Vince Tunzi Named izmocars National Field Operations Manager
izmocars announced that it has named auto industry veteran and process training expert Vince Tunzi the company's national field operations manager. According to the company, he will oversee izmocars’ national consulting team, which is dedicated to the successful implementation and execution of izmocars solutions at auto dealerships across the country. Tunzi previously served as a national process consultant for Toyota. During his time with Toyota, Tunzi helped with the launch of the Scion brand and was a member of the core team responsible for implementing sales and service processes.

Laurent Lebouder joined HRE Wheels as international sales manager.

HRE Wheels Adds Laurent Lebouder to International Sales Team
HRE Wheels added Laurent Lebouder to its sales team as international sales manager to handle customers in Southeast Asia, South America, the Middle East as well as assisting with customer support in North America. According to the company, the move compliments its rapid expansion of its international sales arm through a new GmbH division in Stuttgart to support Western Europe and new dealers in emerging markets across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. 

Car Care Council Women's Board Honors Two
The Car Care Council Women's Board announced that Deborah Bjorklund, president/principle owner of TMR (The Main Resource), was chosen as the Aftermarket Woman of the Year, and Audra Fordin of Great Bear Auto Shop was named the first Female Service Shop Owner of the Year. Bjorklund began her career in the automotive aftermarket more than 17 years ago as a general manager for Will-Fix Automotive. She purchased TMR (The Main Resource) in Sarasota, Florida, in December 2005. Fordin is the fourth generation and the first female owner/operator of her family’s automotive repair business, Great Bear Auto Shop in Flushing, New York, which has been in the same location since 1933. Fordin has been in the auto repair industry all of her life—close to 30 years. While growing up, she spent weekends going to the shop with her dad, learning all aspects of automotive repair.   

CJ's Tire Recognized for Contributions to Breast Cancer Research
CJ's Tire & Automotive Services announced that it has earned a permanent spot on the Jefferson-Eagles Breast Health wall, located on the 3rd floor of the Jefferson Breast Care Center in Philadelphia. The center unveiled the newly renovated floor with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 11. According to CJ's, the $1.04 million raised for the renovations were thanks in part to CJ's three years of participation in the Philadelphia Eagles' "Tackling Breast Cancer" campaign. CJ's has also sold more than 2,000 pink bracelets this October, with proceeds going to the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital's Breast Care Center. 

Jim (left) and Mike Ring accept the Goodguys 2011 Trendsetter Award from Goodguys President Marc Meadors.

Mike and Jim Ring Receive Goodguys 2011 Trendsetter Award
Musclecar and street machine designers and builders Mike and Jim Ring were dual recipients of the Goodguys 2011 Trendsetter Award, which is presented annually to rising talents in the realm of rod and custom car building. They received the award in front of their peers at the Hot Rod Industry Alliance Industry (HRIA) Reception at the 2011 SEMA Show. Projects such as the “Reactor” ’67 Mustang and “Razor” ’69 Camaro have brought the Ringbrothers international acclaim and top awards, including the Goodguys Street Machine of the Year two consecutive years, Mother’s Shine and Ford Design awards. They received the “Golden Builder” award at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade show in Indianapolis as well as being named Car Craft Magazine’s Pro Builder of the Year award. Past recipients of the Goodguys Trendsetter Award include Chip Foose, Troy Trepanier, Alan Johnson, Eric Peratt, Tim Strange, Dave Lane, Zane Cullen, Dean Livermore, Jesse Greening, Troy Ladd, J.F. Launier and Phil and Jeremy Gerber.

Edge Products Announces Title Sponsorship of 2012 United Pullers Series
Edge Products partnered with United Pullers to act as the title sponsor of the series for the 2012 season. The Edge Pulling Series will include all of United’s events held in the Rocky Mountain region. According to Edge Products, Weekend on the Edge will become an official United Pullers event in 2012 and will serve as the flagship national show within the Edge Pulling Series. Edge Products and United Pullers hope to continue growing the sport in the Rocky Mountain region and provide pullers from across the nation with a sanctioned series that can accommodate competitors within a variety of categories.

WyoTech's Laramie Campus and Stevinson Automotive will unveil a restored '59 Chevrolet Apache truck for the family of Captain Bruce E. Hays on Saturday, November 19.

WyoTech-Laramie, Stevinson Automotive to Unveil Bruce Hays’ Restored Apache Pickup
On Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., WyoTech's Laramie Campus and Stevinson Automotive will unveil a restored '59 Chevrolet Apache truck for the family of Captain Bruce E. Hays, a soldier who lost his life in Afghanistan. The presentation will be held at the WyoTech Street Rod building at 1889 Venture Dr. in West Laramie, Wyoming. The ceremony will pay tribute to Desert Storm veteran, Captain Hays, who lost his life in 2008 serving with the Army National Guard of Wyoming. Prior to his deployment, Hays bought a '59 Chevrolet Apache pickup truck and paid $17,000 to have it restored for his wife. After his death, the money was stolen and the pickup was left unrestored until Hays’ friends decided to complete the mission that he never had the chance to finish. The ceremony will include the presentation of the Bruce Hays Memorial Scholarship to a WyoTech student. More information is available at www.captainhaysapacheproject.com. 

Drag Racing Legend Grumpy Jenkins to Visit Motorsports 2012 Show 
Drag racing legend Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins will make an appearance at the Motorsports 2012 Show presented by VP’s Small Engine Fuels Race Car & Trade Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, January 21. Jenkins will be touting his new book titled Grumpy’s Toy, which offers a full and complete history of Jenkins’ career to date written by Doug Boyce. The book will be available at the during the three-day show. The popular drag racing legend will be meeting fans and signing autographs in the Coastal 181 display area. More information on the show is available at www.aarn.com.

	TSTC attendees are given the opportunity to witness first-hand proper installation techniques in a shop-like environment from industry leaders.

As the economic landscape continues to evolve and as a matter of best practices, businesses are constantly evaluating their current model and looking for opportunities to enter new markets. Over the last several years, the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has worked diligently to help its members identify niche segments in which they can incorporate new products and services that will ultimately increase their bottom line.

Two years ago, PRO introduced the Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC). This grassroots effort serves to increase installation standards while exposing businesses to additional revenue opportunities by showcasing interactive training sessions that encompass such growth markets as:

• Leather
• Mobile Electronics
• Paint Protection and Window Films
• Sunroofs
• Graphics
• Trim and Bolt-on Accessories
• Seat Heaters
• Tow Products

TSTC is a one-day conference that partners with technical schools and universities. Past locations include the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, Ohio, and Wyotech in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. Attendees are given the opportunity to witness first-hand proper installation techniques in a shop-like environment from such industry leaders as 3M, Rosen Entertainment, Katzkin Leather, Webasto Products North America, Restylers’ Choice and Roadwire Automotive Innovations. The practical, how-to knowledge gained is invaluable and the addition of sales training and educational sessions provide a comprehensive understanding of what would be required to add a product or service to your repertoire. Installers will improve their technical proficiency, and shop owners and managers will gain a clearer idea of the resources required to grow their business.

The third installation of TSTC will take place at Northwood University’s West Palm Beach Campus in sunny Florida, March 16, 2012. Registration is now open at 2012 PRO TSTC.

To find out more, visit 2012 PRO TSTC, or contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

	TSTC attendees are given the opportunity to witness first-hand proper installation techniques in a shop-like environment from industry leaders.

As the economic landscape continues to evolve and as a matter of best practices, businesses are constantly evaluating their current model and looking for opportunities to enter new markets. Over the last several years, the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has worked diligently to help its members identify niche segments in which they can incorporate new products and services that will ultimately increase their bottom line.

Two years ago, PRO introduced the Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC). This grassroots effort serves to increase installation standards while exposing businesses to additional revenue opportunities by showcasing interactive training sessions that encompass such growth markets as:

• Leather
• Mobile Electronics
• Paint Protection and Window Films
• Sunroofs
• Graphics
• Trim and Bolt-on Accessories
• Seat Heaters
• Tow Products

TSTC is a one-day conference that partners with technical schools and universities. Past locations include the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, Ohio, and Wyotech in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. Attendees are given the opportunity to witness first-hand proper installation techniques in a shop-like environment from such industry leaders as 3M, Rosen Entertainment, Katzkin Leather, Webasto Products North America, Restylers’ Choice and Roadwire Automotive Innovations. The practical, how-to knowledge gained is invaluable and the addition of sales training and educational sessions provide a comprehensive understanding of what would be required to add a product or service to your repertoire. Installers will improve their technical proficiency, and shop owners and managers will gain a clearer idea of the resources required to grow their business.

The third installation of TSTC will take place at Northwood University’s West Palm Beach Campus in sunny Florida, March 16, 2012. Registration is now open at 2012 PRO TSTC.

To find out more, visit 2012 PRO TSTC, or contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

	A photo of Martin and his truck on the cover of the August 2003 issue of Classic Trucks magazine.

SEMA has announced the hiring of Colby Martin as its new director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN). His primary responsibility will be to manage and direct the association’s grassroots network and oversee its outreach strategies to the hobbyist community and to the media.

“Although I will be working closely with SEMA government affairs staff based in Washington, D.C., I will remain stationed in my Southern California home and birthplace,” Martin said. “This new opportunity is the latest in a string of fortunate events that have allowed me a very gratifying career with SEMA. From my beginnings as a SEMA scholarship applicant and intern, I have been fortunate to accept roles in both the Membership and Marketing Departments and plan on using that knowledge and experience to further the SAN’s cause.”

Martin is a longstanding auto enthusiast. As a toddler, he was a regular at the drag races at Pomona, sprint races at Ascot and sand races on the dunes of Pismo Beach. His enthusiasm for the hobby has taken many forms throughout his life and is probably best represented by his longtime daily driver, a ’58 black and lime green mild custom Ford F-100 pickup. According to Martin, the truck has seen countless miles as a college commuter, weekend hot rod and tow vehicle for a land speed racing team. He’s currently working on a traditionally styled, chopped ’31 Ford Model A coupe on Deuce rails.

“Today, our combined government affairs efforts, including Federal and State legislative and regulatory affairs activities, are at unprecedented levels,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “In 2011 alone our team has taken part in several hundred legislative or regulatory actions on issues ranging from scrappage to public nuisance laws to emissions testing programs, equipment standards and vehicle titling. Through the SEMA Action Network and its grassroots actions, Colby will be able to call on his skills honed over the years to broaden our effectiveness in support of policies beneficial to the automotive lifestyle and hobbyists.”

Please contact Martin with any questions or concerns regarding the SAN at 909/978-6721 or by e-mail at ColbyM@sema.org.

	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?”

	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.