Section: SEMA
Written By: Stan Baldwin
January 31st, 2008 12:00 PM
.
Once upon a time, companies desiring to offer custom parts for a particular car bought one for themselves, took it apart, and determined how to make their stuff fit properly. The automobile manufacturers were fairly ambivalent about the entire aftermarket industry for a long time. None offered help, some were hostile. But somewhere over the years they began to notice that modified cars drew attention to the brand.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) grew from those hot rodding roots and today works closely with many of the global automobile manufacturers to facilitate the agendas of both manufacturers and aftermarket companies. Now the list of parts available to modify any of the American “Big Three” vehicles makes the New York phone book look like a short story. The Japanese machines followed more than a decade ago and that list of options has exploded.
(Click through to read more about how the automakers allow aftermarket companies to measure vehicles.)
continued →
Written By: Seyth Miersma
December 21st, 2007 3:00 PM
.
An interesting report has come to light today from the Specialty Equipment Market Association, better known as SEMA.
The SEMA newsletter outlines what many of our readers already know and comment on frequently, that today’s diesel-engined vehicle options are a far different breed than those of years past.
(Click through the jump to read more about SEMA’s diesel findings.)
continued →
Written By: Stan Baldwin
November 16th, 2007 2:09 PM
.
As a professional mechanic once commented to me “The tool box doesn’t make me any money, it just holds the tools which do.” The topic at the time was how to justify the four figure price of a Snap-On roll away tool box, commonly referred to in the trade as an “aircraft carrier.” Obviously he appreciated the value of being able to find the right tool when needed and the benefit of preventing expensive wrenches and such growing wings over night, but several thousand dollars for a shiny metal container you can’t even drive is indeed hard to swallow.
At the recent SEMA show in Las Vegas I enjoyed chatting with a product manager and one of the engineers for the Craftsman line of tool boxes. Craftsman tool boxes, as opposed to Snap-On or Mac for instance, have traditionally been intended for the home owner or serious amateur mechanic. Heavy sheet steel, ball bearing drawer slides and strong wheels which will actually roll over cracks in the floor cost money. The Craftsman line has included a Professional series for some time. These boxes have many of the features of the pro boxes, but with lighter material, slightly less engineering excellence and somewhat looser tolerances. At a substantial discount from other pro boxes, these tool storage packages serve well and offer good value. But they have never carried the cache of the big guys and therefore have never effectively penetrated the professional market.
(Click through to read about the new Craftsman tool boxes.)
continued →
Written By: Seyth Miersma
November 5th, 2007 12:08 PM
.
The rumors are true, as whispered; Pratt & Miller Engineering will be offering its attempt at the perfect Corvette, the C6RS, to a giddy public.
That’s right, the 600 horsepower, 600 pound-feet “Supercar for the Street” is coming, and bringing its purpose built, carbon fiber body along for the ride. With the first orders for the C6RS being taken on the first of December, we think this one would make a pretty hot Christmas gift as well.
(Click through the jump to read all the details of the new C6RS including Pratt & Miller’s official press release.)
continued →
Written By: Seyth Miersma
November 2nd, 2007 5:30 PM
.
After reading William Jeanes’ report on the perfect pedal-powered gift from toymaker American Retro of Dinuba, California, imagine our surprise and delight to finding these beautifully crafted kid cars on SEMA’s show floor.
Have a look through our gallery of images, then tell Santa which one you want under the tree this year.
Written By: Seyth Miersma
November 2nd, 2007 5:00 PM
.
Volvo brought a pair of drop-top stunners to SEMA this year, a lovely version of its C70 convertible and a stripped V8 Speedster, two very different projects from customizer Caresto.
Using a shared color scheme, and a minimalist approach to customization, the two very divergent Volvo’s hint at their shared lineage.
The V8 Speedster is another in a line of Volvo-based hot rods that includes 2005’s highly acclaimed T6 Roadster. The V-8 powered, mid-engine Speedster is a jewel of a concept, using Volvo standard materials to great effect in its low and tight cabin. The Speedsters motor has also been converted to run entirely on ethanol.
Meanwhile the C70 has been updated to provide a more “personal” car. The Volvo’s turbocharged five-cylinder engine has been tweaked for more power, up 58 horsepower over the stock car’s 220.
(Click on the thumbnails below to check out a live gallery of the Caresto V8 Speedster and C70.)
continued →
Written By: Steven J. Ewing
November 2nd, 2007 2:00 PM
.
Set for debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Forum’s curvaceous lines and pillar-less frame bring an interesting design to the minivan segment, which is where we assume the Forum will compete.
No word just yet on whether or not the Forum will serve as a replacement for the Nissan Quest, but we’re glad to see a new concept for a segment that is usually forgotten. The Forum concept sketch is definitely eye-catching with its large hatchback-like shape and edgy front end.
Stay tuned for further information about Nissan’s new concept. We’ll have all the juicy details when the Forum makes its official debut in January.
Nissan FORUM Concept Set For 2008 NAIAS Debut
LAS VEGAS (Oct. 30, 2007) – Nissan’s exploration of the next generation of family transportation, the Nissan FORUM Concept, offers distinctive styling with innovations including trackless sliding doors and no B-pillars. Created at Nissan Design America, the FORUM Concept makes its public debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.
Written By: Phil Floraday
November 2nd, 2007 12:30 PM
.
According to Autoblog, a “knowledgeable source” at Pratt & Miller has confirmed 25 copes of the Corvette C6RS will be built. Those lucky enough to get one of the 25 will need $185,000, plus a donor Corvette. For that kind of dough you’ll be able run on E85 and make 600 horsepower.
If you can’t get a ZR-1, this C6RS might be the ticket.
(Click through to read more about the C6RS.)
continued →
Written By: Seyth Miersma
November 2nd, 2007 10:40 AM
.
For those of you who worried that our SEMA coverage was drawing to a close, fear not. We’ve still got one or two (dozen) tuner style delicacies to share, including a brace of modded Toyotas.
In addition to releasing the newest standard versions of Corolla and Matrix on the Vegas show goers, Toyota brought along a couple of tuned versions as well.
The Corolla S3 by Street Image gets a grab bag of modifications, including a supercharger, flat-faced 20-inch wheels, and a load of electronic goodies inside. Just down the stand from the S3 is a 2009 Matrix Rally Sport by The Millen Works. The RS Matrix makes a stab at adding a bit of racing panache to the 5-door, giving it a full roll cage, racing seats, and a go-fast body kit.
(Click on the thumbnails below to launch images of the Corolla S3 and Matrix Rally Sport.)
Written By: Steven J. Ewing
November 2nd, 2007 10:00 AM
.
Ford’s new Flex crossover hasn’t hit the streets yet, but Ford was eager to tune a few pre-production models for this year’s SEMA show. Chip Foose, star of Overhaulin’ gave this Flex a proper tuning treatment.
On the exterior, custom front and rear fascias and rocker panels are accented with a wrap-around chrome beltline. Foose’s Flex rides on 22-inch wheels and Eibach springs which lower the Ford crossover. A custom two-tone blue and pearl paint job give the Flex a contemporary yet stylish, appearance, as well. Interior changes include a three-tone blue, gray, and tan premium leather surfaces created by Katzkin Leather.
There’s no word about any engine upgrades, so we can only assume the stock 3.5-liter V-6 sits under the hood of the Foose Flex.
Click the images below to open a high-resolution gallery.
Written By: Seyth Miersma
November 1st, 2007 4:47 PM
.
All new for 2009, Toyota has unveiled its Matrix at the SEMA show in glittering Las Vegas.
After bringing you a set of first images, along with all the ins and outs of the new Toyota, we thought we’d take this opportunity to share some fresh, live images of the Matrix.
Is the little Toyota more fetching on the road than in the studio? Tell us what you think in comments.
(Click on the thumbnails below to launch live and stock galleries of the 2009 Toyota Matrix.)
Written By: Seyth Miersma
November 1st, 2007 4:28 PM
.
Yesterday we brought you the news, specifications, and first looks at Toyota’s 2009 version of its much anticipated Corolla. Today, we’re happy to report that SEMA’s example of the very hottest Corolla, the XRS is live and on display in the gorgeous Las Vegas sun.
Look, ponder, and comment away.
(Click on the thumbnails below to launch live and stock gallery’s of the 2009 Corolla.)
Next >
Nissan Confirms Upcoming G37 Convertible, 'Mini SUV' 
Ford Readies 2009 Focus Coupe for American Idol Reveal
Ford Planning to Revive F-100?
Ferrari California Revealed!
Lamborghini Picks L.A. for U.S. Headquarters
