By SEMA Editors

Despite not knowing the price, when the Corvette C8 is released, many will refer to it as a "supercar." It will have the performance, design, racing technology and sound to compete with the exotic brands.

Rumors surrounding the C8 involved three types of powertrains, two of which had forced induction. But listening to the next Corvette, it’s impossible to make out any superchargers or turbos. Our shooter said, “It sounds like a Camaro SS or something like that, a pure, big V8 engine.”

That's to be expected, since all Corvettes start out with the base model and later add the fancy stuff. This prototype should be dealing with a similar 6.2L unit seen in the C7, only mounted behind the driver.

Of course, to get those 700-plus horsepower numbers, the C8 will have to get some kind of forced induction. Rumors suggest a 5.5L twin-turbo will motivate the Z06, but there’s a couple more years before that comes out.

By Rachel Tatum

The “SEMA Battle of the Builders” TV special re-airs tomorrow, July 5, on MotorTrend TV.

Mark your calendars. Set your DVRs. The “SEMA Battle of the Builders” TV special re-airs tomorrow, July 5, on MotorTrend TV.

The one-hour program takes viewers behind the scenes of the 2018 SEMA Show, with industry hosts Tanner Foust and Adrienne “AJ” Janic as they follow the 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

The competition, which features some of the world's best vehicle builders, honors and recognizes the talent and craftsmanship of those with vehicles displayed at the 2018 SEMA Show. To tune in, check your local cable or satellite providers for times and details, or visit www.semashow.com/botb.

To learn more about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, including how to enter the 2019 competition, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

By Rachel Tatum

The “SEMA Battle of the Builders” TV special re-airs tomorrow, July 5, on MotorTrend TV.

Mark your calendars. Set your DVRs. The “SEMA Battle of the Builders” TV special re-airs tomorrow, July 5, on MotorTrend TV.

The one-hour program takes viewers behind the scenes of the 2018 SEMA Show, with industry hosts Tanner Foust and Adrienne “AJ” Janic as they follow the 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

The competition, which features some of the world's best vehicle builders, honors and recognizes the talent and craftsmanship of those with vehicles displayed at the 2018 SEMA Show. To tune in, check your local cable or satellite providers for times and details, or visit www.semashow.com/botb.

To learn more about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, including how to enter the 2019 competition, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

At the recent Exhibitor Summit, SEMA’s Maurice O’Connell talked with exhibitors about utilizing the feature vehicle opportunity at the 2019 SEMA Show.

At the recent Exhibitor Summit, SEMA’s Maurice O’Connell talked with exhibitors about utilizing the feature vehicle opportunity at the 2019 SEMA Show.

At the recent Exhibitor Summit, SEMA’s Maurice O’Connell talked with exhibitors about utilizing the feature vehicle opportunity at the 2019 SEMA Show.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-aston-martin-measuring-session-tickets-62722087452

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-aston-martin-measuring-session-tickets-62722087452

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-aston-martin-measuring-session-tickets-62722087452

By SEMA Editors

Chris Youngs Joins Neapco as National Sales Manager

Chris Youngs

Neapco recently announced that it has named Chris Youngs as national sales manager for the company's aftermarket group. Youngs' aftermarket experience spans more than three decades, including positions in operations, logistics, and most recently as senior manager—aftermarket sales for Dana Inc. As national sales manager, Youngs will be responsible for the strategic leadership of Neapco’s aftermarket sales group in North America. He will focus on development and execution of sales strategies to bring added value to our customers in their respective markets.

ROXOR Sponsors Justin Moore’s Late Night & Longnecks Tour

ROXOR off-road vehicles announced that the company is the title sponsor for all 50+ shows of Justin Moore’s Late Night & Longnecks Tour, spanning North America, from June to October, 2019. The Valory Music Co. artist is combining two of his favorite passions with this new partnership: country music and rolling through the outdoors in style. For more information on the new ROXOR, visit www.roxoroffroad.com.

Aeromotive Celebrates 25 Years With Open House and Car Show

Aeromotive will host a special open house event to celebrate the company's 25 years Thursday, August 1, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Aeromotive Inc. headquarters, 7805 Barton St. in Lenexa, Kansas. Attendees will enjoy appearances from famous racers and their cars (show up to find out who) and can shop the wares of local parts distributors and enjoy performances by local musician Gary Lincoln. The company will also host tours of their facility. The event will also feature a silent auction to and T-shirt sales benefit Parenting Children with Special Needs Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of local families who have a child with challenges that are associated with a medical diagnosis.

Icahn Automotive Celebrates Final 2019 Technical School Partnership at Orlando Universal Technical Institute

Dominic Lightner (right).

Icahn Automotive Group LLC announced the addition of Universal Technical Institute’s (UTI) Orlando campus to its Race to 2026 efforts, concluding the program’s technical school efforts for 2019. Launched earlier this year, the Race to 2026 initiative encourages more men and women to pursue viable careers in the skilled trades by partnering with technical training schools and offering scholarships and tuition reimbursement. In total, Icahn Automotive has partnered with six Universal Technical Institute and Lincoln Tech locations to reach students enrolled in automotive technology programs across the U.S.

In Orlando, Icahn Automotive, Pep Boys, and RPM leaders and technicians, and UTI administrators, instructors and students came together to unveil classroom designs that incorporated images of the well-known service brands, technicians hard at work and career maps that illustrate the many paths an automotive technician can take. The renovated areas included new furniture and equipment plus inspiring messages on the classroom walls including “Find the tools you need,” “Find your own path” and “Find out how far you can go.” To celebrate the partnerships, Dominic Lightner, an automotive technology student at the UTI in Orlando was presented with a $2,500 scholarship from Icahn Automotive. The event also included the Pep Boys Mobile crew service rig and mobile diagnostic vehicles, unique mobile repair and diagnostic vehicles that provides on-location services as well as a new, dynamic career opportunity for automotive service program graduates.

Bonnier Corp. to Create Auto Festival in Saudi Arabia

Bonnier Corp. announced that it will host an automotive festival featuring hundreds of leading brands in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 21-26, 2019. The company is recruiting leading brands to participate in the event. The festival is part of “Riyadh Season,” which includes a two-month celebration that will feature a blend of consumer-facing specialty automotive displays, activities, and activations, along with trade-only education and networking events. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has embarked on a course to open the country to both new entertainment and business opportunities. Bonnier Corp. has been contracted by the General Entertainment Authority to help build one of the largest auto festivals in the region.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.