When Steve Saleen created SMS Supercars, there were rumors
that the long-time Mustang tuner could introduce the new company’s efforts with
Dodge Challenger, and with the recent press release from SMS, it was confirmed
that SMS’ first Supercar is indeed based on the popular Dodge Challenger.
The SMS prepared Challengers will wear the name 570 and 570X
Challenger, and those packages are based on 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
models.The SMS Challengers will all
feature the 5.7L Hemi engine, but the horsepower will be increased from the
normal 376 up to 500-700, depending on the extent of the package chosen.The key addition in making all of this power
is the new SMS 296 Supercharger, and in prior applications the 5.7L Hemi has
responded well to the forced induction. All of the 570 and 570X models will also come equipped with a 6-speed
manual transmission.
Other than the basics above, SMS is fairly tight lipped as
to the full details of the vehicle, but along with the jump in power, we can
expect braking and suspension upgrades, along with aesthetic changes to the
interior and exterior.One great change
to the outside of the Challenger is the addition of the SMS Red Butteryfly-Induction
hood, and for the 570X, a full compliment of carbon fiber upgrades that not
give the car a sportier look, but also add to the cars aerodynamic
qualities.The toughest part to swallow
with the new high-performance Challengers is the cost, with the price tags
expected to range from $60,000 to $70,000 US Dollars.
There was no release date for the new SMS Challengers, but
with the SEMA Show about a month away, we can expect that a collection of the
world’s most popular aftermarket companies would likely feature the debut of a
new era for automotive legend Steve Saleen. Whether the SMS Challengers debut at SEMA next month or not, we can be
assured that the legacy that has been created by the Saleen Mustangs will be
carried on by the already popular Dodge Challenger.
Stay tuned for more information upon the debut in Las Vegas from DodgeForum.com, your source for SEMA 2008 event coverage!!
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
