primarily applied to cars having the engine located between the driver and the rear drive axles. This layout is referred to as rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive , (or RMR) layout. The mechanical layout and packaging of an RMR car are substantially different from that of

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528-457: Is upgraded with Garrett twin-turbochargers producing 5.5 psi (0.38 bar) of boost , increasing the maximum power output to 750 hp (559 kW; 760 PS) at 6,300 rpm and the maximum torque to 700 lb⋅ft (949 N⋅m) at 4,800 rpm. The front and rear diffusers and the rear spoiler were also reworked to increase downforce by 60%. Manufacturer estimates: In 2006, Saleen offered an optional competition package for

572-467: The 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans where they earned an 11th-place finish, the best ever by a Saleen at the time. Oreca was chosen to prepare new S7-R chassis with upgrades under the supervision of Saleen engineers William Tally, Derk Hartland, Randall Speir, Matthew W. Wright and William Kreig to make them more competitive, which led to the team earning two victories in the Le Mans Series and winning

616-544: The British GT and Spanish GT Championships. Park Place won four races and earned their first championship title, while Graham Nash won nine British GT and four Spanish GT races, earning them the title in both series. Konrad Motorsport however struggled against the faster, higher-budget Corvette Racing team and could not score any victories, but were able to finish second in the championship. Konrad Motorsport chose to move their Saleen squad to Europe in order to compete in

660-715: The FIA GT Championship in 2003, leaving North America without a full-season competitor for the S7-R as Park Place abandoned the Grand American championship. Graham Nash joined Konrad in FIA GT, earning a sixth-place finish in the championship. For 2004, Saleen would have a resurgence of teams as RML returned to run FIA GT, Dominique Dupuy's DDO team entered the FFSA GT Championship , Konrad assisted

704-595: The Grand American Road Racing Championship , RML ran the European Le Mans Series , and Konrad Motorsport ran both ALMS and ELMS. This car with chassis number 001 was named Christine by Saleen engineers. The S7-R quickly showed its capabilities, when Konrad finished in sixth place at the 12 Hours of Sebring , earning their first class victory. Fordahl won seven Grand American events en route to finishing second in

748-604: The 1950s and 1960s, e.g. the AEC Reliance . The Ferrari Mondial is to date the only successful example of a true mid-engined convertible with seating for 4 and sports car/supercar performance. A version of the Lotus Evora with a removable roof panel is anticipated but no definite date is known. Like any layout where the engine is not front-mounted and facing the wind, the traditional "engine-behind-the-passengers" layout makes engine cooling more difficult. This has been

792-489: The 2006 FFSA GT Championship. In FIA GT, Zakspeed took over as the factory squad with Balfe Racing running as a privateer. Zakspeed managed to earn two victories and earn themselves fourth in the championship. For 2007, Zakspeed was forced to abandon their FIA GT effort as the team went bankrupt during the off-season. ACEMCO also was forced to withdraw and offer their S7-Rs for sale. Oreca finish-assembled two more chassis using subassemblies provided by Saleen, with one going to

836-629: The Italian Racing Box squad who would compete alongside Oreca in the Le Mans Series. Oreca won four races during the season. In 2010, the Oreca finish-assembled S7-R (chassis number 610) of Larbre Compétition won the final and its only LMGT1 class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans . Initial fabrication and assembly of this chassis was performed by Saleen's Irvine, CA engineering team in 2006-2007 after normal business hours due to

880-601: The S7 Twin Turbo. The package offers a 33% increase in power, to a total of approximately 1,000 hp (1,014 PS; 746 kW), as well as changes to the suspension, a revised front and rear diffuser, and an optional aerodynamic package with carbon fiber front and rear spoilers. In 2017, Saleen announced the relaunch of the S7 sports car. The new car, called the S7 LM commemorated Saleen's success in motorsports. Additional wind tunnel development lead to modifications in

924-424: The car, made entirely from carbon fiber , incorporates the use of scoops , spoilers , and other aerodynamic features to create Split Channel airflow throughout the car. At 160 mph (257 km/h), the car creates its own weight in downforce. Leather appears throughout the cabin, with aluminum accents. The S7 comes with a set of custom-fit luggage. Because of the car's mid-engine layout, it has two trunks at

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968-521: The case of the Ferrari FF taking power from both ends of the crankshaft with two separate gearboxes. These cars use a traditional engine layout between driver and rear drive axle. Typically, they're simply called MR; for mid-rear (engined), or mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout cars. These cars use mid-ship, four-wheel-drive , with an engine between the axles. These cars are "mid-ship engined" vehicles, but they use front-wheel drive , with

1012-591: The class championship, while RML won four ELMS events and won that championship by a mere point over the Konrad Saleens. Saleen-Allen Speedlab also earned a podium finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with an 18th-place finish overall. For 2002, Konrad Motorsport concentrated mostly on the American Le Mans Series (the ELMS having been dissolved following 2001), while Park Place Racing took over Fordahl's entry in Grand American. Newcomer Graham Nash Motorsport won both

1056-432: The engine in front of the driver. It is still treated as an FF layout, though, due to the engine's placement still being in the front of the car, contrary to the popular belief that the engine is placed in front of the rear axle with power transferred to the front wheels (an RMF layout). In most examples, the engine is longitudinally mounted rather than transversely as is common with FF cars. Saleen S7 The Saleen S7

1100-413: The engine placed between the driver and the front axle. This layout, similar to the above FMR layout, with the engine between driver and the front axle, adds front-wheel drive to become a four-wheel drive. An engineering challenge with this layout is getting the power to the front wheels past the engine - this would normally involve raising the engine to allow a propshaft to pass under the engine, or in

1144-420: The exterior design which includes a full width rear spoiler, side skirts and under body channels along with new forged alloy wheels. The interior comes with bucket seats, a digital tachometer, shift light indicator and a 240 mph speedometer. The engine has an increased power output of 1,300 hp (969 kW). In 2019, it was reported that the power output and performance of the car were updated. The engine

1188-562: The factory-installed engine (I4 vs I6). Historically most classical FR cars such as the Ford Models T and A would qualify as an FMR engine car. Additionally, the distinction between FR and FMR is a fluid one, depending on the degree of engine protrusion in front of the front axle line, as manufacturers mount engines as far back in the chassis as possible. Not all manufacturers use the Front-Mid designation. These cars are RWD cars with

1232-664: The first few S7-Rs under the supervision of Saleen's engineering team in their workshops in Britain, before Saleen assumed control over all S7-R assembly with the French Oreca squad executing final outfitting in 2006. A total of fourteen S7-Rs were completed to race-ready condition. Seven additional S7-Rs were assembled to a level of completeness requiring the assignment of Vehicle Identification Numbers ; however, these chassis were never outfitted into complete vehicles. In 2004, Ferrari had gathered VIPs and automotive press around

1276-439: The fore and aft weight distribution by other means, such as putting the engine in the front and the gearbox and battery in the rear of the vehicle. Another benefit comes when the heavy mass of the engine is located close to the back of the seats. It makes it easier for the suspension to absorb the force of bumps so the riders feel a smoother ride. But in sports cars, the engine position is once again used to increase performance and

1320-503: The front and rear. Other features include an LCD monitor , rear-view camera, quick-release steering wheel and a 240 mph (390 km/h) speedometer. The cabin is of an asymmetrical layout, and comes with fixed seats, with the driver's seat positioned toward the center to improve both the driver's visibility and center the driver's weight in the vehicle. The chassis uses a space frame design consisting of 4130 lightweight steel and aluminium honeycomb composite reinforcing panels. It

1364-521: The front tires in braking the vehicle, with less chance of rear-wheel lockup and less chance of a skid or spin out. If the mid-engine vehicle is also rear-drive the added weight on the rear tires can also improve acceleration on slippery surfaces, providing much of the benefit of all-wheel-drive without the added weight and expense of all-wheel-drive components. The mid-engine layout makes ABS brakes and traction control systems work better, by providing them more traction to control. The mid-engine layout may make

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1408-506: The new Vitaphone Racing , and ACEMCO Motorsports purchased two brand-new S7-Rs, modified to better compete in the American Le Mans Series. Vitaphone earned three victories in FIA GT en route to a fourth place in the championship, while DDO earned two victories in FFSA GT. Fortunes would quickly turn for the S7-Rs in the 2005 season. Konrad and Graham Nash saw their racing efforts downsized as

1452-483: The original layout of automobiles. A 1901 Autocar was the first gasoline-powered automobile to use a drive shaft and placed the engine under the seat. This pioneering vehicle is now in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution . Mounting the engine in the middle instead of the front of the vehicle puts more weight over the rear tires, so they have more traction and provide more assistance to

1496-539: The overall win. Ferrari's then CEO Luca Cordero di Montezemolo was in attendance of the race and he admitted the S7-R's victory by saying "We were no match for the Saleen today". It was regarded as one of the biggest upsets in auto racing history by the automotive press as a race car from a low volume manufacturer had beaten Ferrari at their home track. The Saleen S7 has been very successful in international motorsports having amassed many victories in professional racing in

1540-443: The passenger compartment of the vehicle. In most automobiles, and in sports cars especially, ideal car handling requires balanced traction between the front and rear wheels when cornering, in order to maximize the possible speed around curves without sliding out. This balance is harder to achieve when the heavy weight of the engine is located far to the front or far to the rear of the vehicle. Some automobile designs strive to balance

1584-536: The potentially smoother ride is usually more than offset by stiffer shock absorbers . This layout also allows the motor, gearbox, and differential to be bolted together as a single unit. Together with independent suspension on the driven wheels, this removes the need for the chassis to transfer engine torque reaction. The largest drawback of mid-engine cars is restricted rear or front (in the case of front-mid layouts) passenger space; consequently, most mid-engine vehicles are two-seat vehicles. The engine in effect pushes

1628-412: The rear passenger seats forward towards the front axle (if the engine is behind the driver). Exceptions typically involve larger vehicles of unusual length or height in which the passengers can share space between the axles with the engine, which can be between them or below them, as in some vans, large trucks, and buses. The mid-engine layout (with a horizontal engine) was common in single-decker buses in

1672-412: The superior balance - and the car begins to spin. The moment of inertia about the center of gravity is low due to the concentration of mass between the axles (similar to standing in the middle of a playground roundabout, rather than at the edge) and the spin will occur suddenly, the car will rotate faster and it will be harder to recover from. Conversely, a front-engined car is more likely to break away in

1716-442: The teams hit economic problems. Vitaphone Racing moved on from the S7-R and raced a Maserati MC12 to the FIA GT championship. This left ACEMCO to take second in the American Le Mans Series, while DDO earned the only Saleen wins that year with three. In an attempt to rebound from 2005, Saleen chose to concentrate on select series and events. ACEMCO dropped out from the American Le Mans Series in order to concentrate solely on entering

1760-591: The world at Ferrari's Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari race track for the round 8 of the FIA GT Super Racing Weekend Imola to witness the sure victory of their race cars and then new Maserati MC12 GT1 against foreign competition. Vitaphone Racing 's S7-R driven by Michael Bartels and Uwe Alzen competed against two Maserati MC12s, three Ferrari 550s , three Ferrari 575s and two Lamborghini Murcielagos in GT Class specification securing

1804-441: Was claimed to be 220 mph (354 km/h), but this has never been confirmed in testing. Standard electronics include: Power windows, power door locks , remote control operated doors, hood , trunk , and engine compartment openers, electronic power steering with redundant safety circuits, 110 volt inlet for maintaining the battery, electronic heated front window, shut off control for electronic fuel pump upon crash impact and

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1848-541: Was designed to compete in grand tourer –style motorsports series and events such as the American Le Mans Series , FIA GT Championship , and 24 Hours of Le Mans . The 7.0 L (427 cu. in.) naturally-aspirated V8 engine produces about 631 hp, and 610 lb-ft of torque, using two air intake restrictor plates . Unrestricted, however, the engine is capable of producing a massive 760 hp, and 740 lb-ft of torque. Ray Mallock Ltd. (RML) assembled

1892-403: Was now rated at 1,500 hp (1,119 kW) and 1,398 lb⋅ft (1,895 N⋅m) of torque. Performance figures include a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 2.2 seconds and a claimed top speed of 298 mph (480 km/h). It wasn't clear how many cars would be made. The Saleen S7-R is a racing version of the standard, naturally aspirated S7, produced from 2000 to 2007. It

1936-662: Was the first fully proprietary car produced by Saleen and became America's sixth mid-engine production sports car coming after the Pontiac Fiero , Consulier GTP , Mosler Raptor , Vector W8 , and M12 . The S7 debuted on August 19, 2000, at the Monterey Historic Races . The all-aluminium engine is a proprietary unit developed and built in house. It is a bored-and-stroked derivative of Ford's 351 Windsor small block , with Cleveland-style canted valve heads which have been extensively reworked and modified. Having

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