Revealed ahead of the 2009 SEMA Show and then officially debuting at the aftermarket expo, it seems as though with all the hundreds of modified Camaros to cover, Saleen’s latest project flew under the radar. To remedy that, we thought we’d look back and give an update now that the new Saleen (Saleen Performance Vehicles) has released complete details on its 2010 S281 model.

The car features a Saleen Series VI.5 twin-screw supercharger and dual-stage intercooler mated to the factory 4.6-liter V8 engine to produce 485 hp and 460 ft-lbs of torque. All S281 models also feature a limited-slip differential. Additional modifications include a lowered suspension with new springs and shocks/struts, a sway bar, 7-spoke 20-inch wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires, a custom interior and aerodynamics kit.

“Our goal was to create the most visually enticing American sports car ever,” said David Byron, design director at Saleen Performance Vehicles. “Ford provided the perfect launching pad with the 2010 Mustang, which allowed our team to create a car that’s world class and authentically Saleen. We painstakingly toiled over every bend and break in the body and every stitch and fold in the interior.”

“For more than 25 years the Saleen name has stood for excellence in design, engineering, and driving dynamics,” said Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles. “The new S281 is an excellent example of what those words mean when we craft concepts into real cars. Our team has done a terrific job; I’mproud of them and proud to be offering this car to our customers.”

GALLERY: 2010 Saleen S281

See more details on the 2010 Saleen S281 after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

2010 SALEEN S281: DYNAMIC IN FORM AND FUNCTION.

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Nov. 4, 2009 – Saleen Performance Vehicles today unveiled the first in its 2010 premiere line of high-performance cars, the 2010 Saleen S281. The introduction took place at the annual SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This is the second Saleen vehicle launched this year, following the 2010 435S introduced in August.

The S281, based on the 2010 Ford Mustang, displays a premium level of design consideration, both exterior and interior, with performance to match. It builds on the Saleen tradition of offering limited-edition, high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts who are looking for an exhilarating driving experience, with refined driveability for real-world road conditions.

“For more than 25 years the Saleen name has stood for excellence in design, engineering, and driving dynamics,” said Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles. “The new S281 is an excellent example of what those words mean when we craft concepts into real cars. Our team has done a terrific job; I’m proud of them and proud to be offering this car to our customers.”

The S281′s exterior design features carefully crafted sculptural detailing, with lines and forms that flow naturally and suggest suppleness, power and agility. It features an understated yet imposing grille and front fascia, and a refined treatment of the familiar Saleen extended rear fascia and trunk lid with a simple, elegant, integrated wing.

“Our goal was to create the most visually enticing American sports car ever,” said David Byron, design director at Saleen Performance Vehicles. “Ford provided the perfect launching pad with the 2010 Mustang, which allowed our team to create a car that’s world class and authentically Saleen. We painstakingly toiled over every bend and break in the body and every stitch and fold in the interior.”

The S281′s 4.6-liter V8 engine is equipped with a Saleen Series VI.5 twin-screw supercharger and dual-stage intercooler. It produces 485 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, sent to the rear wheels through a short-throw, five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential with 3.73:1 final drive ratio.

The Saleen Racecraft suspension system is new, and includes specially tuned, single-rate front and rear springs; nitrogen-pressurized front struts and rear shocks with a wide range of damping adjustments; and a specially tuned front sway bar with performance pivot bushings.

The interior features new, leather sport seats with Ultra-Suede inserts, highlighted by chevron-like Ultra-Suede red tabs in the seatback bolsters, and unique treatments of the gauges, steering wheel, center console and shifter. There also are contrasting Saleen logos in the door panels, and Saleen logos in the door sill plates that illuminate when the door is opened.

Additional exterior highlights include unique, 20-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso high-performance tires, and Saleen S281 Supercharged fender badging.

A big part of the SEMA Show each year (both in terms of quantity and, well, size) is the truck and off-road industry. Some trucks get lowered suspensions and some lifted, some run on supercharged 4-cylinders, while others rely on massive turbocharged diesel units. Yet despite all that divides some truck lovers from others, they all seem to equally love to modify their rigs – often to the extreme.

We’ve gathered together a collection of all (or almost all) of the trucks at the 2009 SEMA Show for you to peruse. We also explored some of the trucks in more detail, including the Dodge Ram Bianco, DeWALT 2011 F-Series Super Duty, the new 411-hp F-150 SVT Raptor, the Toyota Tundra Hot Rod and the Chevy Silverado ZR2. You can find more on those trucks after the jump.

GALLERY: Trucks of the 2009 SEMA Show

For more on the Dodge Ram Bianco, DeWALT 2011 F-Series Super Duty, the new 411-hp F-150 SVT Raptor and the Chevy Silverado ZR2, see after the jump:

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2

2011 Ford Super Duty DeWALT

Toyota Tunda Hot Rod

Mopar Dodge Ram Bianco

Chevy Silverad ZR2 Concept

With all the Camaros at the 2009 SEMA Show, the number of Japanese cars were few and the number of European cars almost non-existent. H&R Springs was one of the few booths with a strong Euro presence with this 2010 Golf TDI being one of our favorites. With a Volkswagen Accessories complete aero kit, it just looks too cool to be a diesel. And yet thats exactly what it is.

The car sits low on a set of H&R Ultra Performance Coilovers, while a set of sway bars help keep it planted in the corners. Also helping in the handling department are some wheel spacers, which make room for the big 20-inch OZ Superleggera HLT wheels.

Additional highlights include the Volkswagen Accessories aluminum pedals and TDI floor mats, Custom Race Tuner exhaust tips, as well as the stylish German flag graphics provided by Sticky Jewel Graphics.

GALLERY: H&R Springs Golf TDI

Mazda doesn’t officially have a presence at the 2009 SEMA Show, but the Japanese automaker did decide to bring two custom cars to Las Vegas. Using in-house parts (many from the Mazda RX-8) and calling upon the automaker’s World Challenge motorsports partner, Tri-Point, Mazda has come up with two fresh and clean examples of the popular Mazda3 and its high-performance MazdaSpeed sibling.

Both cars get a Crystal White Pearl paint job with some faded gray graphics, reminiscent of the style first shown on the Mazda 787B that won Le Mans in 1991. Many of the remaining exterior details get black paint, including the grille inserts, side mirrors, fog lamp bezels and the roof. The front headlamps also get a black treatment. Then both cars have been outfitted with a set of 19×8-inch forged aluminum wheels straight off the RX-8 with a set of 225/40/19 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires.

The Mazda3s with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder was then shipped over to Tri-Point, which installed the company’s turbo kit to boost power to 250-hp thanks to a Garrett GT2871R turbo.

The front brakes have been upgraded to those of the MazdaSpeed3, with rear brakes coming from the Mazda5. Suspension duties were outsourced to KW, with a Tri-Point rear stabilizer bar.

With the MazdaSpeed3 already finely tuned from the factory, only an AEM air intake was added for a gain of 20-hp. Along with the same exterior changes and wheels, a KW suspension was also added but with new suspension mounts for camber adjustability. The brakes were also upgraded to Stoptech units – the same used on the World Challenge cars.

GALLERY: Tuned MazdaSpeed3 and Turbocharged Mazda3s

Kia’s big news at the 2009 SEMA Show was the announcement of the brands foray into motorsports, but the track-ready Forte Koup wasn’t the only car on display at the Kia Motors booth. In fact, three more traditional SEMA vehicles were on display. Competing in the youth-oriented box-car segment, the Soul is a hit with younger buyers and so it’s no surprise to see three tricked-out models at SEMA.

The first of the Soul Xpression trio is the Black “Sinister” Soul featuring matte-black paint with blacked out headlights and taillights. Even the rims (20-inchers no less) are black and the car has a meaner look to it thanks to a lowered suspension. Inside, the theme is the same with black seats and some gray detailing. Other highlights include a 1,300-watt 11-speaker audio system.

Next up is the baby-blue Soul built by the folks at Antenna Magazine. Outside the car features highlights like a matte-brown roof and baby blue brake calipers. Inside, the brown and blue theme continues with an ornately decorated cockpit featuring “chocolate” brown leather and actual denim. The car also features a “pop out” display of trendy clothing from brands like Huff and Etnies.

The final car of the group is the Kia Soul Safety Car. Its not overly wild with a special aero kit, black wheels and appropriate “safety” lighting, but it will serve as the safety car in several US Touring Car Championship races, where Kia hopes to build up grassroots support for its motorsports program.

GALLERY: Black “Sinister” Soul

GALLERY: Antenna Denim Kia Soul

GALLERY: Kia Soul Safety Car

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

KIA MOTORS AMERICA DISPLAYS ENHANCED CONCEPT VEHICLES
DURING 2009 SEMA SHOW
Upgraded Forte Sedan and Soul Urban Passenger Vehicle Showcase Numerous Accessory Possibilities

# Kia Motors brings fresh tunes and vehicles to the 2009 SEMA Show

# Concepts build on vehicles’ personalization nature and offer a glimpse of extensive possibilities

LAS VEGAS, November 2, 2009 – Kia Motors America (KMA) returns to the Las Vegas Convention center and brings stylized and enhanced concept vehicles for display at the 2009 SEMA Show. Also returning this year to the KMA booth are DJ-spun tunes by a local artist to help fully showcase the enthusiast-focused White Forte sedan and Black “Sinister” Soul, based on the highly popular compact sedan and urban passenger vehicles launched earlier this year.

“The SEMA Show offers manufacturers the freedom to really push the boundaries of customization, which is exactly what we have done with the White Forte concept and Black Sinister Soul concept,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. “These two vehicles expand upon the design evolution of the Kia brand and convey the extensive personalization and customization options we provide for consumers and tuners.”

Black “Sinister” Soul

Based on the emotion-evoking and highly personalized Soul urban passenger vehicle, the Black “Sinister” Soul offers aftermarket enthusiasts an even more aggressive stance than the production version. Lowered and enhanced with 20-inch black rims with machined accents and smoked-out headlamps and tail lamps, the Black “Sinister” Soul presents an impressively menacing profile.

A matte sinister black exterior paint job by Buck Wild Designs with Spectral gray accents and black-out custom trim, the Sinister Soul is like none other on the road. Inside is an all-black color scheme with silver-gray accents on the upper seatbacks, as well as an upgraded sport shifter to complete the look.

Also special to the Sinister Soul is the 11-speaker 1,300-watt sound system, provided by Infinity Audio Systems. For the serious audiophile and enthusiast, Infinity outfitted the Sinister Soul with powerful performance and space-efficient components. The advanced Infinity Kappa Series Class-D full-range 500-watt amplifier drives 125 watts per channel through four channels. Two Reference Series 6-1/2-inch two-way loudspeakers and two Reference Series 6-1/2-inch component systems deliver increased bass output and higher efficiency, along with edge-driven textile dome tweeters for greater power handling and reduced distortion at high output levels.

For those looking to up the bass with low-frequency effects, Infinity employed a pair of 12-inch single voice coil (SVC) subwoofers, driven separately by an 800-watt amplifier. Both subwoofers and both amplifiers are housed in a specially-designed, sealed enclosure with a surprisingly compact footprint. The subwoofer enclosure has been designed to fit into the rear of the Soul hatch area and can be easily removed if the extra transportation or storage space is needed.

White Forte Sedan

Joining the black Sinister Soul this year at SEMA is a sleek, modified concept of the Forte sedan. Sporting 18-inch 5Zigen wheels, a custom catback exhaust and a lowered stance, this new Forte concept offers a decidedly spunkier profile aimed directly at the tuner crowd. The concept version also benefits from a Kia-designed accessory body kit and rear spoiler, as well as a custom paint job with blacked-out roof and side mirrors.

The upgraded interior with gunmetal accents and a carbon fiber sport shifter also improve upon the already technologically-focused interior of the production Forte. For the enthusiast and audiophile, Infinity Sound Systems outfitted the White Forte concept with a nine-speaker, 360-watt sound system with a subwoofer built into a custom enclosure on the right side of the trunk.

Kia Motors Product Line

Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The vehicle line features the stylish and all-new Forte compact sedan and all-new two-door Forte Koup, the highly personalizable Soul, functional Rondo CUV, award-winning Sedona minivan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan and versatile yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the affordably luxurious Borrego and value-packed Sportage SUVs, while the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV arrives in showrooms in January 2010.

Modified Nissan GT-Rs are surprisingly few at the 2009 SEMA Show, but the ones that are in attendance are impressive machines. With the GT-R’s impressive Nürburgring lap time it was only time before tuners and race shops got started on tuning the GT-R to fulfill its motorsports calling.

The car features modifications including shocks by JRZ, aerodynamics by GT:R Fabrication and engine tuning by AMS and Cobb tuning. Power is a reasonable 550-hp, although the GOTO Racing team is reportedly working on upping the output to closer to the 650-hp mark.

Driver Brian Lock pilots the GT-R in both the Super Lap Battle and Redline Time Attack.

GALLERY: GOTO:Racing/Dell Equallogic GT-R

As a brand, Hummer’s time in the spotlight is pretty much over, although if there is something that can save the brand it might be a core group of enthusiasts and a strong motorsports background. While Hummers are best known for being excessive street machines, unlike a lot of SUVs, they are actually incredibly capable off-roaders.

And so despite the brand’s near disappearance for the marketplace over the past year, Hummer was in attendance at the 2009 SEMA Show displaying two special edition street machines and two off-road racing trucks – including the incredible Robby Gordon Off-Road Dakar Hummer.

Gordon has raced a Hummer in off-road events since 2008, and last year places third overall in the grueling Dakar Rally. This year, the Hummer team and Gordon have their sights set on first and it looks like they have the truck to do it.

Hummer claims the race-truck is based on an H3, but with what appears to be an entirely carbon fiber vehicle, we’re not sure there’s much of the factory car left. It’s a tube-chassis vehicle and while it is built for serious off-roading, Gordon will be comfortable inside thanks to a fully enclosed cockpit with air conditioning. As for the engine, Hummer will only say that it is based on a production GM V8.

The 2010 Dakar Rally starts January 1st and we’ll be sure to check in on how Gordon and his crazy carbon Hummer are doing.

GALLERY: Robby Gordon Off-Road Dakar Hummer

Official release after the jump:

HUMMER FOCUSES ON OUTDOOR RECREATION AND OFF-ROAD RACING AT THE 2009 SEMA SHOW

With a renewed focus on recreation and off-road racing performance, HUMMER comes to Las Vegas and the 2009 SEMA Show with a group of four special trucks and SUVs demonstrating the purpose-built nature of HUMMER vehicles.

HUMMER introduces two concepts, the H3 Moab, outfitted with a host of off-road performance accessories inspired by its namesake, and the H3T Sportsman – a proposal for the ultimate outdoorsman’s truck. In addition, Rod Hall Racing’s two-time Baja 1000 full stock-class winning H3 Alpha and Robby Gordon Off-Road’s Dakar-proven HUMMER round-out HUMMER’s 2009 SEMA Show display.

“HUMMER is refocusing on what made the brand successful, which is building rugged, all-terrain vehicles with capabilities that meet the needs of our customers,” said James Taylor, HUMMER CEO. “These concepts not only highlight the off-road performance technology built into our models from the factory, they are inspiration for enthusiasts who want to express themselves via their H3 or H3T.”

While none of these specialized HUMMERs are currently targeted for production, they incorporate Genuine HUMMER Accessories and other aftermarket parts available today, allowing owners and enthusiasts to replicate much the concept vehicles’ enhanced capability and performance.

H3 Moab

HUMMER is the ultimate vehicle for the independent spirit, and the H3 Moab is no exception. Inspired by trails like Steel Bender, Moab Rim, and Poison Spyder, the H3 Moab pays homage to one of the world’s greatest landscapes and off-road enthusiasts’ playground.

Beginning with the solid off-road foundation of a 300-horsepower, V8-powered H3 Alpha with factory-installed front- and rear- locking differentials, the H3 Moab features a combination of production equipment, available aftermarket components and specialized modifications.

At the heart of the H3 Moab’s design is the combination of a Rancho four-inch front suspension lift and a custom rear spring-over conversion inspired by current HUMMER engineering test vehicles. The suspension modifications are supported by Rancho shocks and sure-footed performance is provided by its 35-inch BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires mounted on custom 17-inch 2-piece Monster Black Competition Beadlock Raceline Wheels by Allied.

The H3′s standard underbody protection has been augmented with additional custom shielding and a HUMMER Genuine Accessory brushguard and rocker protection provide the Canyon Metallic exterior paint with defense against the elements. Mounted atop the H3 is a Gobi Ranger roof basket to increase cargo carrying capacity for long overland journeys. The H3 Moab also features HUMMER Genuine Accessory lower grille mounted lamps and six Delta Xenon roof basket-mounted off-road lamps to provide lighting in all conditions.

Rounding out the exterior enhancements are a Predator Motorsports H3 winch mount system with a Warn XD9000 winch and Viking Off-Road synthetic winchline to deliver an integrated recovery solution for any situation encountered on the trail.

Functional additions to the H3 Moab continue into the vehicle’s interior with the addition of custom all-weather flooring, HUMMER Genuine Accessory all-weather floor mats and cargo area mat. To aid in trail visibility, front- and rear-facing cameras have been integrated into the vehicle bumpers and display the terrain fore and aft on the navigation radio screen. Integrated into the rear cargo area of the vehicle is a Warn Air-Power SPI, ideal for airing-up tires for the trip home after a long weekend on the trail.

Restoration for Recreation

HUMMER engineers have used the natural proving grounds surrounding Moab, UT since the introduction of HUMMER vehicles. As such, the brand and its owners have been an ongoing partner of Tread Lightly to promote responsible recreation to ensure open access for future generations. To continue this relationship and in conjunction with the introduction of the H3 Moab, HUMMER will make a donation to Tread Lightly for every photo of HUMMER vehicles in Moab posted to its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hummer. These funds will be directed towards projects in Moab under the Tread Lightly Restoration for Recreation grant program.

H3T Sportsman

The H3T Sportsman concept demonstrates the ideal midsize truck for the outdoor enthusiast whose weekends are spent in the field or stream. HUMMER designers enhanced the H3T Alpha’s inherent functionality with a combination of powertrain modifications, suspension enhancements and a balanced selection of Genuine HUMMER Accessories and aftermarket components.

Starting with a new H3T Alpha, engineers added nearly 70 horsepower to its 5.3L V-8 via components available in the aftermarket. They include LS2 cylinder heads, a higher-lift camshaft and supporting components. Also enhancing performance is a custom, 3.5-inch exhaust system.

Taking a note from playbook of the HUMMER stock-class race program, the H3T rides on 35-inch-tall BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires mounted on HUMMER Accessory 20-inch wheels. The concept also uses racing-proven stock and aftermarket suspension components, including Light Racing JounceShocks and 2-inch-diameter Rod Hall Racing piggyback reservoir-type performance shocks. The modified suspension improves the H3T’s inherent off-road capability for traversing all forms of terrain.

To enhance the storage flexibility of the H3T’s 5-foot bed and standard bed-rail system, the Sportsman includes right- and left- side lockable storage boxes from HUMMER Genuine Accessories, perfect for securing valuable hunting and fishing gear.

Additionally, the Wildrye Matte custom paint is highlighted by functional HUMMER accessories, including grille-mounted and custom low-profile front- and rear-facing roof-rail mounted Delta off-road lamps, a body-color upper grille and a matte finish fuel door.

A Predator Motorsports H3 winch mount system with a Warn XD9000 winch and Viking Off-Road synthetic winchline and Expert Recovery Kit provide the necessary recovery tools for any situation. On the interior, added HUMMER Genuine Accessories all-weather floor mats and seat covers protect the crew cab’s interior from elements.

Robby Gordon Off-Road Dakar HUMMER

HUMMER and Robby Gordon Off-road have joined together again to take on the 2010 Dakar Rally, widely considered to be the most grueling off-road race in the world due to its brutal terrain and extreme environmental conditions. Gordon will lead Team HUMMER from behind the wheel of his HUMMER H3 race truck.

Gordon was the first American to win a stage at Dakar, and he has been passionate about the program ever since. Since forming the relationship and building his Dakar HUMMER for the 2006 Rally, Gordon and Team HUMMER have proven a formidable Dakar challenger. In 2007, he finished first in the OP class and 8^th overall. In 2008, Gordon’s elite off-road team entered two Robby Gordon Off-Road HUMMERS in the Central Europe Rally. Gordon won two stages and finished tenth overall while the second HUMMER piloted by BJ Baldwin went on to finish seventh overall. Gordon finished the 2009 Dakar Rally in third place overall, an impressive feat in the highly competitive rally race.

Gordon’s H3 consists of a custom HUMMER body paired with a specially developed chassis featuring a suspension designed by him and his Off-Road team. The H3 is a tube-chassis vehicle similar to Trophy Trucks raced in the famed Baja 1000, except that it has a fully enclosed air-conditioned cockpit, including windshield and side windows. It is powered by a production-based General Motors V8 engine.

Rod Hall Racing H3 Alpha

The Rod Hall Racing HUMMER H3 Alpha represents the ultimate HUMMER stock-class desert racing machine. Piloted by Chad Hall, the H3 Alpha prepares to enter the 2009 SCORE International Baja 1000 in the hyper-competitive full-size stock class. The H3 Alpha was the first stock class vehicle to finish in the 2007 and 2008 Baja 1000 and 2008 Baja 500.

In addition to entering the H3 Alpha in the 2009 Baja 1000, team founder and namesake, Rod Hall will enter his mid-size stock H3. Rod will partner with his eldest son and 2007 Baja 1000 mini-stock class winner Josh Hall.

Rod Hall Racing Team HUMMER competes in the stock class, which features production-based vehicles with stock frames, stock suspension designs and production-based engines. The Team HUMMER H3 Alpha and H3 were built by HUMMER engineers at the Desert Proving Grounds in Arizona. Engineering participation in racing has resulted in various improvements to production components, including suspension bushings, exhaust systems, and wiring harness routing and configuration

Team HUMMER won every stock class season championship in the Best in the Desert and SCORE International racing series in 2008.

Situated right across the isle from Honda’s official SEMA Show booth we found a modified Honda Insight at the ENEOS Oil booth. Owned by Insightcentral.net member Xtremeview, the car features a custom aero kit and a lowered suspension.

Other modifications include a set of Rays wheels with Yokohama Parada tires, a Tanabe exhaust and some Bride racing seats. The car also features a new audio system with light weight components that are also designed to use less power.

The project is based on the idea of blending high performance with efficiency. As cool as it may look, we have to admit, considering the reputation the Insight has earned, we’re not sure it’s the poster boy for either.

GALLERY: ENEOS Honda Insight

Over the past year or so Steve Saleen’s new project, SMS Supercars has released high performance versions of the Camaro, Mustang and Challenger. This week at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show, SMS announces the introduction of SMS Superparts, a division of the company that will sell the parts individually through a distribution network.

“We are excited to launch our newest addition to the SMS Supercars family right here at SEMA, where it all happens,” said Steve Salleen. “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.”

Saleen also included a second announcement, the introduction of the SMS 296 supercharger for the 2005-10 Mustang. This new blower is expected to produce output of 475-hp, with higher output packages reaching all the way to 650-hp.

For photos of the new SMS 296 Supercharger installed on a 2010 Mustang, as well as a Sour Grape Green 2010 SMS 570X Challenger, check out the gallery below.

GALLERY: SMS Superparts Cars at SEMA

Official release after the jump:

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…

One of just two vehicles worthy to flank the Mobil 1 booth at the 2009 SEMA Show is the Hennessey HPE700 LS9 Camaro. As the name suggests, under the hood there’s a supercharged LS9 motor lifted from a Corvete ZR1. The easy-to-remember HPE700 name isn’t entirely accurate, however, as the engine has been tuned somewhat to deliver closer to 725-hp. As for torque, it’s rated at 741 ft-lbs from just 3200 rpm.

Hennessey claims the ZR1-powered Camaro will scoot to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and run the quarter mile in 11.3 seconds at 126 mph.

Talking with John Hennessey he told us that the HPE700 is very much the theoretical love child of a Camaro and a Corvette ZR1, with that theme continuing to more places than just under the hood. The car also gets lots of carbon fiber parts, like a carbon rear lip spoiler, carbon side skirts and a carbon fiber front splitter. There’s even a ZR1-inspired hood with a glass section to view the powerful LS9.

GALLERY: Hennessey HPE700 Camaro

The Underground Racing Lamborghini Gallardo has it all. On display at the Mobil 1 booth, the Italian exotic not only sports a matte-black paint job, but it’s what’s under the glass engine cover out back that will really get your attention.

There you will find what Underground Racing has become famous for, a twin-turbo kit. The North Carolina tuner builds each twin-turbo application specifically to the needs wants of the customer, with output ranging from 1,000-hp to 1,500-hp. And don’t think it’s as simple as two big turbos and some shiny metal piping either, the team at UR will tear down and rebuild an engine to ensure maximum performance and longevity, with new cylinder heads, CP Race Pistons, Carrillo billet con rods and lots of other hard core parts.

The result, claims UR, is a 0-60 mph time of just 2.5 seconds, with a quarter mile pass taking just 9.1 seconds at 169 mph! The company also claims a speed of 241 mph in a mile, with a top speed of 257 mph.

Not only was the UR matte-black twin-turbo Gallardo getting respect with a huge draw at the Mobil 1 booth, but according to Jesse Poole at Mobil 1′s PR agency Theory PR, the car was also nominated in the Gran Turismo awards, where the Best of Show car gets digitized and immortalized in an upcoming Gran Turismo video game.

GALLERY: Underground Racing Lamborghini Gallardo

No, this isn’t a modified show car built specifically for the SEMA Show. It’s a factory stock Ford. Called the Focus RS, Ford offers this scalding hot hatch in Europe but has continually denied plans to offer the car in the U.S. But then why would Ford display the car at its booth at the SEMA Show? Are they teasing us, or trying to drum up interest to see if they can in fact sell the car in the U.S.?

We hope it’s the latter.

The front-drive Focus RS makes even cars like the MazdaSpeed3 look like toys, with a turbocharged 5-cylinder engine that makes 295-hp and 305 ft-lbs of torque. There’s also an impressive suspension setup, along with the obvious rally-inspired aerodynamics and a seriously sporty interior.

Again, Ford has continuously denied bringing a car like this to the U.S., but the last time we heard a denial, the worldwide economy was crumbling. Now that the recovery is well under way and Ford seems to be emerging as a bigger player on the automotive scene, perhaps it’s time they revisited the possibility.

GALLERY: Ford Focus RS