Saleen reveals SMS 570 Dodge Challenger

American performance carmaker Saleen and its new SMS supercar offshoot has finally revealed its first official product, the Signature Series performance line based on the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T. The lineup will consist of two new vehicles, the SMS 570 and SMS 570X Challengers, both fully certified and street legal and fitted with custom supercharged 5.7L Hemi V8s delivering 500hp (373kW) and 700hp (522kW) respectively.

The SMS 570 Challenger will start at $60,000, while the 570X model will start at $70,000. Both models will carry a bumper-to-bumper factory warranty and are pre-production orders are now available through any Dodge dealer in the United States.

The cars will feature Saleen’s current SMS 296 supercharger, which is applicable to both the 5.7L and 6.1L HEMI V8 engines. The water-to-air intercooled unit features state-of-the-art asymmetric multi-lobe screws for maximum efficiency. It also features a bypass system to allow for off-boost cruising. A belt-driven pulley spins the screws to drive the compressed air into the engine, while the Venturi and high-flow filter help keep the flow at high speeds. Another unique feature is the Red Butterfly Induction hood.

Other modifications include SMS branded drivetrain, suspension, braking, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior pieces. Some of the highlights include 20in alloys with 14in brake rotors up front and 12in units in the back, a full bodykit with a carbon-fiber diffuser, two-tone leather trim, and new gauges.

The next couple of years will be very busy for the SMS division. Later this year the company plans to launch a new car based on the 2010 Ford Mustang and after that it will launch a hotted-up version of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.