Aftermarket Foundation board members Richard Scovner, Tenneco Automotive (center) and Terry O’Reilly, Pricedex Software (right), take a pause from the Golf Tournament to pose with a DSR representative in front of Tony Schumacher’s Top Fuel Army dragster.

Aftermarket industry leaders hit the links at the 2011 Aftermarket Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament—held on the eve of AAPEX/SEMA 2011—to raise awareness of the Aftermarket Foundation. The event, which took place at the Las Vegas Country Club and was attended by more than 144 golfers, set a new fundraising record by bringing in more than $350,000.

The cause is one that applies directly to those working in the automotive aftermarket. For more than 50 years, the Aftermarket Foundation has been assisting individuals and families from the automotive aftermarket industry who have fallen on extreme hard times because of death, serious illness or other financial hardship.  The tournament’s fundraising will assist in the launch of an industry-wide awareness campaign, intended to let people know that the Foundation is there to help in times of emergency.

The event included a number of celebrity notables, including NHRA racing legend Don Schumacher and drivers Johnny Gray and “Fast” Jack Beckman. The morning started off with a breakfast gathering and a clinic by PGA Golf Pro Bruce Fleisher, who gave some valuable tips to the golfers in attendance.

Bob Schoeberl, emcee for the event, noted: “This is the Foundation’s largest single event of the year, and it’s a time when industry leaders can get together and take a short break from competing in business, and compete on the golf course instead—and all for a really good cause.” 

NHRA competitor, and DSR Team Driver “Fast” Jack Beckman (foreground) and teammate Johnny Gray (bowing) attended and participated in the Aftermarket Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament, held at the Las Vegas Country Club on Monday, October 31, 2011.  The tournament raised over $350,000 for the Aftermarket Foundation.

Schoeberl and Andy Dudash of TBC, chair of the Organizing Committee, paid special tribute to committee teammates who put the event together. “This has been our most successful tournament ever, a truly amazing achievement by a small team.” The organizing team also included Bob Schoeberl and Andy Dudash of TBC, who chaired the organizing team. The team included John Nicholson of Auto-Gard Triple P, Lynn Parker of TBC, Rich Scovner of Tenneco, and Marita Powell, executive assistant. Dudash and Schoeberl also acknowledged the special involvement this year of Don Schumacher Racing (DSR), the Aftermarket Foundation’s newest partner and co-sponsor.

Schumacher, owner of DSR and president of Schumacher Electric Corp., was not only present, but also an active player on the course. “Schumacher Electric Corp. is a longstanding member of the automotive aftermarket, and the success of the Don Schumacher Racing team depends on the spirit of innovation for which our industry is renowned,” explained Schumacher. “The good work of the Aftermarket Foundation, in supporting and helping those within our industry who have fallen on hard times and find themselves with no place to go for help, is an exceptionally noble cause, and one with which we are very proud to be associated. It is unique, and to my knowledge, is the only industry-run and industry-driven benevolent organization of its kind.”

More than 120 aftermarket companies supported the event. Foundation Board and Golf Committee member, Lynn Parker of TBC Retail coordinated the Schumacher participation in the golf tournament, said: “Don Schumacher and his team already know how much we have appreciated this support, and with their help, we blew the top off our previous record, which is one fantastic achievement. But, at the end of this very special day, the real heroes are all those aftermarket people and companies who contribute to this event with sponsorships, cash and prizes. They know who they are,” he added, “but we want them to know that our hats are truly off to them, for recognizing the cause and stepping up to meet the need. Our golf tournament supporters are a veritable ‘who’s who’ of this great industry and they have our genuine admiration for supporting this event.”

Activities at the golf course included an ESPN film crew and media team following the drivers and the golfers, taking footage for an upcoming video profiling the Aftermarket Foundation. Foundation board member, and member of the Executive Committee, Terry O’Reilly, commented, “The Aftermarket Foundation is embarking on a new awareness campaign, focused on ensuring that people from across all segments of the Aftermarket are aware of the Foundation, and know to reach out to us, when they, or someone they know, is in dire circumstances with nowhere else to turn.”

“People in our industry can expect to hear more from the Foundation in the weeks to come, as we put together material to help our supporters and partner companies spread the word about the Foundation to their employees and families. We would like every company in the aftermarket to partner with us in our no-cost 'Awareness Program.' Some people are embarrassed or afraid to come forward themselves when they need help or simply don’t know about us. By partnering with us on awareness, aftermarket companies can ensure that their employees know, and take comfort in the fact, that this is a very special industry with a special safety-net to help those in financial trouble due to a death, serious accident, illness or other causes, when all else fails.”

“After all,” O’Reilly added, “if we don’t take care of our own, who will?”

	Aftermarket Foundation board members Richard Scovner, Tenneco Automotive (center) and Terry O’Reilly, Pricedex Software (right), take a pause from the Golf Tournament to pose with a DSR representative in front of Tony Schumacher’s Top Fuel Army dragster.

Aftermarket industry leaders hit the links at the 2011 Aftermarket Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament—held on the eve of AAPEX/SEMA 2011—to raise awareness of the Aftermarket Foundation. The event, which took place at the Las Vegas Country Club and was attended by more than 144 golfers, set a new fundraising record by bringing in more than $350,000.

The cause is one that applies directly to those working in the automotive aftermarket. For more than 50 years, the Aftermarket Foundation has been assisting individuals and families from the automotive aftermarket industry who have fallen on extreme hard times because of death, serious illness or other financial hardship.  The tournament’s fundraising will assist in the launch of an industry-wide awareness campaign, intended to let people know that the Foundation is there to help in times of emergency.

The event included a number of celebrity notables, including NHRA racing legend Don Schumacher and drivers Johnny Gray and “Fast” Jack Beckman. The morning started off with a breakfast gathering and a clinic by PGA Golf Pro Bruce Fleisher, who gave some valuable tips to the golfers in attendance.

Bob Schoeberl, emcee for the event, noted: “This is the Foundation’s largest single event of the year, and it’s a time when industry leaders can get together and take a short break from competing in business, and compete on the golf course instead—and all for a really good cause.” 

NHRA competitor, and DSR Team Driver “Fast” Jack Beckman (foreground) and teammate Johnny Gray (bowing) attended and participated in the Aftermarket Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament, held at the Las Vegas Country Club on Monday, October 31, 2011.  The tournament raised over $350,000 for the Aftermarket Foundation.

Schoeberl and Andy Dudash of TBC, chair of the Organizing Committee, paid special tribute to committee teammates who put the event together. “This has been our most successful tournament ever, a truly amazing achievement by a small team.” The organizing team also included Bob Schoeberl and Andy Dudash of TBC, who chaired the organizing team. The team included John Nicholson of Auto-Gard Triple P, Lynn Parker of TBC, Rich Scovner of Tenneco, and Marita Powell, executive assistant. Dudash and Schoeberl also acknowledged the special involvement this year of Don Schumacher Racing (DSR), the Aftermarket Foundation’s newest partner and co-sponsor.

Schumacher, owner of DSR and president of Schumacher Electric Corp., was not only present, but also an active player on the course. “Schumacher Electric Corp. is a longstanding member of the automotive aftermarket, and the success of the Don Schumacher Racing team depends on the spirit of innovation for which our industry is renowned,” explained Schumacher. “The good work of the Aftermarket Foundation, in supporting and helping those within our industry who have fallen on hard times and find themselves with no place to go for help, is an exceptionally noble cause, and one with which we are very proud to be associated. It is unique, and to my knowledge, is the only industry-run and industry-driven benevolent organization of its kind.”

More than 120 aftermarket companies supported the event. Foundation Board and Golf Committee member, Lynn Parker of TBC Retail coordinated the Schumacher participation in the golf tournament, said: “Don Schumacher and his team already know how much we have appreciated this support, and with their help, we blew the top off our previous record, which is one fantastic achievement. But, at the end of this very special day, the real heroes are all those aftermarket people and companies who contribute to this event with sponsorships, cash and prizes. They know who they are,” he added, “but we want them to know that our hats are truly off to them, for recognizing the cause and stepping up to meet the need. Our golf tournament supporters are a veritable ‘who’s who’ of this great industry and they have our genuine admiration for supporting this event.”

Activities at the golf course included an ESPN film crew and media team following the drivers and the golfers, taking footage for an upcoming video profiling the Aftermarket Foundation. Foundation board member, and member of the Executive Committee, Terry O’Reilly, commented, “The Aftermarket Foundation is embarking on a new awareness campaign, focused on ensuring that people from across all segments of the Aftermarket are aware of the Foundation, and know to reach out to us, when they, or someone they know, is in dire circumstances with nowhere else to turn.”

“People in our industry can expect to hear more from the Foundation in the weeks to come, as we put together material to help our supporters and partner companies spread the word about the Foundation to their employees and families. We would like every company in the aftermarket to partner with us in our no-cost 'Awareness Program.' Some people are embarrassed or afraid to come forward themselves when they need help or simply don’t know about us. By partnering with us on awareness, aftermarket companies can ensure that their employees know, and take comfort in the fact, that this is a very special industry with a special safety-net to help those in financial trouble due to a death, serious accident, illness or other causes, when all else fails.”

“After all,” O’Reilly added, “if we don’t take care of our own, who will?”

The second annual SEMA Award was presented to the Chevrolet Camaro for the Hottest Car, the Fiat 500 for the Hottest Sport Compact Car, the Ford F-Series for the Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler for the Hottest 4x4-SUV. The winners were announced on the opening day of the 2011 SEMA Show. View the the Chevrolet Camaros on display at the 2011 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Award winners represent the models that industry experts—the SEMA Show exhibitors—most often feature in their booths as the hottest rides for the enthusiast market.
 
The SEMA Award honors those vehicles that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and that showcase this year’s coolest products. The award recognizes four outstanding vehicle models in four categories—“Hottest Car,” “Hottest Sport Compact Car,” “Hottest Truck,” and “Hottest 4x4-SUV.” It also underscores the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies.

The second annual SEMA Award was presented to the Chevrolet Camaro for the Hottest Car, the Fiat 500 for the Hottest Sport Compact Car, the Ford F-Series for the Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler for the Hottest 4x4-SUV. The winners were announced on the opening day of the 2011 SEMA Show. View the the Chevrolet Camaros on display at the 2011 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Award winners represent the models that industry experts—the SEMA Show exhibitors—most often feature in their booths as the hottest rides for the enthusiast market.
 
The SEMA Award honors those vehicles that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and that showcase this year’s coolest products. The award recognizes four outstanding vehicle models in four categories—“Hottest Car,” “Hottest Sport Compact Car,” “Hottest Truck,” and “Hottest 4x4-SUV.” It also underscores the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies.

The new '13 Boss 302 Mustang, with the “hockey stick” retro-graphics package.

2013 Mustang Fires Up Musclecar Wars

Ford displayed a modernized line of Mustangs that feature a new exterior, updated technology and new driver tools for 2013. The '13 Mustang, in all its variations, will go on sale in the spring of 2012. Perhaps most interesting to enthusiasts will be the Boss 302 and 650hp Shelby GT 500.

Drawing considerable attention at the show was '13 Boss 302, which pays homage to the '70 Boss 302 with a hockey stick graphics package. The newest Boss engine yields 444 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque but is designed to deliver a smooth idle and low-end torque for comfortable around-town driving. A race-inspired clutch with upgraded friction materials transmits power, with a short-throw, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.

Power is delivered to a 3.73-ratio rear axle using carbon-fiber plates in a limited-slip differential to improve handling and longevity. For those who want even more precise control over power delivery, a torque sensing (Torsen) limited-slip differential is available, coupled with Recaro front seats.

Olivier Francois, head of Fiat Brand Worldwide and chief marketing officer of Chrysler and Fiat groups, reveals an Abarth Edition of the Fiat 500.  This tuned version offers better handling and 1.4L multi-air engine.  The Abarth is intended to further the Fiat 500’s image as an enthusiast-oriented vehicle.  At the 2011 SEMA Show, the Fiat 500 was named “Hottest Sport Compact” of the Show.

Working to make the Boss the best-handling Mustang ever, an enhanced version of the GT suspension is used, with higher-rate coil springs on all four corners, stiffer suspension bushings and a larger-diameter rear stabilizer bar.  Boss models are lowered by 11 mm in front and 1 mm at the rear versus the Mustang GT. Adjustable shocks and struts will be standard on all Boss Mustangs. Pirelli PZero summer tires are sized specifically for each end of the car, with the front wheels receiving 255/40ZR-19 tires while the rear gets wider 285/35ZR-19 rubber. Brembo four-piston calipers are matched with 14-in. vented rotors up front. In back, standard Mustang GT brakes are upgraded with a Boss-specific high-performance pad compound.

The GT 500 represents another move in the game of one-upmanship in the musclecar world. Carroll Shelby was on hand to give the crowd a wave at pre-show media days, a fitting moment to announce more about the Shelby GT500, described as “the ultimate Ford Mustang with the most powerful production V8 engine in the world.”

Ford says the GT500 will still geared for everyday drivers and track-day enthusiasts alike. The newest Shelby offers 650 hp, top speeds of 200-plus mph, and optimized vehicle systems.

The 5.8L V8 aluminum-block engine produces 650 hp and 600 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3,850-lb. car also stays exempt from the gas-guzzler tax.

The new Shelby GT500 also has new downforce-generating front grilles, an aggressive splitter, a new quad exhaust system and new forged-aluminum wheels.

The Subaru BRZ concept is thought to be very close to what will appear in showrooms in May.

Next Up For Subaru: BRZ

Subaru revealed a “concept” called the BRZ, their edition of a car jointly developed with Toyota that will also be offered by Scion. The audience was told that the concept is very close to the actual vehicle as it will appear in Subaru showrooms in May.

The driveline seems to be all Subaru, with their trademark horizontally opposed boxer four-cylinder engine. The engine is a normally aspirated 2.0L.  Brakes are by Brembo, and the suspension is STI-developed. The Scion version of the joint venture will be revealed November 30, and it’s likely that a SEMA Measuring Session will take place in the spring. Subaru/Scion tuners should stay tuned for more information on that subject.

Regardless of how the two companies decide to divvy up the sales and marketing chores, the new BRZ promises to carry on the WRX tradition of seriously-fun, relatively affordable sport-compact cars.  

The Next Defender?

Land Rover unveiled two concept vehicles intended to signal what the company might do about replacing the beloved military-grade Defender 4x4s, which were never adapted to comply with North American federal regulations.

Land Rover’s Defender concept vehicles show a new Defender, due in 2015, that may or may not come to North America.

The two DC100 concepts unveiled were designed to retain essential elements of Defender and allow Land Rover to discuss and inspire dreams of a future Defender. The concepts were designed around 2.0L, four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines with hybrid and plug-in capabilities.

Both concepts feature three-across front seating for increased versatility. The middle seat lifts to reveal a secure stowage area, while the outboard passenger seat can be folded away to increase carrying capacity.

Both interiors feature rugged, durable and sustainable modern materials designed for comfort. Those chosen for the DC100 are the latest in high-tech, tough fabrics that will survive a lifetime of the roughest treatment. In the shorter-wheelbase DC100 Sport, the materials are more luxurious, featuring leather with a subtle Tribal Tech pattern, referencing a legacy of exploration.

What the future holds for Defender fans in North America remains unclear. Land Rover confirmed its global intention to launch a new Defender in 2015, but with no current decision on whether or not the next generation Defender will come to the North American markets.

Chevrolet Vice President Chris Perry unveils the '12 ZL1 Camaro convertible at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

ZL1 Camaro Convertible

Chevrolet revealed the '12 Camaro ZL1, now available in convertible form. The '12 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 184 mph. Pricing for the coupe starts at $54,995, including Performance Traction Management and Magnetic Ride suspension; pricing for the convertible will be announced later. 

“From the original Camaro to the current Corvette ZR1, Chevrolet has a long history of delivering world-class cars that outperformed competitors at several times the price,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Chevrolet Marketing. “The ZL1 is no exception. There are very few cars at any price that can match the power, features and track-capability of the Camaro ZL1.”

Chevrolet spokespeople noted that for the price, which includes the $900 delivery fee, the ZL1 compares favorably to much more expensive cars, such as the Audi R8 GT and Mercedes SLS AMG.

The heart of the Camaro ZL1 is a supercharged 6.2L engine, SAE-rated at 580 hp and 556 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most-powerful production Camaro ever. The LSA engine features a Roots-style blower with an efficient four-lobe rotor set and compact intercooler.  The ZL1 also features a standard dual-mode exhaust system, with vacuum-actuated valves in the exhaust pipes for a refined exhaust note at low speeds as well as a free-flowing system for peak performance. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

 

	The Ringbrothers' ’65 Mustang won Best of Show at the Ford Motor Company Corporate Design Awards held during the 2011 SEMA Show.

Ford Motor Co. once again recognized the most significant design achievements at the 2011 SEMA Show with its Ford Motor Company Corporate Design Awards. These prestigious awards are given annually to those Ford vehicles that make a significant contribution to vehicle design and stand apart from all others at the SEMA Show.

Awards were presented for the most significant accomplishments in four categories. The following Ford Design Awards were presented during the Show:

Best of Show

Ringbrothers: ’65 Mustang

Best of Ford Show Stand

Hulst Customs: ’11 Super Duty

Best Heritage Vehicle

Dan Webb: So Cal Streamliner

Special Recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Design

• 3dCarbon: ’12 Focus
• ID Agency: ’12 Focus
• Roush: ’12 Focus
• ACV Motorsports: ’12 Fiesta
• Superlift: ’11 F-350
• Mobsteel: F-650
• Tjin Edition: ’11 Explorer
• MRT: ’12 Mustang
• Creations n Chrome: ’12 Mustang

Outstanding Product Excellence Awards

• Bojix Design: ’12 Focus
• H & R Springs: ’12 Mustang
• Dee Zee: ’11 F-150
• Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels: ’11 Super Duty
• Warn Industries: ’11 Super Duty

 

	The Ringbrothers' ’65 Mustang won Best of Show at the Ford Motor Company Corporate Design Awards held during the 2011 SEMA Show.

Ford Motor Co. once again recognized the most significant design achievements at the 2011 SEMA Show with its Ford Motor Company Corporate Design Awards. These prestigious awards are given annually to those Ford vehicles that make a significant contribution to vehicle design and stand apart from all others at the SEMA Show.

Awards were presented for the most significant accomplishments in four categories. The following Ford Design Awards were presented during the Show:

Best of Show

Ringbrothers: ’65 Mustang

Best of Ford Show Stand

Hulst Customs: ’11 Super Duty

Best Heritage Vehicle

Dan Webb: So Cal Streamliner

Special Recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Design

• 3dCarbon: ’12 Focus
• ID Agency: ’12 Focus
• Roush: ’12 Focus
• ACV Motorsports: ’12 Fiesta
• Superlift: ’11 F-350
• Mobsteel: F-650
• Tjin Edition: ’11 Explorer
• MRT: ’12 Mustang
• Creations n Chrome: ’12 Mustang

Outstanding Product Excellence Awards

• Bojix Design: ’12 Focus
• H & R Springs: ’12 Mustang
• Dee Zee: ’11 F-150
• Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels: ’11 Super Duty
• Warn Industries: ’11 Super Duty

	Registration for the 2012 MPMC Media Trade Conference is now open.

Attention media: Registration for the 2012 MPMC Media Trade Conference is open. Register today to ensure you receive the best possible schedule in advance of the event taking place January 24–26, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Additional details about the MPMC Media Trade Conference are available online.

During registration, you’ll be able to select the companies you need to meet with. Media Trade Conference facilitators request that you pay close attention to the companies you select, as every effort will be made to secure them onto your schedule and it will be difficult to make changes after your schedule is set.

The 2012 event will feature more than a dozen manufacturers that were not part of the previous event. Media are encouraged to review the list of exhibitors closely to ensure that relevant manufacturers are selected.

To make registration easier, media can simply submit one registration form for their group, regardless of the number of people that will be participating in the group.

Media with freelance writers that they want to send to the event should have them register independently. The MPMC Media Trade Conference is open to all editorial media, whether working on a magazine, website or freelance.

For questions about MPMC Media Trade Conference registration or for more information, contact pr@sema.org.

	Registration for the 2012 MPMC Media Trade Conference is now open.

Attention media: Registration for the 2012 MPMC Media Trade Conference is open. Register today to ensure you receive the best possible schedule in advance of the event taking place January 24–26, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Additional details about the MPMC Media Trade Conference are available online.

During registration, you’ll be able to select the companies you need to meet with. Media Trade Conference facilitators request that you pay close attention to the companies you select, as every effort will be made to secure them onto your schedule and it will be difficult to make changes after your schedule is set.

The 2012 event will feature more than a dozen manufacturers that were not part of the previous event. Media are encouraged to review the list of exhibitors closely to ensure that relevant manufacturers are selected.

To make registration easier, media can simply submit one registration form for their group, regardless of the number of people that will be participating in the group.

Media with freelance writers that they want to send to the event should have them register independently. The MPMC Media Trade Conference is open to all editorial media, whether working on a magazine, website or freelance.

For questions about MPMC Media Trade Conference registration or for more information, contact pr@sema.org.

	Registration for the 2012 MPMC Media Trade Conference is now open.

Attention media: Registration for the 2012 MPMC Media Trade Conference is open. Register today to ensure you receive the best possible schedule in advance of the event taking place January 24–26, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Additional details about the MPMC Media Trade Conference are available online.

During registration, you’ll be able to select the companies you need to meet with. Media Trade Conference facilitators request that you pay close attention to the companies you select, as every effort will be made to secure them onto your schedule and it will be difficult to make changes after your schedule is set.

The 2012 event will feature more than a dozen manufacturers that were not part of the previous event. Media are encouraged to review the list of exhibitors closely to ensure that relevant manufacturers are selected.

To make registration easier, media can simply submit one registration form for their group, regardless of the number of people that will be participating in the group.

Media with freelance writers that they want to send to the event should have them register independently. The MPMC Media Trade Conference is open to all editorial media, whether working on a magazine, website or freelance.

For questions about MPMC Media Trade Conference registration or for more information, contact pr@sema.org.