Special Car, auto, cars, vehicles

They're stellar examples of the Camaro's performance potential to be sure, but the current-gen Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger have the advantage of wider show floor distribution and months, if not years, in the hands of the enthusiasts.

Here's a look at just some of heavy artillery Ford and Mopar tuners brought to this year's SEMA show to challenge the General.

2008 Ford Cobra Jet Mustang
Location: Ford Motor Company booth, Center Hall
Output: estimated 425 hp
Features: 5.4L Cobra Jet engine, 6-sp manual with SFI-approved bell housing, stainless-steel long tube racing headers, 9-in. rear axle assembly, one piece driveshaft, air-conditioning delete, Cobra Jet/Ford Racing suspension with drag race spring kit, Cobra Jet seats and wheel package (15 x 4-in. fronts, 15 x 10-in. rears), 5-in. pedestal tach, short throw shifter.
Claim: 10-sec quarter mile ET right out of the box
Cost: $69,900
Availability: Allotment of 50 sold in a week, but Ford is considering another 50 in 2010.

Mr. Norm's Super Challenger
Location: Katzkin Booth, North Hall
Output: 900 hp
Features: Kenne Bell intercooler supercharger, Katzkin leather, Hurst pistol grip shifter, Hotchkis Performance lowering suspension, SSBC 6-piston brakes, Pirelli Scorpions, Corsa Performance exhaust, Mopar liftoff hood, Hulst side scoops and rear spoiler, Mr. Norms 22-in. wheels.
Claim: It can put down 900 hp on 22-in. wheels.
Cost: Too much for you, old man.
Availability: One off, not for sale.

NuFormZ 2009 Challenger 426 Supercharged
Location: Mimaki booth, North Hall
Output: 700 hp, 720 lb-ft of torque
Features: Nuformz custom 426 7.0L stroker motor with ported heads and manifold, air to air intercooler, direct port injection, Paxton Novi 1500 supercharger, OS Giken LSD, Eibach Pro 1 adjustable suspension, Nufromz tuned ECU and TCM, Brembo big brake kit, Nuformz custom carbon graphic chin spoiler grill, headlight assembly, rear deck with spoiler, Lexani wheels and BFGoodrich tires (front 265/35/20, rear 285/35/22).
Claim: When you hit the throttle, the car actually moves (versus immediately roasting the rear tires).
Cost: $100,000
Availability: n/a

2008 Challenger SRT8 convertible
Location: NCE booth, North Hall
Output: n/a
Features: NCE folding softop, 24-inch Forgiato wheels on 275/25R 24 Nitto Invo tires.
Claim: They can build a better drop top Challenger than Dodge.

2005 Silverhorse Racing Mustang GT
Location: Silverhorse Racing booth, North Hall
Output: n/a
Features: JLT cold air intake, Superchips tuning system,
Agent 47 SLA front suspension, Stillen AP Racing 6piston front and 4 piston rear brakes, Silverhourse Racing appearance products including flush mount louvers, true billet replacements, trim pieces,
mirror control knob, fuse box.
Claim: Nothing -- first time exhibitor at SEMA.
Cost: n/a
Availability: n/a

Squires Turbo System (STS) 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
Location: Outside
Output: 670 horsepower
Features: STS rear mounted, intercooler turbo system.
Claim: Boost in the rear is best.
Cost: n/a
Availabilty: n/a

Rich Evans Designs 2007 Ford GT Mustang
Location: Inside hallway, North Hall
Output: n/a
Features: Rich Evans, bumper, bumper spoiler, bumper grill, grill, rear bumper, rocker panels, rear flares, hood scoops with stainless inserts, fender scoops, quarter panel scoops, rear whing, fiberglass headliner, aluminum exhaust tips, 2-piece wheels (20- and 22-in.), perforated stainless-steel air-conditioning vent.
Claim: There are adults in the world who want Mustangs that looked like this.
Cost: n/a
Availability: n/a

Tommy Pike Customs 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
Location: Motorola booth, North Hall
Output: 600+ horsepower, 500 pound-feet of torque
Features: Vortech supercharger, SLP stainless-steel long tube headers, Eibach pro suspension kit, widebody front and rear fenders, MHT wheels (20 x 10-inch fronts, 22 x 12 inch rears)
Claim: Over 7 in. wider overall to fit those big meats!
Cost: $65,000 including car, $25,000 as an upgrade kit
Availability: Now

Sanderson Red Demon designed by George Barris
Location: Vertical Doors booth, North Hall
Output: 725 horsepower
Features: Supercharger, 3D Carbon Fiber rallye stripes, flared fenders, 20-in. front and 22-in. rear wheels, Vertical Doors, custom George Barris leather seats and carbon-fiber cabin accents.
Claim: Musclecars need exotic car doors.
Cost: n/a
Availability: n/a

So what would you rather have? One these hot-rodded Challengers or Mustangs? Or perhaps one of the GM's house-tuned Camaros?