Image Credit: Saleen.Nine years is an awfully long time to wait for a sports car, especially when the automotive industry can change dramatically in that period. Yet that's exactly how long enthusiasts have been waiting for Saleen to bring its mid-engine S1 to market.First unveiled at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, the S1 promised a lightweight, driver-focused alternative to established European sports cars. It also marked an ambitious new chapter for the American performance company best known for modifying Ford Mustangs and creating the legendary S7 supercar.Unfortunately, the project encountered delays, leaving prospective buyers wondering whether the car would ever reach production. The original excitement gradually gave way to uncertainty as years passed without customer deliveries.Now, Saleen has officially opened reservations for the S1 Street, complete with updated performance specifications and pricing. There's just one catch: the car starts at $160,000, putting it firmly into territory occupied by some seriously accomplished rivals.The S1 Packs 450 HP Into A Lightweight PackageSaleen's mid-engine sports car produces a claimed 450 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque, with power sent to the rear wheels. The company previously announced a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, although it hasn't fully clarified the production car's final powertrain configuration.According to Saleen, the S1 Street can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 171 mph. Its claimed weight of 2,685 pounds is particularly impressive, although the company hasn't clarified exactly how that figure is measured.The original design featured an aluminum chassis and carbon-fiber body panels, emphasizing agility rather than enormous horsepower. If those elements carry over unchanged, the S1 could offer an engaging driving experience despite its relatively modest output.A Track-Only Version Costs $250,000Saleen is also accepting reservations for the S1 Race, a track-focused variant priced from $250,000. The company claims it can reach 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 180 mph.Both versions reportedly produce the same horsepower and torque, although Saleen hasn't explained all the mechanical differences between them. The company says production will take place at its facility in Corona, California.Reserving the street-legal S1 requires a fully refundable $1,000 deposit, while the racing version requires $2,000. Crucially, Saleen still hasn't confirmed when customers can expect their cars to arrive.It's Much More Expensive Than A Lotus EmiraImage Credit: Saleen.At $160,000 before options, the Saleen S1 faces some uncomfortable comparisons. The Lotus Emira V6 SE with a manual transmission starts at approximately $112,900 in the United States, making it $47,100 cheaper.The Lotus also offers something the Saleen currently cannot: an established production history and cars already in customers' hands. Meanwhile, the S1's price has climbed substantially from the roughly $100,000 figure discussed when it was originally revealed.There's also competition from the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, which offers a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 and significantly greater horsepower. Buyers spending six figures will inevitably compare the Saleen against vehicles with proven performance and established dealer support.Reservations Are Open, But We Still Have QuestionsSaleen has previously discussed ambitious production targets, including building as many as 1,500 S1s annually. However, it's still unknown when production will begin in earnest or how quickly the company could fulfill reservations.The S1's lightweight construction and distinctive styling still make it an intriguing proposition for enthusiasts seeking something unusual. After nearly a decade of delays, though, Saleen's biggest challenge may be convincing buyers that this long-awaited sports car is finally ready for the road.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.