By SEMA Editors

Truck Accessories Group (TAG) has entered into a letter of intent to acquire Takit Inc. (BEDSLIDE).

Truck Accessories Group (TAG) has announced that it has entered into a letter of intent to acquire Takit Inc. (BEDSLIDE)—a supplier of retractable truck-bed cargo trays, pending a 30-day due diligence period.

Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions to closing, the expected closing date is November 29.

The planned acquisition strengthens TAG’s leadership position in the truck-accessory category, and represents the first of many planned changes in the company’s new strategic direction.

By SEMA Editors

Red Line Synthetic Oil unveiled a custom ’69 Dodge Charger built by Mike Copeland’s team at Diversified Creations and Arrington Performance in its booth, October 30, at the 2018 SEMA Show.

Red Line Synthetic Oil unveiled a custom ’69 Dodge Charger built by Mike Copeland’s team at Diversified Creations and Arrington Performance in its booth, October 30, at the 2018 SEMA Show. The 850hp musclecar build marks the first unveiling that Red Line has hosted in its 32 years of attending the SEMA Show.

The vehicle’s owner has been a life-long fan of early Dodge Chargers, and for his first foray into the musclecar world, he reached out to Copeland, owner of Diversified Creations and Arrington Performance. The owner wanted a car he could drive from his home in Georgia to New York and back without having to worry about reliability. The Charger features an 850hp 6.2L Mopar Hellcat crate motor with an OEM eight-speed automatic transmission custom fitted to the vehicle.

In 2013, the Diversified Creations team was the first to install the new eight-speed transmission and Hellcat motor into a second-generation Charger. Red Line’s lubricants and fluids were used throughout the vehicle, enhancing performance and reliability. The build was a complete ground-up restoration; even the roof and the floors were rebuilt. The exterior features gloss-black paint with matte-black accents throughout. The hood itself is a one-off piece made by metalworking the famous ’70 R/T Challenger hood scoops onto an original Charger hood. The suspension components, including the coilovers, were sourced from Reilley Motorsports to provide exceptional ride quality while significantly enhancing handling performance. Baer six-piston brakes and custom Forgiato Navaja wheels with Continental tires were installed, among many other modifications.

By SEMA Editors

Red Line Synthetic Oil unveiled a custom ’69 Dodge Charger built by Mike Copeland’s team at Diversified Creations and Arrington Performance in its booth, October 30, at the 2018 SEMA Show.

Red Line Synthetic Oil unveiled a custom ’69 Dodge Charger built by Mike Copeland’s team at Diversified Creations and Arrington Performance in its booth, October 30, at the 2018 SEMA Show. The 850hp musclecar build marks the first unveiling that Red Line has hosted in its 32 years of attending the SEMA Show.

The vehicle’s owner has been a life-long fan of early Dodge Chargers, and for his first foray into the musclecar world, he reached out to Copeland, owner of Diversified Creations and Arrington Performance. The owner wanted a car he could drive from his home in Georgia to New York and back without having to worry about reliability. The Charger features an 850hp 6.2L Mopar Hellcat crate motor with an OEM eight-speed automatic transmission custom fitted to the vehicle.

In 2013, the Diversified Creations team was the first to install the new eight-speed transmission and Hellcat motor into a second-generation Charger. Red Line’s lubricants and fluids were used throughout the vehicle, enhancing performance and reliability. The build was a complete ground-up restoration; even the roof and the floors were rebuilt. The exterior features gloss-black paint with matte-black accents throughout. The hood itself is a one-off piece made by metalworking the famous ’70 R/T Challenger hood scoops onto an original Charger hood. The suspension components, including the coilovers, were sourced from Reilley Motorsports to provide exceptional ride quality while significantly enhancing handling performance. Baer six-piston brakes and custom Forgiato Navaja wheels with Continental tires were installed, among many other modifications.

By SEMA Editors

Eaton’s new aftermarket performance ring-and pinion sets increase horsepower, performance.

Eaton has introduced a new automotive aftermarket performance ring-and-pinion product line that provides vehicle enthusiasts the opportunity to choose from a variety of options and configurations to increase vehicle performance and improve horsepower. The gear sets come in two varieties—street and competition—and can be ordered with an optional isotropic Super Finish process, which coats the gears with a highly polished surface engineered to reduce friction, improve wear resistance, increase oil retention and eliminate the need for break-in. The reduction in friction can increase horsepower from 3% to 5%.

Eaton Performance ring-and-pinion gear sets are available in a wide range of axle ratios for Chrysler, Dana, Ford and General Motors axles.

All Eaton ring-and-pinion gear sets are made in the United States and feature:

• Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) cut teeth that improve gear meshing, reduce stress and ensure smooth engagement.
• Rolled splines for additional tooth strength and longer life.
• Computer controlled heat-treated steel for added durability.

Street series gear sets are made from high-quality 8620 or 4320 steel that provides long life under daily-use conditions, while competition series gear sets are composed of high-quality 9310 steel for the higher-impact resistance needed when competing at the track. The optional Super Finish is available on all Eaton ring-and-pinion gear sets.

To celebrate the releases of its new product line, Eaton is offering a mail-in rebate for all Eaton Performance product purchases made between November 1 and December 31, 2018.

For details on the rebate, and a complete list of available applications and part numbers, consumers can visit their local Eaton Performance distributor, go to www.eatonpartsonline.com/ringandpinion or call 800-328-3850.

By SEMA Editors

Eaton’s new aftermarket performance ring-and pinion sets increase horsepower, performance.

Eaton has introduced a new automotive aftermarket performance ring-and-pinion product line that provides vehicle enthusiasts the opportunity to choose from a variety of options and configurations to increase vehicle performance and improve horsepower. The gear sets come in two varieties—street and competition—and can be ordered with an optional isotropic Super Finish process, which coats the gears with a highly polished surface engineered to reduce friction, improve wear resistance, increase oil retention and eliminate the need for break-in. The reduction in friction can increase horsepower from 3% to 5%.

Eaton Performance ring-and-pinion gear sets are available in a wide range of axle ratios for Chrysler, Dana, Ford and General Motors axles.

All Eaton ring-and-pinion gear sets are made in the United States and feature:

• Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) cut teeth that improve gear meshing, reduce stress and ensure smooth engagement.
• Rolled splines for additional tooth strength and longer life.
• Computer controlled heat-treated steel for added durability.

Street series gear sets are made from high-quality 8620 or 4320 steel that provides long life under daily-use conditions, while competition series gear sets are composed of high-quality 9310 steel for the higher-impact resistance needed when competing at the track. The optional Super Finish is available on all Eaton ring-and-pinion gear sets.

To celebrate the releases of its new product line, Eaton is offering a mail-in rebate for all Eaton Performance product purchases made between November 1 and December 31, 2018.

For details on the rebate, and a complete list of available applications and part numbers, consumers can visit their local Eaton Performance distributor, go to www.eatonpartsonline.com/ringandpinion or call 800-328-3850.

By SEMA Editors

The SmartWeight Pro is equipped with a no-touch wheel measurement system that allows the technician to determine weight placement using laser vision, simplifying the balancing process.

Hunter Engineering Company showcased its SmartWeight Pro at the 2018 SEMA Show in its booth #41013. SmartWeight Pro is Hunter’s latest intuitive, mid-range wheel balancer that offers upscale, premium features.

The wheel balancer is equipped with a no-touch wheel-measurement system that allows the technician to determine weight placement using laser vision, simplifying the balancing process. Hunter’s patented software—SmartWeight technology—is designed to help improve balance, minimize weight usage and maximize productivity.

SmartWeight Pro offers a user-friendly interface with single-knob navigation, 3-D graphics, and on-the-job training that covers basic techniques and advanced procedures in multiple languages. Additional key features include CenteringCheck, which ensures proper centering, and a space-saving hood design that allows the machine to be installed against the wall, maximizing shop space.

By SEMA Editors

The SmartWeight Pro is equipped with a no-touch wheel measurement system that allows the technician to determine weight placement using laser vision, simplifying the balancing process.

Hunter Engineering Company showcased its SmartWeight Pro at the 2018 SEMA Show in its booth #41013. SmartWeight Pro is Hunter’s latest intuitive, mid-range wheel balancer that offers upscale, premium features.

The wheel balancer is equipped with a no-touch wheel-measurement system that allows the technician to determine weight placement using laser vision, simplifying the balancing process. Hunter’s patented software—SmartWeight technology—is designed to help improve balance, minimize weight usage and maximize productivity.

SmartWeight Pro offers a user-friendly interface with single-knob navigation, 3-D graphics, and on-the-job training that covers basic techniques and advanced procedures in multiple languages. Additional key features include CenteringCheck, which ensures proper centering, and a space-saving hood design that allows the machine to be installed against the wall, maximizing shop space.

By SEMA Editors

This year’s Type R comes in 200 lbs. lighter compared to last year’s car.

Following last year’s successful run in showroom stock form, the Team Honda Research West (THR-W) racing team announced its return to the 25 Hours of Thunderhill this year with an upgraded Honda Civic Type R.

The vehicle, on display in American Honda Motor Co. booth #24887 in Central Hall, benefits from numerous race-bred improvements, including 380hp, race-ready brakes and suspension, and engine modifications, such as an Injen custom intake system, Hondata ECU tuning and a racing down pipe and custom titanium exhaust system by RV-6.

New aerodynamics include a THR-W front splitter, a Honda Genuine Accessories full carbon rear wing and Seibon carbon-fiber hood and hatch. This year’s Type R comes in 200 lbs. lighter compared to last year’s car.

By SEMA Editors

This year’s Type R comes in 200 lbs. lighter compared to last year’s car.

Following last year’s successful run in showroom stock form, the Team Honda Research West (THR-W) racing team announced its return to the 25 Hours of Thunderhill this year with an upgraded Honda Civic Type R.

The vehicle, on display in American Honda Motor Co. booth #24887 in Central Hall, benefits from numerous race-bred improvements, including 380hp, race-ready brakes and suspension, and engine modifications, such as an Injen custom intake system, Hondata ECU tuning and a racing down pipe and custom titanium exhaust system by RV-6.

New aerodynamics include a THR-W front splitter, a Honda Genuine Accessories full carbon rear wing and Seibon carbon-fiber hood and hatch. This year’s Type R comes in 200 lbs. lighter compared to last year’s car.

By SEMA Editors

The ’68 Dodge “Super Charger” Concept is adapted to accommodate the Hellephant engine, enabling the car to slam 1,000 hp to the pavement through a stock T-6060 manual six-speed Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat transmission.

Mopar revealed a brand-new HEMI-engine-powered “Hellephant” 426 Supercharged Mopar Crate HEMI engine, which turns the crank at 1,000 hp and 950 lb.-ft. of torque, at its press conference during the 2018 SEMA Show. The press briefing also included the unveiling of the ’68 Dodge “Super Charger” Concept, which highlights the Hellephant 426 Supercharged Crate HEMI engine assembly and kit.

The Hellephant engine hits the 1,000hp mark via bulked-up displacement, with 4 in. of stroke and bore specs at 4.125 in. An improved supercharger with a high-efficiency rotor is mounted on the all-aluminum block, which provides huge weight savings to keep the Hellephant light. The all-aluminum block, used in Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak race vehicles that dominated the 2018 NHRA Factory Stock Showdown class, was configured for the street in close collaboration with Mopar and engineers from the motorsports world.

The engine and kit’s Hellephant logo and name call out the 426 HEMI engine, first introduced in ’64 and nicknamed the “elephant” engine for its power and size, as well as the 707hp Mopar “Hellcrate” engine kit, revealed at last year’s SEMA Show.

The complete engine assembly includes a water pump, flywheel, front sump oil pan, supercharger with throttle body, fuel injectors and coil packs. The first-ever 1,000hp crate engine assembly offered by an OEM can be paired with the Mopar Hellephant 426 Supercharged Mopar Crate HEMI Engine Kit for relatively simple plug-and-play by experienced installers. The engine assembly and kit are designed for installation on pre-’76 street and off-road vehicles.

Additional Hellephant 426 Supercharged Mopar Crate HEMI engine features include valve covers imported from the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye and valvetrain, valves, locks and retainers pulled from the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. The engine build includes a special high-lift cam and custom-forged pistons. The Hellephant 426 Supercharged Mopar Crate HEMI engine kit includes a powertrain control module (PCM), power distribution center, engine wiring harness, chassis harness, accelerator pedal, ground jumper, oxygen sensors, charge air temperature sensors, fuel pump control module and cam bus interface device. 

As with the Hellcrate engine, Mopar will also offer an essential Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) kit, which includes an alternator, power-steering pump, belts, pulleys and more, and is among additional engine accessory hardware components available to assist in installing the Hellephant.

The Hellephant 426 Supercharged Mopar Crate HEMI engine assembly and kit will be available in the first quarter of 2019. 

’68 Dodge “Super Charger” Concept

The ’68 Dodge Charger is reimagined with modern elements from the current Dodge Charger SRT and the Dodge Challenger SRT lineup to create a unique package for showcasing the Mopar brand’s new Hellephant 426 Supercharged Mopar Crate HEMI engine and kit.

The ’68 Dodge “Super Charger” Concept is adapted to accommodate the Hellephant engine, enabling the car to slam 1,000 hp to the pavement through a stock T-6060 manual six-speed Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat transmission.

The custom De Grigio Grey Metallic classic ’68 Dodge Charger, which is marking its 50th anniversary in 2018, feeds the Hellephant fresh air through a supersized hood scoop modeled on that of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. The hood features fiberglass construction on the outside with inner-steel construction inside carried over from the original vehicle. The ’68 Charger’s pop-up headlamp design is tweaked to plant Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat headlamps permanently behind the grille. The original’s door handles and drip rails are shaved away, creating a clean, streamlined appearance. Front door vent windows are removed and replaced with a one-piece side glass. The ’71 Duster mirrors add a more modern appearance.

The ’68 Dodge Super Charge” Concept assumes a wide body stance due to front and rear fiberglass wheel flares painted in the De Grigio Grey Metallic body color. The front wheels push forward 2 in. to accommodate the flares and shorten the Charger’s overhang, extending the classic’s wheelbase from 117 in. to 119 in. Front wheels are stock 20x11-in. Devil’s rims pulled from the Challenger SRT Hellcat, while the rears are upsized 21x12-in. custom-milled aluminum Devil’s wheels. The body drops 2.5 in. in the rear and 3.5 in. in the front to hug the pavement. Six-piston Brembos deliver a stopping-power advantage over the ’68 brakes.

Custom fiberglass front and rear bumpers are flushed up and shortened cross-car to provide an integrated design. The custom fiberglass front chin splitter takes influence from the Demon, while the custom rear spoiler is inspired by the modern Charger R/T. The trunk key cylinder lock is shaved and the Satin Black fuel door embellished with a custom-milled aluminum “Hellephant” medallion. Vehicle graphics and badging are Satin Black vinyl decals, including the Hellephant logo on the front fenders, “Super Charger” badging above the doors and classic tail stripes at the rear.

The lower exhaust tips are eliminated and replaced with Alfa Romeo Stelvio 5-in. dual-walled exhaust tips re-engineered to run through the taillamp housing. The brake lights have been reconfigured with LED lights that glow around the exhaust tips.

Inside, door panels and interior trim are Satin Black with the Hellephant milled medallion applied on the upper door panels. The Dodge Viper steering wheel also carries the Hellephant medallion at its center. The instrument panel insert is the same De Grigio Grey Metallic body color and the dash is customized with a full array of Mopar gauges.

The body-color center console holds a manual shifter from the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, as well as the ignition button and toggle switches for the headlamps, wipers, fog lights and hazard lights. The stock front seats have been replaced with Dodge Viper seats re-wrapped in Alcantara leather accented with red stitching and are fitted with four-point Sabelt black racing harnesses. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon seat delete option opens up the rear and also sheds weight while making space for a custom 2-in. roll cage designed to follow the profile and harmonize with the shape of the day light opening (DLO). A Challenger SRT Demon net allows for storage of racing equipment, such as helmets and gloves. A black Challenger SRT Hellcat carpet covers the rear of the interior, while the front features custom floor mats modified from the current Charger SRT and Mopar pedal kits for the Challenger.