Hurst/Hemi-Challenger
Founded in 1958, the Irvine, Calif.–based Hurst Performance Vehicles produces some of the world’s most desirable aftermarket automobiles. Its most recent project involves the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T (MSRP $30,945 without upgrades) and SRT8 (MSRP $42,645 without upgrades), in several stages. All stages offer cosmetic enhancements: larger, polished forged wheels mated with BF Goodrich KDW performance tires; discreet Hurst exterior badges; black or white paint with gold racing stripes (black on silver is also available); and Hurst’s famous pistol-grip shift lever. The most potent modification in stages 3, 4, and 5 is a Vortech centrifugal supercharger, which enhances output to a maximum of 572 hp. "We were not out to build the most powerful Challenger out there," says Hurst president Ron Flint. "This is a real gentleman’s muscle car."

Hurst Performance Vehicles, 949.261.5500, www.hurst-performance.com

SMS 570X Challenger
After a bitter departure from his original namesake company, Steve Saleen is back in the business of tuning American muscle with SMS Supercars. His first project, the SMS 570X Challenger, moves away from the conventional Mustang mold. Saleen got his hands on one of the very first production models and efficiently redesigned the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T’s aerodynamics and aesthetics to complement his version’s impressive hp. Using his newly patented SMS supercharger, the Challenger’s 6.1-liter V-8 Hemi engine now puts up an astonishing 700 hp. Saleen also upgraded the stock brakes and suspension to handle the extra 375 ponies. Orders for the SMS 570X can be placed at any Dodge dealership (starting at about $85,000); the car is available in stock Challenger colors. For an additional cost, SMS offers custom paints including Sour Grape Green, Orange Crush, and Plum Insane—depending on your taste.

SMS Supercars, 714.400.2121, www.smslimitedusa.com

CDC Group 2 Wide Body Challenger
Largely known now for aftermarket body kits, Classic Design Concepts (CDC)—based in Novi, Mich.—first gained popularity in the automotive marketplace by supplying Ford, Saleen, Shelby, and Roush with functional and stylish body components. CDC’s latest achievement is the Group 2 Wide Body Challenger. Inspired by the Dodge Challengers that raced in the SCCA Trans-Am series in the early 1970s, the CDC Challenger features new front fenders, side wings, and rear-panel and fender-well extensions to mimic the cars of Trans-Am’s bygone era. The new body kit ($11,995 installed) adds 6 inches to the total width of the car, which allows CDC enough room in the wheel well to mount wider tires. Owners who opt for CDC’s Vortech Supercharger ($5,995) will want the beefier fitments to handle the added power—all 585 hp—running to the rear wheels.

Classic Design Concepts, 866.624.7997, www.classicdesignconcepts.com