By SEMA Editors

	Mercedes-Benz will select the four most innovative and exciting project vehicles—based on the automaker’s new midsize van concept—to display in its booth at the 2014 SEMA Show. Each of the approved companies will receive a pre-production van and a budget of up to $50,000 to make vehicle modifications based on their design.

Background—Exploring the Potential for a Midsize Van in the U.S. Market

Commercial vans are used mainly by businesses and public services, with a wide array of uses, including package/freight delivery, trade vehicles for carpenters and electricians, mobile repair workshops, emergency services, luxury transportation and even mobile pet grooming. Moreover, they have also captured the imagination of private owners, who use them not only as transportation, but also to realize their passions.

The Sprinter Van revolutionized the large van segment in the United States, bringing the tall, efficient and ergonomic European van to American customers and, incidentally, providing a vehicle template for other manufacturers that are only now bringing in their own European-style vans.

Now, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is exploring the potential of the midsize commercial van segment in the United States. The concept offers up to 194 cu. ft. of cargo space or seating for up to eight passengers in a versatile, compact, efficient vehicle. Many American customers have indicated strong interest in this midsize van concept, according to MBUSA, and the OEM is consequently now evaluating the U.S. market opportunity for the commercial van, targeting mainly small- and midsize businesses that transport cargo and passengers.

A Midsize Van at the SEMA Show

The SEMA Show, with its diverse attendees, provides a natural platform to explore the potential of the midsize van platform. A showcase of diverse van-based designs, developed and executed by tuners and upfitters across the United States, will allow attendees to experience the full scope of the van’s potential and allow them to imagine the different uses for the vehicle. The SEMA Show will also be the first time when this new concept is shown in the United States, presenting a unique opportunity to build awareness for the concept while gathering feedback on unique vehicle variations.

Project Vehicle Proposal

A midsize commercial van can provide the basis for numerous different vehicle concepts and designs that require a larger vehicle and deliver more excitement and utility than is possible in a passenger car. To explore these possibilities, MBUSA will host a tuning and upfitting competition to develop and build the most exciting midsize van concepts. Tuners and upfitters across the United States are invited to propose showcar concepts based on the midsize van. MBUSA will select the four most exciting concepts to be realized. Each vehicle’s creators will receive a pre-production van and a budget of up to $50,000 to make vehicle modifications based on their design. All four vehicles will be displayed in the Mercedes-Benz Vans booth at the 2014 SEMA Show, and they will compete with one another for the most votes by SEMA Show attendees and Internet voters.

Each proposal should focus on one or two of the different uses for which the midsize van would be perfect—and take it to the extreme. Concept ideas include:

• Ultimate Roadtrip Van: The vehicle you’d want to take on the longest, best vacation of your life.
• Perfect Mobile Office: Everything you need to be productive and comfortable on the road in one compact package.
• Definitive Tailgating and Party Van: The van that provides the right setting for a party anytime, anywhere.
• Success on Wheels: The van that lets you grow your business by taking it mobile, taking advantage of the space the midsize cargo van offers.
• Limo on Steroids: The van for group transportation with over-the-top style.

MBUSA is open to considering any concept that takes the van to the next level. Concepts that focus on commercial applications are especially welcome. A total of four concepts will be selected to be built by aftermarket companies and displayed to compete with one another at the SEMA Show. Only one project vehicle per theme will be awarded.

Following the Show, the four aftermarket companies will take possession of the vehicle for the next 12–18 months for the purposes of their approved marketing plan, but MBUSA reserves the right to schedule the vehicles for display with written notice in advance. Vans will ultimately be returned to MBUSA at the conclusion of the promotional period with all modifications intact, which become the property of MBUSA.

Aftermarket companies and upfitters that wish to apply for this opportunity must submit proposals that include the following information:

• Executive Summary – One-pager to focus on the key benefits of the proposal and prior experiences to support this new role.
• Vehicle Description – List of specific modifications and accessories to be added, including a total customer pay price, along with a color rendering.
• Examples of previous project vehicles by the applicant.
• Promotional plan – Detailed marketing/PR plan for the show vehicle over the next 12–18 months.
• Timing – Specific dates, vehicle delivery and project timing and completion date. Vehicles must be completed by October 20, 2014.
• Commitment to feature the vehicle with the Mercedes-Benz logos and nomenclature intact with visible likeness to the production vehicle.
• Feature the van with its original engine, though power-boosting accessories are acceptable.
• Commit to creating weekly progress reports during the vehicle build process, including photos.
• Allow photo/video production by MBUSA during the build process, if requested by MBUSA.
• Booth number for their exhibit space at the 2014 SEMA Show.
• All costs associated with preparing the response to this Request For Proposal shall be borne solely by the aftermarket companies/upfitters.
• Finally, this Request For Proposal does not constitute a binding agreement between the aftermarket companies/upfitters and MBUSA. It should be made clear that a project vehicle will only be awarded upon the execution of an agreement by MBUSA and the aftermarket companies/upfitters, as required by MBUSA.

All proposals must be submitted to MBUSA via email to sema@mbusa.com by July 28, 2014.

Proposal Submission: July 28, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: August 4, 2014
Vehicle Delivery: Mid-August

Preliminary Project Van Specifications

Measurements

Length/width/height (in.): 202/76/74
Wheelbase/ground clearance (in.): 126/5.7
Payload/Towing (lbs.): 2,579/5,000
Cargo capacity (cu. ft.): 194
Cargo area length/height (in.): 92/54

Powertrain

Configuration: Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 4-cylinder gasoline, turbocharged, direct injection
Total Displacement: 2.0L
Horsepower: 211 @ 5,000 RPM
Net Torque: 273 lb.-ft.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Japan’s own Masao Suenaga took the victory at Fuji Speedway for the first Formula DRIFT Japan event for Round 2 of the Formula DRIFT Asia Championship.

Formula DRIFT Japan Results: Masao Suenaga Takes Event Victory
Formula DRIFT entered Fuji Speedway for the first Formula DRIFT Japan event for Round 2 of the Formula DRIFT Asia Championship where Japan’s own Masao Suenaga took the inaugural event victory. The event had 69 entries in which 14 of those were Formula DRIFT Asia regulars. Six of the 14 finished in the Top 16. Participating drivers represented eight countries. Formula DRIFT featured ancillary events, including the Offset Kings car show, World Time Attack exhibition, Mazda Fest, 180 & Silvia Meet, FMX demos and Supermoto racing.

CTEK Continues Miller Racing Sponsorship in 2014 TransAm SSCA Pro Racing Series
CTEK Power Inc. has renewed its sponsorship of the CTEK/Northstar Miller Racing Chevrolet Camaro driven by Cameron Lawrence for the 2014 season. Last year, Lawrence was the TransAm TA2 class overall champion after winning eight out of 10 races. Lawrence, now in his fourth year of racing in Trans Am, has claimed four of the five TA2 races this year.

Landon Simon will run a special “Made in America” paint scheme for USAC’s 2014 Indiana Sprint Week.

Landon Simon to Drive “Made in America” Mt. Baker Vapor Specialty Car for Indiana Sprint Week
Non-wing Sprint Car driver Landon Simon will run a special “Made in America” paint scheme for USAC’s 2014 Indiana Sprint Week. The red, silver and blue body resembles a WWII P51 Mustang plane and acts as a tribute to veterans and the United States. The car is highlighting Landon Simon Racing’s primary sponsor, Mt. Baker Vapor, whose products are all made and distributed in the United States. Indiana Sprint Week consists of seven races in nine days starting with Gas City on July 11, followed by Kokomo, Lawrenceburg, Terre Haute, Putnamville, Bloomington and Haubstadt.

Mt. Baker Vapor came on as primary sponsor of Landon Simon Racing at the start of 2014. Simon will compete in more than 50 race events this season in the Mt. Baker Vapor-backed sprint car. He will run the “Made in America” through Indiana Sprint Week and the month of July.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Japan’s own Masao Suenaga took the victory at Fuji Speedway for the first Formula DRIFT Japan event for Round 2 of the Formula DRIFT Asia Championship.

Formula DRIFT Japan Results: Masao Suenaga Takes Event Victory
Formula DRIFT entered Fuji Speedway for the first Formula DRIFT Japan event for Round 2 of the Formula DRIFT Asia Championship where Japan’s own Masao Suenaga took the inaugural event victory. The event had 69 entries in which 14 of those were Formula DRIFT Asia regulars. Six of the 14 finished in the Top 16. Participating drivers represented eight countries. Formula DRIFT featured ancillary events, including the Offset Kings car show, World Time Attack exhibition, Mazda Fest, 180 & Silvia Meet, FMX demos and Supermoto racing.

CTEK Continues Miller Racing Sponsorship in 2014 TransAm SSCA Pro Racing Series
CTEK Power Inc. has renewed its sponsorship of the CTEK/Northstar Miller Racing Chevrolet Camaro driven by Cameron Lawrence for the 2014 season. Last year, Lawrence was the TransAm TA2 class overall champion after winning eight out of 10 races. Lawrence, now in his fourth year of racing in Trans Am, has claimed four of the five TA2 races this year.

Landon Simon will run a special “Made in America” paint scheme for USAC’s 2014 Indiana Sprint Week.

Landon Simon to Drive “Made in America” Mt. Baker Vapor Specialty Car for Indiana Sprint Week
Non-wing Sprint Car driver Landon Simon will run a special “Made in America” paint scheme for USAC’s 2014 Indiana Sprint Week. The red, silver and blue body resembles a WWII P51 Mustang plane and acts as a tribute to veterans and the United States. The car is highlighting Landon Simon Racing’s primary sponsor, Mt. Baker Vapor, whose products are all made and distributed in the United States. Indiana Sprint Week consists of seven races in nine days starting with Gas City on July 11, followed by Kokomo, Lawrenceburg, Terre Haute, Putnamville, Bloomington and Haubstadt.

Mt. Baker Vapor came on as primary sponsor of Landon Simon Racing at the start of 2014. Simon will compete in more than 50 race events this season in the Mt. Baker Vapor-backed sprint car. He will run the “Made in America” through Indiana Sprint Week and the month of July.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to authorize the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles to issue replica year of manufacture plates for antique vehicles was signed into law by Governor Lincoln Chafee. In Rhode Island, an antique motor car is “any motor vehicle which is more than 25 years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle may be maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades and other functions of public interest and may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods over any public highway.” 

For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to authorize the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles to issue replica year of manufacture plates for antique vehicles was signed into law by Governor Lincoln Chafee. In Rhode Island, an antique motor car is “any motor vehicle which is more than 25 years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle may be maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades and other functions of public interest and may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods over any public highway.” 

For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to authorize the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles to issue replica year of manufacture plates for antique vehicles was signed into law by Governor Lincoln Chafee. In Rhode Island, an antique motor car is “any motor vehicle which is more than 25 years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle may be maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades and other functions of public interest and may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods over any public highway.” 

For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
 
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does not intend to issue a federal safety standard based on tire age. The agency announced its decision in a report entitled, “Tire Aging: A Summary of NHTSA’s Work.” The agency has been studying the issue for many years.
 
The NHTSA cited several primary factors for not pursuing a tire-aging safety standard. It noted that tires have become more robust in recent years as a result of increased performance mandates required under the Transportation Safety Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act of 2000. Recent crash data verify that these tires are performing better on the road. The NHTSA also credited mandatory tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) installed on newer vehicles as having helped alert motorists when tires are underinflated.
 
The NHTSA did note a continuing concern for tires in hot-weather states and spare tires that may be very old and may potentially be rotated into use. The NHTSA intends to discuss the topic through social media messages, fact sheets, infographics and other web content. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
 
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does not intend to issue a federal safety standard based on tire age. The agency announced its decision in a report entitled, “Tire Aging: A Summary of NHTSA’s Work.” The agency has been studying the issue for many years.
 
The NHTSA cited several primary factors for not pursuing a tire-aging safety standard. It noted that tires have become more robust in recent years as a result of increased performance mandates required under the Transportation Safety Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act of 2000. Recent crash data verify that these tires are performing better on the road. The NHTSA also credited mandatory tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) installed on newer vehicles as having helped alert motorists when tires are underinflated.
 
The NHTSA did note a continuing concern for tires in hot-weather states and spare tires that may be very old and may potentially be rotated into use. The NHTSA intends to discuss the topic through social media messages, fact sheets, infographics and other web content. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
 
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does not intend to issue a federal safety standard based on tire age. The agency announced its decision in a report entitled, “Tire Aging: A Summary of NHTSA’s Work.” The agency has been studying the issue for many years.
 
The NHTSA cited several primary factors for not pursuing a tire-aging safety standard. It noted that tires have become more robust in recent years as a result of increased performance mandates required under the Transportation Safety Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act of 2000. Recent crash data verify that these tires are performing better on the road. The NHTSA also credited mandatory tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) installed on newer vehicles as having helped alert motorists when tires are underinflated.
 
The NHTSA did note a continuing concern for tires in hot-weather states and spare tires that may be very old and may potentially be rotated into use. The NHTSA intends to discuss the topic through social media messages, fact sheets, infographics and other web content. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

SEMA News—July 2014

HERITAGE

By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Petersen Archives

The Great California Street Rod Civil War

At the 1973 Street Rod Nationals (or so the story goes), rod builders Andy Brizio and Lil’ John Buttera got into a, shall we say, friendly discussion about which end of the Golden State produced the best street rods. Southern Californian Buttera ribbed Brizio, who was from South San Francisco, about how the Bay Area cars were “average” mechanically but were topped by outstanding paint jobs to make them seem more special. Brizio, in turn, said L.A. turned out trick show cars that couldn’t be driven very far. One thing led to another and (so the story goes) the discussion devolved into a “my new car will be better than your new car” challenge.

Whether this exchange really happened, we don’t know. What we do know is that Hot Rod Editor Terry Cook used it—fictitious or not—to set the stage for a four-part tech series called the Great California Street Rod Civil War. The idea was to pit Brizio against Buttera to see who could build the better car, and showcase the build steps and finished products for the magazine’s readers.

Their approaches couldn’t have been more different. Buttera chose to build a ’27 Model T Tudor, using a real steel T body he bought in Arizona for $600. He fabricated a tubular space frame, built an independent front suspension from scratch and adapted Jaguar independent rearend components for the rear suspension. “John wants his new T to ride like his Cadillac when it goes down the road,” wrote Cook.

Brizio, on the other hand, built a fiberglass ’32 Ford roadster, using as his inspiration a concept illustration called the “Street Roadster of the Future” that had appeared in Hot Rod a couple years before. Not just any fiberglass ’32 would do; Brizio commissioned Steve Archer to splash a brand-new replica using “a cherry Deuce roadster body” that Andy’s son Roy had been working on, said Cook.

Early on, it looked like Buttera would easily finish first. The initial two articles in the series showed photos of the Tudor only; no Brizio roadster in sight. Writing in the second installment, Jim McCraw said, “Andy Brizio is gathering the pieces together for his highboy Deuce, assigning tasks to his staff of craftsmen, and getting ready to explode into action to produce yet another complete car in about five weeks’ time start to finish, the traditional way things are done at Andy’s Instant T. Meanwhile, back in Cerritos, Buttera and his troops have a considerable head start over Brizio.”

And then, things changed. Two issues went by without an update on the Civil War. When it did appear, part 3 was all Brizio, with a note that “Lil’ John started off well but pooped out in the backstretch.” This installment showed off Archer’s fiberglass body pieces, the car’s tubular frame and its power source: chromed twin Mazda RX-2 rotary engines.

The Civil War’s conclusion appeared in the June 1974 issue of the magazine. On its cover was a see-through view of Brizio’s Twin Mazda Instant Deuce, and inside was a photo of some of Brizio’s crew, sitting in the yellow roadster, ribbing Buttera for his still unfinished T.

This photo of Brizio’s roadster is an outtake that was not published in the magazine. It was shot by Hot Rod Photo Editor Mike Brenner at Buttera’s shop in Cerritos. As Roy Brizio remembers it, “These were your typical last-minute deadline photos for the article. They were not staged. My dad had to bring the car to L.A. for the shoot. They then took the car back to San Francisco and finished it, and brought it back to L.A. for the final photos.”

Gripping the firewall to lift off the body are Andy Brizio, with his back to the camera on the driver side, and Buttera, facing the camera on the passenger side. Terry Cook is in the dark shirt at the back of the car.

Andy Brizio recently talked to Dave Wallace at Hot Rod Deluxe magazine about the Civil War and the yellow roadster.

“We finished first, and my yellow car made the cover, but I had to truck it to L.A. for the photoshoot,” he said. “We never did get that roadster running right with the dual Mazda rotaries—a real nightmare. I replaced them right away with a small-block Chevy. That car turned up at our Sutter Creek picnic two years ago, looking pretty much the same.”