Thu, 04/15/2021 - 09:33

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Garage
SEMA Garage Detroit will undergo extensive facilities
improvements and include new equipment, such as
emissions and horsepower testing for all-wheel-drive and
diesel vehicles, vehicle lifts, full sets of tools, fabrication
equipment, an alignment rack, 3D scanning tools and
engineering software.

SEMA purchased a 45,000-sq.-ft. building in the Detroit area to be used as a second SEMA Garage where manufacturers will have access to advanced product-development tools and equipment, a state-of-the-art emissions testing lab, an ADAS research and development center and expert technicians who will help bring products to market.

Like the high-tech SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, the Detroit facility will give aftermarket parts manufacturers access to sophisticated resources that are typically accessible only to large-scale manufacturers. In addition to exclusive OEM measuring sessions, scanning services, advanced tools and equipment, a CARB-recognized emissions lab and a modern training center, the Detroit facility will include expanded services and offer new SEMA benefits through the ADAS Research and Development Center. The ADAS Center represents a new venture for SEMA, where manufacturers will be able to obtain static calibration of on-board vehicle ADAS systems (radars and cameras). With access to OEM-quality equipment and procedures, manufacturers will be able to easily troubleshoot software/hardware obstacles, as well as work on dynamic testing in conjunction with local facilities.  

“The SEMA Garage Detroit facility opens up new doors and opportunities,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM relations and product development. “We will be able to take our current offerings to a whole new level by making the services accessible to new members, incorporating new technology, and collaborating with key partners in the area.”

Located in Plymouth, Michigan, less than 30 miles from the heart of Detroit, the SEMA Garage Detroit facility is ideally located near several major automakers and is in close proximity to many Tier-One suppliers, SEMA-member companies, test tracks, automotive technology and aftermarket suppliers. The Detroit facility is three times larger than the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, which opened in 2013 and has provided more than 1,000 SEMA manufacturers exclusive access to new vehicles and CAD files, facilitated rapid prototyping and assisted in obtaining CARB EOs.

SEMA Garage Detroit will undergo extensive facilities improvements and include new equipment, such as emissions and horsepower testing for all-wheel-drive and diesel vehicles, vehicle lifts, full sets of tools, fabrication equipment, an alignment rack, 3-D scanning tools and engineering software. The lab will be purpose-built to accommodate a 48-in. all-wheel-drive chassis dynamometer and include a new emissions test bench. With equipment that meets CARB’s new 1066 testing requirement standards, SEMA Garage Detroit will be able to perform all required CARB and EPA test procedures.

“The SEMA Garage is a game changer for manufacturers,” said Spagnola. “By utilizing the tools and resources in the SEMA Garage, manufacturers no longer rely on trial and error for their product development. They are also able to navigate the complex process of obtaining required certifications and meet compliance.”

Through the SEMA Garage’s resources, manufacturers are often able to develop fully functional prototypes in as little as two weeks, and obtain CARB EOs in as little as 12 weeks. The SEMA Garage Detroit facility is scheduled to be open for members in early 2022. For more information, visit www.semagarage.com.  

Thu, 04/15/2021 - 09:23
F-150

This is the F-150 Raptor R. While Ford just recently debuted the third-generation Raptor back in February, they only gave us a look at the tamer version with the 3.5L EcoBoost. These shots show that the Raptor R will have a unique grille and appears to have beefier trailing arms. It’s rumored that the rims are exclusive to the R, and as everyone knows by now, it’ll have the heart and soul of the GT500—the Predator 5.2L supercharged V8.

According to sources, the R will pump out around 725 to 750 hp, probably closer to 750 hp, especially since the GT500 puts out 760 hp. One source said “Honestly, we had to counter Ram once we knew they installed the HellCat in the TRX”. The team is allegedly looking to beat the Ram TRX in every facet of the Raptor R.

The ’21 F-150 Raptor will be assembled at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant, and will be available at dealers this summer. The Raptor R is expected to debut later this year with an on-sale date in 2022.

F-150

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 04/15/2021 - 09:23
F-150

This is the F-150 Raptor R. While Ford just recently debuted the third-generation Raptor back in February, they only gave us a look at the tamer version with the 3.5L EcoBoost. These shots show that the Raptor R will have a unique grille and appears to have beefier trailing arms. It’s rumored that the rims are exclusive to the R, and as everyone knows by now, it’ll have the heart and soul of the GT500—the Predator 5.2L supercharged V8.

According to sources, the R will pump out around 725 to 750 hp, probably closer to 750 hp, especially since the GT500 puts out 760 hp. One source said “Honestly, we had to counter Ram once we knew they installed the HellCat in the TRX”. The team is allegedly looking to beat the Ram TRX in every facet of the Raptor R.

The ’21 F-150 Raptor will be assembled at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant, and will be available at dealers this summer. The Raptor R is expected to debut later this year with an on-sale date in 2022.

F-150

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 04/15/2021 - 09:23

By SEMA Editors

Launch Pad
Roland Hence, far right, won last year's SEMA Launch Pad
competition with his Impulse – Emergency Brake Light. The
2021 SEMA Launch Pad competition is open to all qualified
participants over the age of 18 years, and includes a grand-
prize package valued up to $92,000 and promotional
support.

The 2021 SEMA Launch Pad is evolving, with eligibility now open to all qualified participants over the age of 18 years, a grand-prize package valued up to $92,000, and promotion for participants’ new products in SEMA websites and social media.

The SEMA Launch Pad, which was introduced in 2013 by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN), is a program designed to help emerging entrepreneurs and inventors launch new automotive products into the marketplace. Originally created to support young entrepreneurs under the age of 40, this year’s program is open to qualified individuals 18 and over. This year’s SEMA Launch Pad also includes an expanded prize package and cash awarded to the top three finalists, and dozens of other participants featured in video interviews that will air on SEMA’s social media networks.

“I am really excited about the future of SEMA Launch Pad and the entrepreneurship it champions,” said James Lawrence, SEMA chairman-elect. “The automotive aftermarket has always been home to fresh thinking and product innovation, but it’s never had a spotlight like this before. The expansion of the Launch Pad competition will only encourage even more entrepreneurs, inventors and developers to bring new products to the automotive market. I personally can’t wait to see what’s coming for this next SEMA Launch Pad.”

To qualify, applicants must be a business owner, company leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO), or vice president of a company and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept or currently for sale.

Fifteen semi-finalists will be selected in June to attend the 2021 SEMA Show in November. The top five finalists will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges at the SEMA Show, be recognized at the industry’s premier celebration—the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet—and be featured on SEMA publications, websites and social media.

Applications to participate in SEMA Launch Pad must be submitted online at www.sema.org/launchpad by May 30, 2021.

Thu, 04/15/2021 - 09:18

 

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show 2021 ReconnectExhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show and shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the automotive specialty-equipment market has to offer.

In addition to buyers, the Show also attracts thousands of traditional media and social-media influencers ready to let the rest of the world know about your products and applications, opening up even more sales opportunities well after the Show concludes.

Access SEMA's worldwide network and create more opportunities to sell. Be there to reconnect at the 2021 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, Las Vegas.

Reserve your spot for 2021 at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Below are key dates that SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to mark on their calendars.

  • The Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) will be live in May. The ESM contains all of the forms and applications required to prepare for the Show: feature vehicles, new products, booth vehicles, celebrity appearances, etc.
  • The Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit are due May 7.
  • Dates for the SEMA Show Space Selection: June 7-23

For additional information about exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor.

Thu, 04/15/2021 - 09:17

By SEMA Editors

The following candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Chairman-elect (one open seat)

  • Kyle Fickler – (Incumbent) Director, Driven Racing Oil
  • Les Rudd – (Incumbent) President, Bob Cook Sales

Distributors/Retailers (two open seats):

  • Larry Montante – Vice President, Keystone Automotive Operations
  • Brian Rowland – GM, Parts & Accessories, Walmart
  • Steve Whipple – (Incumbent) Director, Jegs High Performance

Manufacturers (two open seats):

  • Ian Lehn – Founder, BOOSTane
  • Kim Pendergast – (Incumbent) CEO/Owner, Magnuson Superchargers
  • Brian Reese – President/CEO, The Retrofit Source

Service (one open seat):

  • Lindsay Hubley – Managing Partner, Lodestone Events
  • Jim Liaw – President/Co-Founder, Formula Drift Holdings

Voting will take place online between May 11–25, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact beginning April 30. Winners will be announced by May 28.

Wed, 04/14/2021 - 15:26

By Della Domingo

Las Vegas Convention Center
The Las Vegas Convention Center’s new West Hall.

The city of Las Vegas continues to move toward reopening, with Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak recently announcing plans for the city to be at 100% capacity by June 1. In a recent article in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Sisolak announced that the state is on track to meet the goal of reopening “at 100% capacity across Nevada by June 1."

The news comes on the heels of several other milestones signaling the imminent reopening of the city. Earlier this week, The Boring Company gave media an exclusive first look at its $52.5 million people-mover system that will transport Las Vegas Convention Center visitors between South, Central and West Halls. The World Market Center in downtown Las Vegas celebrated the grand re-opening of a new convention center by hosting about 10,000 individuals for a five-day trade show for the home and gift industry.

Closer to the SEMA Show, the World of Concrete will host tens of thousands of individuals in June at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s new West Hall.

“Great news continues to come out of Las Vegas,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “This November, Las Vegas is going to be ultimate gathering for the automotive industry. After being separated for nearly two years, businesses are eager to reconnect at the Show and preparing to feature the innovations they’ve been working on.”

More than 1,200 manufacturers have already confirmed their participation at the 2021 SEMA Show, with many companies planning break-out exhibits and securing larger booths than the previous Show. With the opening of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s new 1.4 million square feet West Hall, the entire SEMA Show floor will also be optimized to allow for more new features and attractions throughout the event.

“There are a lot of exciting plans coming together for this year’s event,” said Gattuso. “The 2021 SEMA Show is going to be the best in our 50-plus year history, and we can’t wait to see everyone in November.”

Key SEMA Show Dates
  • The Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) will be live in May. The ESM contains all of the forms and applications required to prepare for the Show: feature vehicles, new products, booth vehicles, celebrity appearances, etc.
  • Deadline to submit Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit is May 7.
  • SEMA Show Space Selection: June 7–June 23.

Reserve booth space for the 2021 SEMA Show at www.SEMAshow.com/exhibitor.

For complete information about the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Wed, 04/14/2021 - 13:47

By SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies each week. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

Hellwig
Rear Sway Bar
Hellwig

Hellwig Suspension Products has released a new adjustable rear sway bar for ’20-’21 Chevrolet and GMC 2500 and 3500 pickups. The product is designed to reduce body roll, tighten up driving dynamics and improve driver control—especially when towing or hauling—and fits all drive configurations.

The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD trucks are known for their workhorse capabilities; however, they are not equipped with a rear sway bar from the factory. This causes undue body roll and reduces driver control during towing or hauling conditions.

The sway bar is forged from solid 1-1/4-in. diameter heat-treated 4140 chromoly steel and features Hellwig’s Hammertone powdercoat finish. The three-hole design allows users to tune the sway bar to their preferred spring rate.

The rear sway bar includes all mounting hardware, adjustable end links to integrate with factory components and aftermarket suspension setups and polyurethane bushings.

www.hellwigproducts.com

Champion Oil
Professional-Grade Honing Oil
Champion Oil

Champion Brands has recently marketed a Professional-Grade Honing Oil for machining metal parts to perfection. Honing oils are a liquid-emulsion lubricant used to assist in the cutting, grinding, and the honing process.

This product help protect the abrasive tools in honing machines as well as remove heat and debris (swarf) to ensure accuracy in producing a sharp edge. Honing oil has just the right consistency for sharpening stones. It will not gum it up nor glaze it, and it will provide just enough lubrication to avoid wearing out the stone prematurely.

Champion Professional-Grade Honing Oil, PN 4242, is a robust high-performance honing and finishing fluid designed utilizing a select blend of base fluids and additives. With adding anti-oxidant protection and low-odor extreme-pressure additives, it provides excellent performance and corrosion protection for honing ferrous alloys, cast iron, low-medium alloyed steel, high-alloyed nickel, nickel-chromium alloys, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys plus are safe for use with yellow metals.

It is a low-viscosity chlorine-free neat oil containing a high level of ester lubricity additive to impart excellent surface finish on machining of hardened steels and nickel alloys. Can also be used in super finishing applications, utilizing stones rather than tapes.

www.championbrands.com

Holley
Terminator X Stealth 4150 EFI System
Holley

The Terminator X Stealth 4150 EFI system from Holley features four 100 LB/HR fuel injectors capable of supporting up to 650 hp naturally aspirated or 600 hp on forced-induction applications. The Terminator X ECU features fuel maps that self-learn and an integrated ignition timing control, yielding improved idle stability, drivability and horsepower at wide-open throttle. Did we mention that the Stealth 4150 also includes transmission kick down provisions for GM TH350/400, 200R4/700R4 and Ford C4/C6 applications? Terminator X Max kits provide plug-and-play transmission control for GM 4L60 and 4L80 Transmissions.

www.holley.com

Air Design USA
OEM-Licensed Aftermarket Accessories for ’21 Ford Bronco
Air Design USA

Air Design USA, a manufacturer of premium vehicle accessories, is teaming up with Ford Motor Company to offer quality-built, expertly styled, OEM-licensed Bronco and Bronco Sport aftermarket parts and accessories at the point of purchase.

Blending form and function, the company’s new full body kits enhance the models’ heritage-inspired styling with features highly sought after by today’s modern SUV consumers. The kit’s accessories include hood scoops, fender flares and door molding for both models, as well as a unique rear cab roof spoiler for the Bronco Sport.

www.airdesignusa.com

Malco Products Inc.
Accelerate All-In-One Polish & Protection Compound
Malco Products Inc.

Malco’s Accelerate All-in-One Polish & Protection Compound is designed to remove light and medium paint defects and provide up to 90 days of lasting paint protection.

Accelerate All-in-One Polish & Protection Compound is a VOC-compliant, water-based sprayable formula that allows for easy application and quick cleanup. Or it can be applied using an orbital buffer, rotary buffer or by hand by using a wide variety of foam pads or microfiber applicators. The product is available in 32-oz. and 1-gallon sizes.

www.malcoautomotive.com

TRAC LLC
TRAC Tire Jack
TRAC LLC

The TRAC TIRE JACK is a leverage tool designed to assist with the removal and installation of the wheels from a vehicle. It makes the process effortless, without putting the strain on the technician’s back or arms. A must-have tool in the industry to prevent workplace injury and keep the insurance premiums down.

Wed, 04/14/2021 - 12:47

By SEMA Editors

The SDC Data Excellence recognizes the companies that have worked with SDC to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SDC members that have achieved data excellence.

Eleven Engineering Inc.
AL-SR-V2/Wet Sounds A-Link Plus Kit
Eleven Engineering Inc.

Eleven Engineering, announced that its SKAA Wireless Audio technology has been integrated into the new Wet Sounds AL-SR-V2 A-Link Plus wireless sending/receiving kit. The AL-SR-V2 is now available at the SKAA Store. With a sleek design and vastly improved connectivity and range, utilizing SKAA Wireless Audio technology, the new AL-SR-V2 is a must have for sharing audio signals.

www.elevenengineering.com
PN: AL-SR-V2

Oracle Lighting
Illuminated Logo Decals
Oracle LIghting

Oracle Lighting announced the launch of the new custom illuminated logo decals. Easily installed/applied on cars, trucks, UTVs/ATVs, boats and other vehicles, and now available for custom order at oraclelights.com/logos, customers can choose between 31 custom colors and create their own text or use their own graphics.

www.oraclelighting.com

Rigid Industries
Chase Bar
Rigid Industries

Rigid’s Rear-Facing Chase Light Bar adds safety and functionality to any UTV, rail, buggy, Jeep or other off-road vehicle by combining running, brake, reverse, turn signal and more into a single compact package. Pre-programmed features include strobe, scroll, flash and all-on, and can be fully customized to any vehicle trigger.

The light bar is 28-in. long and has programmable triggers: running and three auxiliary triggers. The user can program each trigger by choosing from 27 pre-programmed modes for a completely custom setup. The running and auxiliary triggers allow for the selection of one of the pre-programmed modes or to customize your own for an astounding 300,000-plus possible configurations.

The Rigid Chase light bar is available with either adjustable tube mounts to fit 1.5-in. to 2-in. roll cages or 15 degree horizontal mounting brackets. Each kit Includes a 13-in. lead for custom wiring; professional installation is strongly recommended.

www.rigidindustries.com
PN: 901801

Tuffy Security Products
Center Console Safe
Tuffy Security Products

Tuffy Security Products offers a center console safe (PN 356) for ’19 and newer Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup models that is fully integrated and concealed to maintain the truck’s stock appearance. It transforms the OEM center console into a heavy-duty, break-in resistant safe with 500-ci of lockable storage, while maintaining access to all auxiliary ports. The insert is made of welded 16-gauge steel with a durable black texture powdercoat finish. It features Tuffy’s Pry-Guard Locking System and 10-Tumbler Double Bitted Lock. The lid support pin lock hinge keeps the lid open while items are being retrieved. Designed for drill-free installation, it is sold with all necessary mounting hardware.

www.tuffyproducts.com
PN: 356

Thu, 04/08/2021 - 12:08
Nissan

This is the upcoming the ’22 Nissan Frontier in its base trim, the Frontier S. The configuration has never been seen, as Nissan has only debuted the ’22 Frontier in Pro-4X trim. The rest of the lineup remains to be seen.

The model features a prominent lower front fascia finished in black plastic, along with the base grille configuration and base-level headlights, seemingly without any LED treatment. The wheels are the base units, complemented by black door handles and mirror caps.

Out back, this base Frontier appears to feature the same LED taillights as the Pro-4X model revealed by Nissan. A black bumper and single-exit side exhaust round out the package.

Expect more trims to be debuted via Nissan’s website in the coming months.

Nissan

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde