By SEMA Editors

Kia will soon launch a completely new model, the Kia Tusker, based on the Kia SP Concept released at Auto Expo Show in India in February 2018. This SUV is expected to be added to the U.S. Kia SUV line-up in order to reinforce the presence of Kia under their big SUV offensive and to fight against compact SUVs like the Nissan Kicks. The Tusker will be available in the United States as well as South Korea and India.

Compared to the concept car, the new model won’t look drastically different. The spy pictures show the road-ready version featuring a similarly high beltline that rises with a curve at the rear, and squarish wheel arches. The greenhouse doesn’t look as sleek as on the concept, however.

The details get a little hazy at the front because of the heavy camouflage, but the changed honeycomb inserts of the tiger-nose grille are still visible. Other bits spotted are five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, flush roof rails, shark-fin antenna and split rear combination tail lamps.

The Kia Tusker will ride on the same platform that will underpin the next-gen Hyundai Creta. This platform is capable of spawning a seven-seater, but despite that, the Tusker will be offered only with 5-seater configuration on the U.S.-market.

Engine options are not yet confirmed, but a 138hp 1.4L T-GDI turbocharged gas unit is expected, as well as a naturally aspirated 2.0L engine delivering 147 hp. Both engines will be offered with automatic transmissions, with a seven-speed DCT of the Turbo variant, leaving the all-new IVT transmission for the 2.0L.

By SEMA Editors

Kia will soon launch a completely new model, the Kia Tusker, based on the Kia SP Concept released at Auto Expo Show in India in February 2018. This SUV is expected to be added to the U.S. Kia SUV line-up in order to reinforce the presence of Kia under their big SUV offensive and to fight against compact SUVs like the Nissan Kicks. The Tusker will be available in the United States as well as South Korea and India.

Compared to the concept car, the new model won’t look drastically different. The spy pictures show the road-ready version featuring a similarly high beltline that rises with a curve at the rear, and squarish wheel arches. The greenhouse doesn’t look as sleek as on the concept, however.

The details get a little hazy at the front because of the heavy camouflage, but the changed honeycomb inserts of the tiger-nose grille are still visible. Other bits spotted are five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, flush roof rails, shark-fin antenna and split rear combination tail lamps.

The Kia Tusker will ride on the same platform that will underpin the next-gen Hyundai Creta. This platform is capable of spawning a seven-seater, but despite that, the Tusker will be offered only with 5-seater configuration on the U.S.-market.

Engine options are not yet confirmed, but a 138hp 1.4L T-GDI turbocharged gas unit is expected, as well as a naturally aspirated 2.0L engine delivering 147 hp. Both engines will be offered with automatic transmissions, with a seven-speed DCT of the Turbo variant, leaving the all-new IVT transmission for the 2.0L.

By SEMA Editors

Kia will soon launch a completely new model, the Kia Tusker, based on the Kia SP Concept released at Auto Expo Show in India in February 2018. This SUV is expected to be added to the U.S. Kia SUV line-up in order to reinforce the presence of Kia under their big SUV offensive and to fight against compact SUVs like the Nissan Kicks. The Tusker will be available in the United States as well as South Korea and India.

Compared to the concept car, the new model won’t look drastically different. The spy pictures show the road-ready version featuring a similarly high beltline that rises with a curve at the rear, and squarish wheel arches. The greenhouse doesn’t look as sleek as on the concept, however.

The details get a little hazy at the front because of the heavy camouflage, but the changed honeycomb inserts of the tiger-nose grille are still visible. Other bits spotted are five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, flush roof rails, shark-fin antenna and split rear combination tail lamps.

The Kia Tusker will ride on the same platform that will underpin the next-gen Hyundai Creta. This platform is capable of spawning a seven-seater, but despite that, the Tusker will be offered only with 5-seater configuration on the U.S.-market.

Engine options are not yet confirmed, but a 138hp 1.4L T-GDI turbocharged gas unit is expected, as well as a naturally aspirated 2.0L engine delivering 147 hp. Both engines will be offered with automatic transmissions, with a seven-speed DCT of the Turbo variant, leaving the all-new IVT transmission for the 2.0L.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show sales representatives are the first point of contact for exhibitors with general Show questions, seeking sponsorship opportunities or looking to stretch their Show budgets by taking advantage of existing, value-added programs.

SEMA eNews will highlight sales people each week, continuing this week with Becca Butler and Andrea Brake, who both represent the Racing & Performance section of the 2019 SEMA Show.

The Racing and Performance section is one of the most expansive specialty markets represented at the SEMA Show, featuring exhibitors in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and in the Racing Annex and Performance Pavilion. Judging by the New Product Showcase, interest in the market is high, with nearly 800 entries—from both first-time and veteran racing and performance exhibitors.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show sales representatives are the first point of contact for exhibitors with general Show questions, seeking sponsorship opportunities or looking to stretch their Show budgets by taking advantage of existing, value-added programs.

SEMA eNews will highlight sales people each week, continuing this week with Becca Butler and Andrea Brake, who both represent the Racing & Performance section of the 2019 SEMA Show.

The Racing and Performance section is one of the most expansive specialty markets represented at the SEMA Show, featuring exhibitors in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and in the Racing Annex and Performance Pavilion. Judging by the New Product Showcase, interest in the market is high, with nearly 800 entries—from both first-time and veteran racing and performance exhibitors.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show sales representatives are the first point of contact for exhibitors with general Show questions, seeking sponsorship opportunities or looking to stretch their Show budgets by taking advantage of existing, value-added programs.

SEMA eNews will highlight sales people each week, continuing this week with Becca Butler and Andrea Brake, who both represent the Racing & Performance section of the 2019 SEMA Show.

The Racing and Performance section is one of the most expansive specialty markets represented at the SEMA Show, featuring exhibitors in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and in the Racing Annex and Performance Pavilion. Judging by the New Product Showcase, interest in the market is high, with nearly 800 entries—from both first-time and veteran racing and performance exhibitors.

By SEMA Editors

The Travel & Lodging page (www.SEMAShow.com/travel) on SEMAShow.com has a comprehensive listing of nearly 40 hotels offering guaranteed low rates for the 2019 SEMA Show.

With a quick look on the website, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the rate per night, distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center and hotel star rating.

• Wynn Las Vegas
• Encore at Wynn Las Vegas
• SLS Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
• Las Vegas Marriott
• Hilton Grand Vacations

Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

Note: Attendees and exhibitors should be vigilant if approached by companies or services other than OnPeak that imply or claim to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Management is aware of other housing companies and travel agencies that may be aggressively pursuing you or your company to book your guest rooms through their company at supposedly significant discounts.

Reservations made through an agency other than OnPeak are at your own risk. Exhibitors and attendees contacted by another housing company trying to sell hotel rooms should notify SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289.

By SEMA Editors

The Travel & Lodging page (www.SEMAShow.com/travel) on SEMAShow.com has a comprehensive listing of nearly 40 hotels offering guaranteed low rates for the 2019 SEMA Show.

With a quick look on the website, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the rate per night, distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center and hotel star rating.

• Wynn Las Vegas
• Encore at Wynn Las Vegas
• SLS Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
• Las Vegas Marriott
• Hilton Grand Vacations

Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

Note: Attendees and exhibitors should be vigilant if approached by companies or services other than OnPeak that imply or claim to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Management is aware of other housing companies and travel agencies that may be aggressively pursuing you or your company to book your guest rooms through their company at supposedly significant discounts.

Reservations made through an agency other than OnPeak are at your own risk. Exhibitors and attendees contacted by another housing company trying to sell hotel rooms should notify SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289.

By SEMA Editors

Yokohama Tire Named Official Tire of Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle USA

Yokohama is now the Official Tire of Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle.

Yokohama Tire has a new motorsports partnership: The Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle USA (SLB/GTA). Yokohama is now the Official Tire of SLB/GTA. The first Super Lap Battle race is February 16-17 at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. There will also be the “Yokohama Challenge” championship for drivers competing on Yokohama tires at the three Global Time Attack events.

2019 Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle USA Schedule:

• February 16–17: Super Lap Battle USA Circuit of the Americas
• May 10–11: GTA Road Atlanta
• August 9–10: GTA New Jersey Motorsports Park
• November 16–17: GTA Finals Buttonwillow Raceway

The Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle USA adds to an already extensive list of 2019 North American-based motorsports activities both on- and off-road for Yokohama. This includes the IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Yokohama, the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama, 24 Hours of Lemons, Spec MX-5 Challenge, TrophyLite, One Lap of America, Yokohama NORRA Mexican 1000 and Yokohama Sonora Rally.

Mickey Thompson Sponsors NMRA's Cobra Terminator/GT500 Shootout Class

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels has signed on as sponsor of an exclusive Mustang drag race showdown, in addition to its continued support of the National Mustang Racers Association.

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels has signed on as sponsor of an exclusive Mustang drag race showdown, in addition to its continued support of the National Mustang Racers Association.

The NMRA Cobra Terminator/GT500 Shootout class runs at two of the largest NMRA events on the schedule: the NMRA Spring Break Shootout season opener February 28-March 3, at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida; and the NMRA All-Ford World Finals Sept. 26-29 at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Mickey Thompson is posting valuable racer contingencies on Mickey Thompson tires (all four) in all NMRA championship classes and will also continue to offer onsite trackside support at most events, as well as contingency awards to drivers competing in Pro, Sportsman and various special event classes.

Fans to Decide Brackets for Upcoming NHRA “Unfinished Business” Competition

Earlier this year, the NHRA released the names of the eight NHRA Legends who would be competing in a one-time-only “Unfinished Business” competition as part of the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Now it’s time for the fans to decide who will face off in the first round of eliminations.

The legendary lineup features some of the biggest stars in NHRA Championship Drag Racing including “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, Joe Amato, Kenny Bernstein, Ed “The Ace” McCulloch, Warren Johnson and Terry Vance. To top it all off, Florida native and NHRA fan favorite Darrell Gwynn will serve as the honorary starter for this prestigious group of competitors. Each driver will compete in a custom Toyota Camry distinctly wrapped to emulate looks inspired by some of the drivers’ favorite rides.

The competitive bracket is up to NHRA fans. From now until February 22, fans can visit www.nhra.com/unfinishedbusiness to vote for the first-round matchups they want to see. Follow the hashtag #UnfinishedBusiness on NHRA's social media pages and NHRA.com for updates on NHRA Unfinished Business.

AMSOIL Expands Partnership With Seehorn Rally Team

Jeff Seehorn and Karen Jankowski of Seehorn Rally Team announced that AMSOIL has expanded its partnership with the team for 2019. After a rewarding 2018 season together, AMSOIL will be title sponsor for the team this season.

Seehorn and Jankowski are the first back-to-back national class champions in the American Rally Association championship. In the 2018 season they scored five class wins out of six events, and five top-three overall finishes, which placed them both second in the overall championship. They are also the top-placing privateer team two years running. Having AMSOIL as title sponsor will be essential for the team’s success in the 2019 season.

Read more news from the PRI Newletter.

• Paul Buddin Announced As CFO Of McLaren Group
• Kooks Adds To Leadership Team
• POWRi, BCRA Form Lucas Oil Midget Series
• PDRA Adds Industry Veterans To Leadership Team
• Xtreme Concepts To Launch NASCAR Team
• USSR To Host Sprint Car Driving Seminar
• SAM Tech Announces Series Of High-Performance Marketing Seminars
• Late Model Truck Series Announces 2019 Schedule

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.