SEMA 2009: Vaughn Gittin's carbon fiber Mustang

Of all the Mustangs present at SEMA, Vaughn Gittin's was certainly unique. In fact it was certainly one of a kind, as it's body is made out of carbon fiber, which helps the car weight a mere 3,350 pounds. That's a substantial 400-500 pound savings over a stock GT Mustang.

Attention to detail on the car is astounding. The best news is, a wealthy few will be able to own their own carbon fiber Mustang, as Vaughn will be selling a limited run of just 10 RTR-C Mustangs for $135,000.

SEMA 2009: Steve Saleen launches SMS Superparts

When Steve Saleen sold the Saleen brand, it was no major surprise that he came back with a new company, SMS. And now that SMS has launched it's own version of a Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger, it is no surprise that they are selling the parts used to build these cars.

On the first day of SEMA Steve Saleen and his new company announced Superparts, the aftermarket sales and distribution arm of SMS Supercars. Many of the parts on the 570Challenger are now available individually, as is the new SMS 296 supercharger for the 2005-2010 Ford Mustang.

The system uses many of the same core components from the Challenger kit, but has a few new features specific for the 4.6-liter V8. The most notable feature is the "Duo-Path" induction system that splits the incoming air starting at the throttle body, going around the supercharger housing to the back of the engine where it enters the rear intake of the compressor. Expected power will be in the 475-650 range depending on the package.

PRESS RELEASE:

Orange County, California. (November 3, 2009) Today, at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Steve M. Saleen, President and CEO of SMS Supercars, announced the formation of his nationwide sales, distribution and installation network SMS Superparts. On its own display area, SMS Superparts showed a virtually unmodified 2010 Ford Mustang with the new SMS 296 Supercharger under the hood, as well as a production version of the 2010 SMS 570X Challenger in Sour Grape Green. Center piece at the impressive display was the SMS 296 Supercharger.

Says Saleen: "We are excited to launch our newest addition to the SMS Supercars family right here at SEMA, where it all happens. To have a strictly SMS Superparts display was a conscious choice on my part. I wanted to underline the importance of the aftermarket business, the passion of the enthusiasts and the true Steve Saleen fans. Right now, SMS Superparts is actively looking for installers around the country, who will be selling Mopar, Mustang and Camaro enthusiasts the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System and all other performance parts from SMS".

While the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System is standard on all SMS Signature Series Cars –the SMS 570 and 570X Challengers and SMS 460 and 460X Mustangs have been launched so far –, it can also be ordered as an aftermarket performance solution through SMS Superparts. Says the Head of SMS Superparts, Jon Clark: "SMS Superparts is your one-stop-shop for all your performance needs, starting with the awesome, patented SMS 296 Supercharger™ System, through the SMS S4 Suspension, wheel and tire packages, to aerodynamic body parts and our famous SMS Red Butterfly™ Induction hood. This way, every enthusiast out there with a 2008 or newer Dodge Challenger, a 2005 or newer Ford Mustang and – coming soon – a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro can personalize their car with genuine Steve Saleen designed and produced parts. Only SMS Superparts can rely on Steve's 30 year experience in racing, development and retail."

SMS Superparts plans that its nationwide network of retailers and qualified installers in the major markets will become the point of contact for customers purchasing performance components from SMS Superparts and having them installed. SMS 296 Supercharger™ Systems installed by Steve Saleen-qualified retailers will come with the full factory warranty from SMS Supercars.

While Mr. Saleen expects the SMS Superparts top seller to be the SMS 296 Supercharger™ System, he envisages that most of his fans will not stop there; "I see people fitting our SMS 296 Supercharger™ System to an existing Mustang or Challenger and coming to us for more. We offer high-performance suspension and brake systems, aerodynamically efficient body parts and our patented butterfly hood – which looks and performs great, – as well as smaller components that make each car unique. And for those of you whose partner has one of those cars - Christmas is just around the corner, and you can find everything on our website www.smssupercars.com/superparts.html", says Steve Saleen with a smile. Christmas is in 51 days...

SEMA 2009: Dodge Challenger Mopar Edition

Despite the Chevrolet Camaro's huge presence at SEMA, Dodge had it's fair share of Challengers as well. The version you see here is simply called the "Mopar Edition" and features numerous items straight from the Mopar catalog. Check out the list of stuff below, complete with prices so you can build your own dream list.


PRESS RELEASE:

Custom-designed, matte black Go-Wing Rear Spoiler MSRP: $316
Mopar Nostalgia Wheels are a throw back to Mopar's heritage with 20-inch, 5-spoke forged-aluminum wheels featuring both a polished and clear-coat finish. MSRP: $583/each
Black 5.7-liter HEMI® Engine Cover with HEMI logos show off the powerplant in a not-so-subtle style. MSRP: $326
Hood Prop Kit replaces the single-hood prop rod with two gas struts and fasteners for easy hood travel. MSRP: $51.60
Cold-air Intake Kit provides noticeable gains in horsepower and torque, improved performance when accelerating and emits an aggressive sound from under the hood. MSRP: $371
Front and Rear Splash Guards provide excellent protection for front fenders, rocker panels and rear fascias with a custom-molded design. MSRP: $52.75 pair
Stainless-steel Cat-back Exhaust features a free-flow system that provides gains in horsepower and torque in addition to improved fuel economy and a deep-toned exhaust note. MSRP: $1,190
Chromed Fuel Door offers bright, bold complement to any exterior paint color while providing a retro look. MSRP: $176
One-piece Wheel Lock Kit provides protection with four chrome-plated locking nuts and one exclusive Mopar key. MSRP: $43.45
Custom Strobe Stripe Graphic adds a black stripe that begins on both front fenders and fades out midway through the door panel for an added performance look. MSRP: $182
Uconnect™ Navigation includes AM/FM/DVD player and Sirius Satellite radio with 30-gigabyte hard drive, USB connection and mini stereo jack. MSRP: $2,050
Sound system includes 368-watt amplifier (MSRP: $210), two 6-inch x 9-inch speakers in front (MSRP: $115), two 6-inch x 5-inch KICKER speakers in rear (MSRP: $79), and dual 10-inch square KICKER Subwoofer (MSRP: $885)
Ambient Lighting Kit illuminates the entire front footwell and cupholder areas with multi-color LEDs controlled with a rotary knob. MSRP: $274
Mopar Sirius Satellite Radio Antenna Kit delivers a new level of depth and content with more than 100 channels of digital entertainment from coast to coast. MSRP: $158
Chromed T-handle Shifter featuring a Mopar logo enhances the interior appearance by replacing the stock shift knob on the automatic-equipped Dodge Challenger. MSRP: $137
Interior Bezel Kit upgrades the center stack and console trim plate bezels with a two-piece, carbon-weave hydrographic finish. MSRP: $172
Easy-to-install Pedal Dress Up Kit showcases bright stainless-steel pedal covers for a performance-accented look. MSRP: $82.25
Mopar's brushed stainless-steel Door-Sill Guards make scratches to the interior sills a thing of the past. MSRP: $140
Premium front and rear Floor Mats feature 24-ounce luxury carpet that is color-coordinated to match any interior color. Front mats are custom-contoured for an exact fit and feature the Dodge Challenger logo on top of a rubber-nibbed backing which keep them firmly in place. MSRP: $82.25/set of four
Challenger-branded Cargo Area Mat is made of 24-ounce luxury carpet that is custom fit with a surged-edge binding for easy removal. MSRP: $107
Mopar's Stage II Coilover Suspension Kit allows up to a 1.625-inch ride-height drop for a low, custom look while maintaining a sporty, comfortable ride. MSRP: $1,750
Made from heavy gauge, powder-coated steel, the Strut Tower Brace reduces body flex in the front end and improves handling and driveability. MSRP: $359
Hood Pin and Cable Kit adds an extra touch of exposed chrome to Dodge Challenger's front end. MSRP: $71
Mopar-edition Hood Decal MSRP: $350