Steve Saleen and his newly formed company SMS have unveiled plans to produce their first Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles based on the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T. The SMS 570TM and 570XTM Dodge Challengers will feature a SMS Supercharged 5.7L Hemi with respective power ratings from 500 to over 700 horsepower. Both models will be fully equipped with a compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components including drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

Each of the limited edition SMS Dodge Challengers will be personally signed by Steve Saleen as part of the SMS Signature Series product line complete with unique badges and graphics. Production numbers will be limited so act fast and contact SMS to get yours ordered.

For more info check out the press release after the jump…

Press Release:
Orange County, California. Steve Saleen and his new company SMS are pleased to introduce the first product in his line of Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles, the SMS 570TM Challenger and SMS 570XTM Challenger.

As a professional racecar driver and innovative businessman, Mr. Saleen is well known as the founder of a number of Steve Saleen brands including Saleen Autosport, Saleen Productions, Saleen Speedlab, Saleen Performance, Saleen, Inc. and now SMS. In the years of building the many brands, Mr. Saleen oversaw and participated in every aspect of the business, in product development, sales and marketing. Mr. Saleen’s latest endeavor will focus on the expansion into the high-end of the diverse American Muscle Car markets.

The fully certified and street legal SMS 570TM Challenger and SMS 570XTM Challenger will be based on the all-new and exciting 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T platform and will feature a SMS Supercharged 5.7L Hemi with respective power ratings from 500 to over 700 horsepower! Both models are fully equipped with a compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components including: drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

“The horsepower and torque that we are developing from the SMS Supercharged Hemi is phenomenal” explains Billy Tally, SMS Chief Technical Officer, “combined with suspension and braking improvements our SMS Challenger will be an incredibly capable, refined and tractable vehicle”.

Each of these limited edition vehicles will be personally signed by Steve Saleen as part of the SMS Signature Series product line complete with unique badges and graphics. Production numbers will be limited per year depending on the model and the opportunity to be one of the few owners is limited to a first-come, first-served basis, so prospective customers need to act now as production is commencing in the fourth quarter of 2008.

“The Dodge Challenger is a great canvas to start with” notes Phil Frank, Chief Creative Officer, “the SMS Challenger will help define our design DNA as we introduce some exciting and functional aesthetic innovations to this already great platform”.

“I am drawing upon 25 years of rich experience in the automotive industry to address the rapidly expanding global market of automotive lifestyle vehicles, technical performance parts, accessories and apparel” explains Mr. Saleen “SMS is enabling us to do what could not be done at Saleen, Inc. due to the their heritage with the Ford dealer network and Ford vehicles. We are using this freedom, along with our new technology developed at SMS, to create world-class specialty vehicles.”

SMS
SMS Limited is a niche manufacturer of lifestyle ultra-high performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. SMS designs, engineers, tests, certifies, manufactures and assembles all its own products and vehicles.

World Headquarters
The 150,000 square-foot facility in Southern California, is designed for collaboration, efficiency and security. The state-of-the-art-design, development, prototype, machining, testing and composites groups support manufacturing, production, the SMS race team and clients.

Just an FYI for those of you who would like to order a 2009 Challenger. As of May 12 the ordering process is under way for 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T and SRT8 models. Yes you heard me right, you can order a 2009 Dodge Challenger at your local Dodge stealership. If you are curious about price most dealers are selling them for MSRP and even cheaper. Below I have added the .pdf file for the 2009 order guide.  Let me know in the comments if you place your order.

2009 Dodge Challenger Order Guide - .pdf file 

I found this sweet video for the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 about the “Brains” display under the speedometer. The new option will display your performance numbers including 0-60 mph times and lateral G’s. This is definately a nice option for 2009. Check out the video above.

The first 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 models rolled off the line at the Brampton Assembly Plant on Thursday, May 8th marking the return of a muscle car.  Chrysler employees and guests joined Chrysler executive Vice Presidnt Frank Ewasyshyn for all the launch festivities as brand-new Challengers rolled off the line.  With the limited run of about 7,000 SRT8 Challengers for 2008 the full line-up of Challengers will begin in 2009 model year that includes a RT and V6 model. 

Check the press release after the jump for all the news…

Chrysler Celebrates Production of All-New 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8®

* Highly anticipated 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® production begins at Brampton Assembly Plant
* Employees, guests join Chrysler executive Vice President Frank Ewasyshyn for festivities
* Manufacturing expertise contributes to product quality
* Modern muscle car offers best of past, present

Auburn Hills, Mich., May 8, 2008 - Chrysler LLC today celebrated the production launch of one of the industry’s most highly anticipated vehicles—the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8®. Dodge Challenger is back in Chrysler’s line-up as a modern muscle car with a new SRT8 model. A full line-up will follow in the 2009 model-year. Consumer interest in the Dodge Challenger has been some of the highest seen at Chrysler.

The all-new Dodge Challenger is built at Chrysler’s Brampton Assembly Plant on the same assembly line as the Dodge Charger and the award-winning Chrysler 300.

“Even though the development time for this Dodge Challenger SRT8 is one of the shortest in Chrysler’s history, the wait for this exciting car has been too long, and as of today, the wait is finally over!” said Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President – Manufacturing. “Dodge Challenger represents the best of Chrysler’s past and future. The teams that worked to bring this vehicle to market with quality and speed have done an excellent job.”

Nearly 1,000 employees and invited guests joined Mr. Ewasyshyn for the celebration.

Quality Manufacturing

To ensure quality targets were met and to foster a smooth manufacturing launch, a team of Brampton employees spent months helping to build pilot vehicles at Chrysler’s Auburn Hills Technology Center. Then, early pre-production models were built on the Brampton assembly line—rather than a pilot facility—which allowed engineers to more realistically test the production process.

“The vision of rolling launches on lines that build multiple and variant models is becoming a reality as demonstrated with the Dodge Challenger at the Brampton Assembly Plant,” said Fred Godetel, Vice President – Car and Minivan Manufacturing. “Chrysler’s Flexible Manufacturing Strategy, little more than a theory a few years ago, is being proved out at plants across North America.”

The Brampton Assembly Plant features Chrysler’s Flexible Manufacturing Strategy which provides for the production of higher quality products at lower cost. This unique system combines off-the-shelf robotics with customized and interchangeable tooling to build a variety of products on a single assembly line. This manufacturing expertise also allows the Company to more quickly and easily balance vehicle production with customer demand.

Dodge Challenger

The return of the iconic Dodge Challenger combines unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger with world-class performance. Approximately 7,000 2008 model-year vehicles for North American markets will be produced before 2009 model-year vehicles begin production in August. For 2009, the Company will offer three models: Dodge Challenger SE, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SRT8.

Dodge dealers have seen a tremendous interest in the Dodge Challenger and 2008 models are already sold out.

Although the original Dodge Challenger muscle car lasted only five model years, the Dodge Challenger became one of the most storied muscle car nameplates in automotive history, with meticulously restored and rare examples today selling for six-figure prices.

The U.S. MSRP for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 starts at $37,995, including the $675 destination charge.

Customer First

With world-class products like the Dodge Challenger, Chrysler can respond to customer insights and expectations with vehicles that truly capture the essence of the Company’s bold spirit while exceeding customer expectations.

The New Chrysler LLC is more nimble than a publicly held company and is moving quickly to deliver more quality and value to Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge customers. The Company initially approved 260 line-item product enhancements representing an investment of a half-billion dollars. The product changes continue to grow and are currently at more than 400.

The Company also launched last month the industry’s first on-line Customer Advisory Board to establish two-way dialog with our customers, and thousands of people have already applied to be part of this board. As we move beyond focus groups to gain insights that we can share throughout the Company, this Advisory Board will be used to stay in touch with our customers.

Brampton Assembly

The Brampton Assembly Plant was built in 1986 and was later acquired by Chrysler Corporation with the purchase of American Motors Corporation in 1987. The Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid began production in 1997 and the Chrysler LHS and 300M in 1998. Production of rear-wheel-drive vehicles started in 2004 with the launch of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. Production of the Dodge Charger was launched in early 2005.

The 2.95 million square-foot facility along with the Brampton Satellite Stamping Plant occupies 269 acres and together employs approximately 3,200 workers, many of which are represented by the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW). The satellite stamping facility was completed and production started in December of 1991.

Looks like some of the major Auto Magazines got there hands on a few production 2008 SRT8 Challengers recently to test them out and see what kind of performance numbers they could get.  Car and Driver was among those magazines documenting quarter mile time, 0-60 mph and top speed.  Check out Car and Drivers performance tests below with a few others.

Car & Driver

Quarter Mile - 13.3 @ 108, 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, Top Speed of 168.

Edmunds - 13.2 @ 107 mph

Motor Trend - 13.1 @ 108

To me these numbers seem a little slow given the 425 horsepower rating, I guess the 4200 pound beast is just sluggish.  Lets hope the tuners can shed some wieght, add horses and get this thing in the low 12’s.

If you are looking for more performance numbers check out Car and Driver’s Road Test article here.

At the Road America event the Vanishing Point Dodge Challenger SRT8 was going into turn 1 at the end of a long straightaway and the car got loose, went into the infield grass, and then hit the tire-pile. Driving the car, Erich Heuschele, Vehicle Dynamics Supervisor for SRT was unhurt.  Damage to the car looks worse than it really is as the car was seen driving around with the front fascia off later in the day. The Challenger was taken out of the race and maybe all the events. More photos of the wreck after the jump…

Chrysler’s Vice President Ralph Gilles and Erich Heuschele, Vehicle Dynamics Supervisor for SRT pictured above show off a white 2008 SRT8 Dodge Challenger dubbed ‘Vanishing Point’ that was inspired by the 1970 Dodge Challenger that stars in the cult film Vanishing Point from 1971. The two have entered the Vanishing Point Challenger in the One Lap of America which takes them on a 4,000 mile journey to 11 tracks througout the midwest and south in an eight day adventure.

The SRT8 Challenger being used for the One Lap of America is actually the first pre-production Challenger prototype that was driven on the roads. Instead of destroying the vehicle Chrysler decided to put it to good use as a promotional vehicle before actual Challengers hit the road.

The original movie revolves around a guy named Kowalski who has to deliver a white 1970 Challenger by driving it from Denver to San Francisco. He’s aided by a blind DJ named Super Soul who scans police band to help Kowalski.

Check out more photos and a video of the Vanishing Point SRT8 Challenger after the jump…

Found this video on Youtube of a 2008 Challenger SRT8 drifting through a figure 8 with a few other SRT vehicles. Not sure what the Challenger is doing or who they are drifting for but who cares, its pretty cool to see what the car can really do. Check out the video above.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger RT and SE (V6) models merge the best American muscle-car characteristics, unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines, and technology that is designed to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger, two-door coupe produced from Chrysler’s proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. Developed with Dodge’s credo of “bold, powerful and capable,” the Challenger delivers a modern two-door muscle car.

Three models will be offered in for the 2009 model year including the Dodge Challenger SRT8, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SE V6.

The Challenger RT will come with the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V8 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission producing 370 horsepower and 398 ft-lbs of torque.  An optional precision-shift six-speed manual transmission with pistol grip handle is also available, horsepower & torque increase to 375 and 404 respectively with this option.

The Dodge Challenger SE is powered by the 3.5-liter High Output V6 with a four-speed automatic transmission producing 250 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft of torque.

Read all about the details after the jump along with over 30 photos.

PRESS RELEASE

Introducing the All-New 2009 Dodge Challenger

35 Years Later, Dodge Redefines Modern American Muscle

• Re-creation of vintage American muscle car blends nostalgic flair with modern engineering and technology
• First five-passenger, two-door coupe produced from proven Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger platform
• First modern-day, HEMI®-powered car offered with precision-shift six-speed manual transmission
• New-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 delivers increased fuel economy (an estimated 5 percent) with more horsepower (30 hp) and improved torque (8 lb.-ft.)
• 5.7-liter HEMI goes from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds
• SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine goes from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds
• Best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room provides spacious back seat for up to three adults
• Best-in-class trunk space (16.2 cu. ft.) equal to the Dodge Charger
• New “EZ” entry with high-mounted seat-back lever for easy, one-handed operation; enables second-row passengers to enter and exit with ease
• More than 25 safety and security features including supplemental side-curtain air bags, advanced multi-stage air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and anti-lock brakes
• Equipped with cutting-edge technology including MyGIG™ radio/navigation, UConnect® Hands-free Communication System, Keyless Go push-button start and Remote Start
• To ensure quality, Dodge Challenger engineers logged nearly 3.2 million customer-equivalent miles in the development process
• All-new 2009 Dodge Challenger to arrive this fall

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics - unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines, and technology - designed to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations.

“Our all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger is a modern-day muscle machine representing the best from the past and present,” said Mike Accavitti, Director, Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “Thirty-five years following the debut of the original, we are bringing Dodge Challenger back and loading it with essential hardware, styling and technology desired by today’s buyer.”

The Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger, two-door coupe produced from Chrysler’s proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. Developed with Dodge’s credo of “bold, powerful and capable,” the Challenger delivers a modern two-door muscle car.

Three models will be offered in North America: Dodge Challenger SRT8®, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SE.

Essential Hardware

The Dodge Challenger R/T features the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission that produces an estimated 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 398 lb.-ft. of torque (540 N•m). For 2009, the HEMI engine is upgraded to get an estimated five percent improvement in fuel economy as well as an increase of 30 horsepower (9 percent) and 8 lb.-ft. improved torque (2 percent) over a greater range of engine speeds. The Dodge Challenger R/T also offers a precision-shift six-speed manual transmission - the first for a new-generation HEMI-powered car - that produces 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. of torque (548 N•m) when running on premium fuel. The Dodge Challenger R/T can go from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features an SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine mated with a new-for-2009 six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick that generates a blistering 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 N•m). The vehicle can go from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds.

The Dodge Challenger SE powered by the 3.5-liter High Output V-6 with a four-speed automatic transmission produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 N•m).

Patterned off the Dodge Charger architecture, the front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension system on all Dodge Challenger models provide excellent ride and handling characteristics.

Essential Styling

The Dodge Challenger design team stayed true to the concept revealed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, while drawing upon elements from the original Challenger. The result: a bold, aggressive muscle machine that blends nostalgia with modern Dodge style.

“Our designers wanted to capture the mind’s-eye view of what people today remember about the Dodge Challenger from 35 years ago,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler LLC. “Their challenge was to excite today’s customer by capturing the emotion of the original Challenger, while offering today’s comfort and performance.”

On the exterior, the long, raised performance hood with scoops and recessed grille with round dual headlamps are reminiscent of the original Dodge Challenger. The bold A-line, or character line, that runs from stem to stern gives the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger an instantly recognizable muscle car profile. Retro dual rectangular exhaust outlets complete the look from the rear.

On the interior, the trapezoidal theme of the door-panel cove and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console are inspired by the original Dodge Challenger. The modern interpretation of the Dodge Challenger offers exceptional rear seating for a two-door coupe, achieving best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room compared to the competition. Coupled with best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.) - equal to the Dodge Charger - the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers added comfort and functionality.

Essential Technology

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers customers a full range of innovative technologies including:

• MyGIG™ provides a cutting-edge multimedia audio and entertainment system, with built-in navigation
• UConnect® Hands-free Communication System provides convenient, voice-activated communication with Bluetooth® cellular phones
• SIRIUS® Digital Satellite Radio offers a variety of commercial-free radio programs and music for enhanced listening enjoyment
• Keyless Go allows the driver to start the vehicle with the simple push of a button
• Remote Start starts a secured vehicle with the key fob
• More than 25 Safety and Security Features

Dodge Challenger offers more than 25 safety and security features including:

• Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags extend protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers
• Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) modulate the brakes for the driver to provide steering control while braking
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) applies selective braking or throttle reduction to control oversteer and understeer
• Brake Assist ensures maximum braking action during panic stops
• Traction Control reduces the throttle and/or applies selective braking to optimize traction during acceleration
• Hill Start Assist (HSA) for Manual Transmission application assists the driver in launching the vehicle on an incline
• Automatic Headlamps turn headlamps on at dusk and off in the daylight without driver intervention
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) alerts driver about low tire pressure(s) in order to facilitate safe handling

2009 Dodge Challenger Production

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger will be built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It will be built on the same assembly line as the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.

Source: Chrysler.com

The 2008 SRT8 Dodge Challenger has not even hit the streets yet and John Hennessey has already come up with an upgrade package dubbed SRT700.  The SRT700 upgrade package increases the size of the motor to 426 cubic inches with the addition of a stroker crankshaft, forged aluminum pistons, forged steel connecting rods and high-flow cylinder heads.  You are probably wondering where are all the horses coming from and your answer is a 67mm turbocharger system with a air-to-air intercooler that will almost double horsepower output to 725 bhp/750 lb-ft of torque.  According to Hennessey who claims the increased power will help propell the Challenger to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and top out at 190 mph.  Pretty nasty numbers if you ask me, can’t wait to see it on the streets.

Source: Drew Phillips @ AutoBlog.com