New York: Steve Saleen's SMS 570X ups the ante with 700 supercharged horses

SMS 570X debut - Click above for a high-res gallery
Under the bright sunlight of the Javits Center's Crystal Palace atrium, Steve Saleen took the covers off of his latest creation, the SMS 570X. The Dodge Challenger-based muscle car registers a few rungs above the 570 that we first viewed at its Orange County unveiling in January. Where that car was fitted with a 5.7-liter V8, the 570X utilizes a 6.0-liter engine, reportedly good for 700 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque - plenty of gumption to roast those wide and flat 20-inch meats.
The engine includes lots of forged bits (pistons, crankshaft, con-rods, etc.) lurking beneath new CNC-ported aluminum heads. In addition, the 570X receives a SMST six-speed manual transmission and a high-performance cooling package. The heart of the car is a production version of the SMS 296 supercharger, the firm's new blower co-developed with Lysholm. Like Mopar muscle of yore, this system features a Six-Pack too – only in the SMS' case, it refers to a brace of cylindrical intercoolers.
While the supercharger comes as part of the 570X package, it will also work on other Chrysler LX products including the Charger, Magnum, and Chrysler 300C. SMS also promises that "aftermarket fitments" are in the works for both Ford and General Motors products.
Aesthetically, the X is nearly identical to the original 570, which is a good thing, because it looks sensational. From its "Red Butterfly" side-induction hood to its flared, vented fenders and new front fascia, the basic form looks spot-on. With its lowered stance, details like its GTX-style grille, fender vents, carbon-fiber splitter and side skirts, and rear spoiler, the 570X is at once classic Motown muscle and a thoroughly modern tuner car.
As this car was just a prototype, there were some unfinished bits (off-kilter badges, hood fitment, etc.), but officials promise to get the production car right. No word yet on official pricing and availability, but well-heeled Mopar fans would do well to reach out to SMS straight away.






Get a WordPress.com Blog




Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mazda FTW! 7:04PM (4/09/2009)
Chris....any chance you took pics of the purple one?
Reply
paul 7:20PM (4/09/2009)
That purple one in the background caught my heart...now if I just had the money to shell out for one of these beauties
Reply
Jakesnake1294 7:48PM (4/09/2009)
I too am Plum Crazy about the purple one.
JDMlover 7:34PM (4/09/2009)
700hp.......where does it end....
Reply
SteveO 8:01PM (4/09/2009)
As much as the tires can handle.
Lee 7:52PM (4/09/2009)
Someone forget to close the hood?
Reply
Doug 8:20PM (4/09/2009)
+1
And do the front and rear fascias seem to be a little off in color?
NewBack 8:46PM (4/09/2009)
It's a prototype, I'm sure that they will clean up the production units.
Kill The Fanboys 2:58AM (4/10/2009)
SMS stock has skyrocketed in my book. I like their direction.
Reply
Nelson 8:56AM (4/10/2009)
Calm down Mr. Saleen, we know they're your cars, you can take off a few of the badges now.
Reply
mroverlord 9:25AM (4/10/2009)
The purple one was on display at a local Dodge dealer that is cinsidering being a full line SMS dealer (would sell anything SMS, Mopar or not). Apparently there is some good history between the dealer owners and Mr. Saleen.
Reply
996700 1:42PM (4/11/2009)
That car is pretty good bang for the buck.
Reply
hendrira 11:09AM (4/15/2009)
That car is cazy plum
Reply
hendrira 11:27AM (4/15/2009)
I feel ya, I think that car is pretty good bang for the buck..
Reply