It looks like the time is ripe for another sportscar from Japan—and especially for the replacement of today’s Nissan 370 Z.

A test mule for its successor was caught undergoing high-speed testing at the German Nürburgring. The mule features extra air intakes in the front bumper and is clearly a mule for a replacement of the aging Nissan 370 Z, which, in its current form, hit the market in 2013.

Testing alongside the 370 Z mule was the new Toyota GR Supra, which signals that Nissan plans to increase power from today’s 328hp 3.7L V6 to at least the Supra’s 340hp, and hence the Nismo’s 344 hp unit to a sportier motor somewhere beyond 360 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Greg Adler

Greg Adler Joins Daystar Products International Board of Directors

Daystar Products International has announced that Greg Adler has joined Daystar International’s board of directors. Adler’s lifelong experience as a multi-generational enthusiast, business owner, CEO, CPA, SEMA Board of Directors member and chairman of the board for the Off Road Business Association adds expertise for Daystar’s family of 11 brands.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Announces Partnership with Global Electronic Technology

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association has announced a long-term partnership with Torrance, California-based Global Electronic Technology. The new partnership, launching January 1, 2020, solidifies and designates the global provider of credit card processing solutions and services as the official credit card processing partner of Goodguys. Global Electronic Technology, currently a primary sponsor in the NHRA Funny Car ranks, is branching out to the hot-rod and custom-car market with Goodguys.

Lincoln Tech’s Mahwah Campus President Robert Paganini (left) presents the Chief Executive Officer and President’s Pride in Partnership Award to Pep Boys Service Area Director Vinny Lemmo.

Icahn Automotive Recognized With Lincoln Tech’s Pride in Partnership Award

Icahn Automotive was awarded the Chief Executive Officer and President’s Pride in Partnership Award by Lincoln Technical Institute. The presentation was made to Pep Boys representatives during a career fair and recognized the company’s recently established Race to 2026 program, which has invested in and supported promising future automotive technicians through scholarship, partnerships with schools, and continuing education opportunities, in an effort to fill the projected automotive technician gap. The program—which distributed $50,000 in scholarships for automotive trade school students in 2019—launched in February with branded classrooms and student events at Lincoln Tech campuses in Mahwah and Union, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, as well as other technical training schools nationally. Lincoln Tech’s Mahwah Campus President Robert Paganini nominated Icahn Automotive for the award, which is given to one of the school’s top partners across the country each quarter, for the proactive steps the company took in partnering with the school.

Jim Sylvester

Stertil-Koni Vice President of Sales Jim Sylvester Retires

Stertil-Koni USA has announced that Jim Sylvester, vice president of sales, has retired after 21 years of record performance in sales and distributor support. Sylvester joined Stertil-Koni USA Inc. in 1998, and has played a significant role in helping the company grow more than 50-fold in the heavy-duty vehicle-lift industry across North America. During Sylvester's tenure at Stertil-Koni, he achieved significant account development and sales activities with a broad customer base, including large transit agencies, municipalities, major corporations, school districts and other vertical industries that service and maintain heavy duty vehicles. Sylvester’s principal focus was to work with Stertil-Koni’s exclusive distributorships based in the Midwest, New England and Eastern Canada. He also developed and built new customer relationships to the benefit of both his distributors and Stertil-Koni.

Zouhair Lazreq

Firestone Industrial Products Names New Director of Engineering

Firestone Industrial Products Company LLC (FSIP) has announced that Zouhair Lazreq has joined the company as director of engineering. He will direct FSIP engineering at a global level for all products and services. Specifically, he will oversee product development by leading the global product team to ideate advanced solutions for target geographies, which will help drive company growth in key markets. Lazreq brings years of product engineering experience to his new role. He joins FSIP from Dana Inc., where he most recently served as director of engineering and technical fellow. Prior to that, he gained experience as lead engineer in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) for Ford Motor Co., and senior project engineer with Roush Industries.

Kelly Roberts

Kelly Roberts Joins AirPro Diagnostics Canada

AirPro Diagnostics LLC has announced Kelly Roberts has joined its team to help manage distribution and services of its patented, remote scanning, programming and calibrations solution in Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec provinces. Roberts joins AirPro from a large dealership shop in North Bay, Ontario. He holds Red Seal Journeyman credentials as well as multi-level I-CAR Platinum technician status.

Advance Auto Parts Selects Slime as Exclusive Tire Sealant and Accessories Provider

Slime has announced that Advance Auto Parts has chosen to exclusively offer only Slime’s entire lineup of products. To celebrate the alliance, Slime is giving away two Kawasaki Brute 300 Force ATVs. The sweepstakes are now live until December 20, and anyone can enter.

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.

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Mishimoto Titanium Turbo Blankets Mishimito introduces its Turbo Blankets within their Heat Protection Line. The blanket is designed to reduce engine bay temperatures in turbocharged vehicles. The blanket is rated to 1800° F direct heat and 2000° F radiant heat. It’s interior rated to max temperature of 2300° F. It’s available in T25/T28, T3, T4, and T6 sizes. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: MMHP-TB
CD Dash Can Am Maverick X3 Plug & Play Adapter Kit AEM releases its ’17–’19 Can Am Maverick X3 Turbo Plug & Play Adapter Harness for CD Carbon 5- and 7-in. digital dashes that display channels from the stock ECU with a connection to the diagnostics port. Users can toggle between four main screens created specifically for the Maverick X3 Turbo. All of the pages are loaded and ready to go, but DashDesign software is engineered to let you create your own custom designs. 310-484-2322 www.aemelectronics.com PN: 30-2232
Holley Anvil Lift Kit Holley announces the release of the Anvil Off-Road 2.5-in. lift kit. The kit is designed to  provide an extra clearance for up to 35-in. tires on the new Jeep Wrangler JL & JL Unlimited—including the Rubicon. This kit includes front and rear powdercoated steel spacers, shock extensions, brake line brackets, spacer retainers and hardware. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 505AOR
Hooker BlackHeart Mustang Race Exhaust System Hooker BlackHeart introduces a new exhaust system for ’79–’93 Mustangs. The 304 stainless-steel exhaust system features an X-pipe designed crossover that is engineered to offer bolt-in compatibility with their engine swap crossmembers, mounts and headers. This 3-in. rear-exit header-back system is designed to use factory mounting points for stock-like fitment. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 705014143RHKR

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Mishimoto Titanium Turbo Blankets Mishimito introduces its Turbo Blankets within their Heat Protection Line. The blanket is designed to reduce engine bay temperatures in turbocharged vehicles. The blanket is rated to 1800° F direct heat and 2000° F radiant heat. It’s interior rated to max temperature of 2300° F. It’s available in T25/T28, T3, T4, and T6 sizes. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: MMHP-TB
CD Dash Can Am Maverick X3 Plug & Play Adapter Kit AEM releases its ’17–’19 Can Am Maverick X3 Turbo Plug & Play Adapter Harness for CD Carbon 5- and 7-in. digital dashes that display channels from the stock ECU with a connection to the diagnostics port. Users can toggle between four main screens created specifically for the Maverick X3 Turbo. All of the pages are loaded and ready to go, but DashDesign software is engineered to let you create your own custom designs. 310-484-2322 www.aemelectronics.com PN: 30-2232
Holley Anvil Lift Kit Holley announces the release of the Anvil Off-Road 2.5-in. lift kit. The kit is designed to  provide an extra clearance for up to 35-in. tires on the new Jeep Wrangler JL & JL Unlimited—including the Rubicon. This kit includes front and rear powdercoated steel spacers, shock extensions, brake line brackets, spacer retainers and hardware. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 505AOR
Hooker BlackHeart Mustang Race Exhaust System Hooker BlackHeart introduces a new exhaust system for ’79–’93 Mustangs. The 304 stainless-steel exhaust system features an X-pipe designed crossover that is engineered to offer bolt-in compatibility with their engine swap crossmembers, mounts and headers. This 3-in. rear-exit header-back system is designed to use factory mounting points for stock-like fitment. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 705014143RHKR

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Steve Torrence in his CAPCO Contractors dragster clinched his second straight NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Top Fuel world title.

Hight, S. Torrence, Enders, Hines Win NHRA World Titles; Kalitta, Beckman, Coughlin, J. Salinas Close 2019 With Auto Club NHRA Finals Victories

Funny Car’s Robert Hight raced to his third career NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world title and second in three years last Sunday by advancing to the final round of the 55th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California. Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also claimed world championships in their respective categories at the final race of the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship. The race winners of the final event of the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season were Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) and Jianna Salinas (Pro Stock Motorcycle). Hight knocked off championship hopeful and No. 1 qualifier Matt Hagan with a strong run of 3.977 seconds at 324.59 mph in his Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS to reach the final. Beckman took advantage in the final round, going 3.920 at 323.27 in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge SRT Hellcat to finish the year second in points with the win, just eight behind Hight.

Torrence clinched his second straight NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Top Fuel world title by advancing to the semifinals and making it down the track during that round on Sunday. In a massive second-round matchup with 2017 world champ Brittany Force, Torrence pulled away at the top end, going 3.749 at 326.48 in his CAPCO Contractors dragster. It followed a heated first-round matchup with Cameron Ferre, where Torrence, the No. 1 qualifier, won with a 3.734 at 327.82.

Kalitta came up only three points short of Torrence, just missing out on his first Top Fuel world title, but the veteran did close out 2019 with a victory in his Mac Tools dragster. He went 3.716 at 332.67 to beat Kalitta Motorsports teammate Richie Crampton in the final round. In Pro Stock, Enders won her third world title in Pro Stock, knocking off Chris McGaha with a 6.597 at 209.69, giving her a third title after back-to-back championships in 2014 and 2015. Coughlin picked up the Pro Stock win over Fernando Cuadra with a 6.558 at 210.54 in his JEGS.com Chevrolet Camaro.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hines ended up with his sixth world championship in the class, earning the title after Jerry Savoie lost in the final round to Salinas. Salinas’ day ended with her first career Pro Stock Motorcycle victory on her Scrappers Racing Suzuki, going 7.464 at 180.81 in the final round after Savoie broke.

The 2020 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season will kick off with the 60th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtecttheHarvest.com, February 6–9, at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Champion Oil Announces 2020 Racing Contingency Program

Champion Oil has announced the 2020 Racing Contingency Program, which is designed to link Champion Racing Motor Oils directly with regional and national racers in most sanctioned racing events in North America. From dirt tracks to asphalt, from hill climbs to super speedways, from drifting to drag racing, the program includes series such as the All-Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC), American Sprint Car Series (ASCS), World of Outlaws (WoO), United States Auto Club (USAC) and the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA). In return for their efforts and commitment, Champion provides contingency cash payouts for first-place wins, and will help to boost awareness with racer results through media channels and by creating testimonials with Champion products. Racers can apply for the Champion Racing Oil Contingency Program now through June 30, 2020.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

By SEMA Editors

The Ringbrothers’ ’69 Chevrolet Camaro took the top prize in the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Mike and Jim Ring of Ringbrothers in Spring Green, Wisconsin, took the top prize in the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, which concluded at SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party designed to celebrate the builders and showcase products from the trade-only Show.

For the second year in a row, a ’69 Chevrolet Camaro beat out nearly 300 entrants in the internationally recognized competition that has unfolded during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The Top 4 finalists for 2019 came down to Jim and Mike Ring with their ’69 Chevrolet Camaro (Hot Rod), Randy Borcherding with a ’55 Chevrolet truck (Truck/Off-Road), Louie Shefchik and his ’68 Iso Rivolta (Sport Compact) and Young Guns winner Brad Swaney with his ’71 Chevrolet C-10. Each and every builder brought their A game this year and was recognized with trophies in their respective classes.

The four finalists of this year’s competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special, “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block in January 2020 (time and date to be announced).

The 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition included submissions from seasoned builders and new customizers representing an elite group of individuals who demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs. The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category continues to evolve and expand, providing the next generation of builders with an opportunity to get their vehicles into the Battle of the Builders competition.

Industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs) and Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers) were the competition’s judges and narrowed down the field of nearly 300 entries to the Top 10 in the remaining categories before selecting the Top 12 builds overall. The 12 finalists then took over judging duties and named Ringbrothers the overall winners.

For more information about the 2019 Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.sema.org/botb, www.semayoungguns.com or SEMA's YouTube channel.

By SEMA Editors

The Ringbrothers’ ’69 Chevrolet Camaro took the top prize in the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Mike and Jim Ring of Ringbrothers in Spring Green, Wisconsin, took the top prize in the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, which concluded at SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party designed to celebrate the builders and showcase products from the trade-only Show.

For the second year in a row, a ’69 Chevrolet Camaro beat out nearly 300 entrants in the internationally recognized competition that has unfolded during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The Top 4 finalists for 2019 came down to Jim and Mike Ring with their ’69 Chevrolet Camaro (Hot Rod), Randy Borcherding with a ’55 Chevrolet truck (Truck/Off-Road), Louie Shefchik and his ’68 Iso Rivolta (Sport Compact) and Young Guns winner Brad Swaney with his ’71 Chevrolet C-10. Each and every builder brought their A game this year and was recognized with trophies in their respective classes.

The four finalists of this year’s competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special, “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block in January 2020 (time and date to be announced).

The 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition included submissions from seasoned builders and new customizers representing an elite group of individuals who demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs. The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category continues to evolve and expand, providing the next generation of builders with an opportunity to get their vehicles into the Battle of the Builders competition.

Industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs) and Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers) were the competition’s judges and narrowed down the field of nearly 300 entries to the Top 10 in the remaining categories before selecting the Top 12 builds overall. The 12 finalists then took over judging duties and named Ringbrothers the overall winners.

For more information about the 2019 Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.sema.org/botb, www.semayoungguns.com or SEMA's YouTube channel.

By SEMA Editors

The Ringbrothers’ ’69 Chevrolet Camaro took the top prize in the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Mike and Jim Ring of Ringbrothers in Spring Green, Wisconsin, took the top prize in the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, which concluded at SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party designed to celebrate the builders and showcase products from the trade-only Show.

For the second year in a row, a ’69 Chevrolet Camaro beat out nearly 300 entrants in the internationally recognized competition that has unfolded during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The Top 4 finalists for 2019 came down to Jim and Mike Ring with their ’69 Chevrolet Camaro (Hot Rod), Randy Borcherding with a ’55 Chevrolet truck (Truck/Off-Road), Louie Shefchik and his ’68 Iso Rivolta (Sport Compact) and Young Guns winner Brad Swaney with his ’71 Chevrolet C-10. Each and every builder brought their A game this year and was recognized with trophies in their respective classes.

The four finalists of this year’s competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special, “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block in January 2020 (time and date to be announced).

The 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition included submissions from seasoned builders and new customizers representing an elite group of individuals who demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs. The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category continues to evolve and expand, providing the next generation of builders with an opportunity to get their vehicles into the Battle of the Builders competition.

Industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs) and Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers) were the competition’s judges and narrowed down the field of nearly 300 entries to the Top 10 in the remaining categories before selecting the Top 12 builds overall. The 12 finalists then took over judging duties and named Ringbrothers the overall winners.

For more information about the 2019 Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.sema.org/botb, www.semayoungguns.com or SEMA's YouTube channel.

By SEMA Editors

The Ringbrothers’ ’69 Chevrolet Camaro took the top prize in the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Mike and Jim Ring of Ringbrothers in Spring Green, Wisconsin, took the top prize in the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, which concluded at SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party designed to celebrate the builders and showcase products from the trade-only Show.

For the second year in a row, a ’69 Chevrolet Camaro beat out nearly 300 entrants in the internationally recognized competition that has unfolded during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The Top 4 finalists for 2019 came down to Jim and Mike Ring with their ’69 Chevrolet Camaro (Hot Rod), Randy Borcherding with a ’55 Chevrolet truck (Truck/Off-Road), Louie Shefchik and his ’68 Iso Rivolta (Sport Compact) and Young Guns winner Brad Swaney with his ’71 Chevrolet C-10. Each and every builder brought their A game this year and was recognized with trophies in their respective classes.

The four finalists of this year’s competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special, “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block in January 2020 (time and date to be announced).

The 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition included submissions from seasoned builders and new customizers representing an elite group of individuals who demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs. The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category continues to evolve and expand, providing the next generation of builders with an opportunity to get their vehicles into the Battle of the Builders competition.

Industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs) and Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers) were the competition’s judges and narrowed down the field of nearly 300 entries to the Top 10 in the remaining categories before selecting the Top 12 builds overall. The 12 finalists then took over judging duties and named Ringbrothers the overall winners.

For more information about the 2019 Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.sema.org/botb, www.semayoungguns.com or SEMA's YouTube channel.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

CNC Operators
COMP Cams is hiring several Level I, Level II and Level III CNC operators who have experience operating a variety of CNC machines. Successful candidates will perform some minor setups and part quality checks using micrometers, gauges and calipers. Operators are also responsible for monitoring machine output and providing suggestions for improved efficiency and quality. The ability to operate CNC machinery and knowledge of inspection procedures and tools are required.

Automotive Fuel Systems Sales Specialist
Group-A Engineering is hiring an experienced automotive fuel systems salesperson with technical abilities that directly correlate to fuel Injectors, fuel rails, pumps, electronic throttle bodies, etc. Candidates should have vast knowledge of various vehicles, including American musclecars, European and Japanese performance. Experience with closing sales is a must.

Inventory Manager
FOX Factory Inc. is hiring an inventory manager to maintain inventory accuracy, warehouse location maintenance, optimizing space utilization and process quality. This position will be responsible for inventories at all Sport Truck USA locations and will be hands-on while leading their team with a heavy emphasis on reporting and analytics. This position requires a degree in operations, supply chain or a related business field or equivalent years of experience and a strong understanding of personnel management and development. Candidates must have more than two years’ related experience preferably in a manufacturing and/or warehouse environment.