As you’ve probably heard by now, a company known as MJ Acquisitions has purchased most of Saleen’s street-performance car, aftermarket and supercharger business. According to Automotive News, it is now reported that MJ Acquisitions along with other Michigan auto-related companies have considered buying Chrysler’s Dodge Viper business.

Chrysler announced recently that it has had three offers for its Viper business since the automaker put it up for sale in August 2008. Chrysler declined to name the three companies from which it received offers.

According to Mike Shields, who owns a controlling interest in MJ Acquisition, Cyltec, Arrow Racing Engines, Control-Tec and Power-Tec Engineering, the group has considered purchasing Viper.

Shields would not say whether his group is among the three bidders Chrysler speaks of. The Viper operation includes a factory in Detroit, the workers and the car itself.

After selling Saleen and working for the American arm of a Chinese automaker, Steve Saleen is back with his new company known as SMS Limited. Saleen, known for offering high-performance Fords, will be venturing into other brands and vehicles with his new company. Located in Anaheim, California in a 150,000 square-foot facility, SMS Limited will be offering high-performance versions of the Mustang along with modified versions of the new Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger.

The first SMS Limited vehicle will be based on the 2009 Dodge Challenger. The SMS 570 and SMS 570X Challenger both carry a SMS 296 Supercharger on the 5.7L HEMI. That gives both cars the ability to produce a total of 500-hp to over 700-hp. Production of the SMS Challengers will begin later this month.

Following the Challengers, Saleen will build the SMS 460 Mustang featuring a SMS Red Butterfly induction hood over a supercharged V8 engine allowing for up to 700-hp. Later in the year, Saleen will released details of an SMS Camaro.

After serving Ford Mustangs for 25 years, Saleen says SMS Limited allows him the freedom to explore other brands. In addition to muscle cars, his engineers are looking at possible SMS hybrid or electric vehicles. A supercar along the lines of the Saleen S7 supercar is also in the works.

2009 SMS 570 Challenger:

Source: Detroit News

Steve Saleen has announced that he and his new company, SMS, will design, engineer and manufacture a new family of high-performance Mustangs. The 2010 Signature Series SMS 460 Mustangs won’t make their debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show next month – nor is SMS handing out any pricing, volume or shipping details for the high-performance ‘Stangs.

However, Saleen and SMS felt like they had to be one of the first ones to show that they are already at work with modifying the 2010 Ford Mustang with a press release and an image of Saleen.

Based on the 2010 Ford Mustang GT platform, the SMS 460 Mustangs will feature an SMS Supercharged 4.6L engine that produces 475 to over 600 horsepower. Saleen says that both models will feature extensive design refinements and performance innovations, including the patented SMS Red Butterfly Induction hood and a full compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components.

The drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior will also receive an upgrade.

Saleen Inc., has modified over high-performance 8,000 Mustangs since its inception in 1983. However, the tuner and creator of the S7 said in a statement that it has hired an investment bank to explore options to sell the company as early as next year.

According to Automotive News, a sale could be tough in a market with tight credit and where a drop in auto sales, specialty companies have been suffering. Not to mention that Chrysler is selling one of Saleen’s major sources of revenue, the Dodge Viper.

Company founder Steve Saleen quit Saleen Inc. in 2007. We’re just worried because we really want to see the S5S Raptor go into production.

Before Ford gives the Mustang a complete makeover at the 2008 LA Auto Show, Saleen will take one last shot with the 2009 Dark Horse Extreme Edition. Saleen will build on 25 of the Dark Horse Extreme Edition Mustangs with production to begin Nov. 2008.

With the help of Saleen’s Port Matched Series VI Integrated Screw type supercharger, the Dark Horse makes 620-hp with a maximum torque of 600 lb-ft. The Saleen Dark Horse also comes with forged aluminum pistons, steel connecting rods and a steel crankshaft.

The limited 25 units will come is painted black with flat black exterior graphics, Saleen’s searlized engine plaques, a navigation system and sport leather steering with alcantara inserts.

Click through for more pictures.

2009 Saleen Dark Horse Extreme Edition: