Is Tesla's (TSLA) Influence Extending to the Supercar Market?

While Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA) has come under scrutiny over the last few months following a few Model S vehicle fire reports, no one can deny that the company is forging ahead in changing consumer sentiment surrounding what an electric vehicle (EV) can be. Its Model S sedan has won numerous accolades and has seen its fair share of scrutiny.

But, Tesla's Model S is a sports sedan. Not exactly exciting enough for the hypercar crowd and most manufacturers (like Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren) are working on hybrid supercars.

News today has supercar manufacturer Saleen Automotive affirming that it is working on a new, all-electric vehicle. Steve Saleen, CEO of Saleen Automotive, commented, We recognize that electric cars are a trend, not a fad and expect this vehicle category to continue to increase as an automotive option for consumers ... We intend to enter this market with an offering that is truly innovative and offers the styling and craftsmanship associated with the Saleen Automotive brand. The rapid pace of advancements in electric vehicle technology makes our entry into this market sector timely and should expedite completion of this project.

An update from Saleen is expected in early 2014.

Those that follow the auto industry might remember Saleen for its S7 supercar, which saw production from 2000 through 2004. Saleen also was noted for its Fore Mustang modifications, which was more accessible to a larger audience versus the nearly $400,000 S7.

Saleen notably went major restructuring from 2008 through 2012.

It wasn't made clear if Tesla would also be the battery supplier for any sort of Saleen EV. Tesla currently supplies batteries for Toyota (NYSE: TM) and Daimler, among other companies. Given what Saleen might have in mind for its EV supercar and potential low-volume production, any agreement probably won't move the needle too much for Tesla either way.

Whether Tesla can be fully responsible for mass-market EV appeal is questionable, though the company certainly has brought plenty of attention to the segment. Would Saleen push ahead with an all-electric vehicle if it weren't for Tesla? Who knows.

Shares of Tesla are positive in early trading.

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