Jeep is set to add a few three-row SUVs in the next few years, and the Grand Cherokee 3-row seen here looks like it’ll be ready to join the truck-based Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.
This is one of the best looks yet at the large SUV, but this time it has dropped significant amounts of camo revealing the headlights and grille.
Similar to the current Durango in size, and set to compete the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer, it's unclear how off-road capability will be compromised by a longer rear overhang.
The new three-row will get the new platform being designed for Jeep that's based on the Giorgio platform used on Alfa Romeo models. It may receive both the current model's 3.6L Pentastar V6 that will likely be updated, and a new 3.0L inline six that will be turbocharged. It will also receive a hybrid system, effectively replacing the 5.7L Hemi V8. A plug-in hybrid (powertrain borrowed from the 4Xe) and turbodiesel models are expected to follow, given they're confirmed for the Grand Cherokee.
Expect to see the Jeep Grand Cherokee 3-row sometime in the first quarter of 2021.
SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.
The end of 2020 is finally here. While the economy continues to recover, growth is slowing as COVID-19 cases rise across the country. There is still significant uncertainty moving into 2021 that makes it difficult to predict the long-term economic outlook, but there is optimism as vaccines are beginning to roll out.
A key bright spot in the economic recovery has been the auto sector, which has outpaced many other industries. Overall, the auto industry has brought nearly 80% of the jobs it has lost over the last year.
Want more information on the trends affecting the specialty-equipment industry? Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. In this report, published monthly, you’ll find:
Overall Economic Outlook
New Vehicle Sales and Statistics on Auto Parts Production
Consumer Sentiment and Spending
Economic Growth and Unemployment
Other Important Industry Insights
Download the December “SEMA Industry Indicators” report for free today at www.sema.org/research.
Priority media registration may have passed, but reporters and journalists who would like to participate in the SEMA MPMC Media Trade Conference can still sign up. Taking place entirely online from January 26-28, the event brings media and manufacturers together for private, quality interviews.
Journalists who register today at www.sema.org/mtc still have an opportunity to sit down with up to 42 (14 each day) representatives from the top motorsports parts manufacturers in the industry with more than 80 exhibitors to choose from.
Representatives from these companies are prepared to discuss their newest product lines and important updates within the company. Media participation is free for this event, making this an exclusive and affordable opportunity for journalists to obtain editorial content on the latest industry news and trends that can be shared to their audience throughout the year with the amount of quality interviews that take place throughout the three-day event.
Platinum status represents SDC manufacturers that have achieved the pinnacle of product data by putting in the extra effort to provide resellers with the most complete data sets available.
Developed in celebration of AutoMeter’s 60th anniversary, Chrono pays tribute to the company’s racing history while looking forward through the incorporation of new technologies. Chrono strikes a fine balance between making a statement and accentuating the original character of a classic vehicle. Design inspiration was drawn from elegant timepieces; an influence which extends from the typeface and ticking to the sculpted three-dimensional dials and polished aluminum bezels. Visibility and resolution are maximized with industry-leading analog needle sweeps up to 320 degrees which are backlit by crisp, white LED illumination.
AutoMeter’s foundations are set firmly in racing, so it should come as no surprise that Chrono is underpinned by the same cutting edge circuitry and movements racers have come to trust in the company’s competition instruments.
HushMat ’68–’82 Chevrolet Corvette Sound Deadening and Thermal Insulation Material
HushMat’s ’68–”82 Chevrolet Corvette sound deadening and thermal insulation material is designed to make every type of vehicle cool, quiet and comfortable to drive and enjoy! HushMat is an easy to install, USA Made material that molds, forms and adheres to your vehicle’s surface. No tools, glues and or special equipment needed to install HushMat. Simply peel and stick.
HushMat has invested thousands of hours over the past 15 years measuring vehicles to create a Year, Make and Model specific portfolio of 365,000 part numbers. HushMat insulates firewall, floor pan, tunnel, doors, roof and trunk. HushMat even provides installation templates to show where each piece is placed. We have taken the guess work out of “how much material do I need.” Visit www.hushmat.com or call 913-599-2600.
ZyBar 32-oz. Bronze Satin Finish (Part No. 10032)
ZyBar 32-oz. Bronze Satin Finish (part no. 10032) high temperature heat dissipation coating is designed to reduce radiant heat, reduce under hood temperatures, offers outstanding corrosion resistance, provides lasting color stability under the most extreme engine conditions and extends the life of your components. ZyBar is rated to internal temperatures well in excess of 2000 F. ZyBar is a single component, durable polymer coating that far out performs ceramic paints, wraps and heat tapes. ZyBar is spray applied inside and outside the component.
ZyBar treats manifolds, headers, turbo housings, exhaust, brakes and intakes. ZyBar is a thin .001-.0025 film coating that is either oven cured (2 hours @ 450 F) or air cured (120 hours). Builders, Jobbers, Dealers and Specialty Coating Operations interested in learning more can call 913-599-2600 or Visit www.zycoat.com.
Here’s a first look at the upcoming off-road version of the Ford Explorer completely undisguised.
This model has a few unique elements when compared to the “regular” Explorer, including a new upper and lower grille treatment resulting in a unique front fascia with what looks to be a higher approach angle. A set of red tow hooks sits in the front. Out back is a set of tucked-under exhaust tips and what seems to be a new rear end treatment. The model is running on a set of black wheels wrapped in rugged Bridgestone Dueler tires.
All badges for the vehicle have tape over them, including on the C-pillar and cargo cover. A 4WD logo, however, is present and accounted for.
Though initially believed that the model in question would be called Explorer FX4, Ford Authority recently reported that Ford is planning to introduce a new Explorer model called Timberline.
Expect a launch in the first half of the 2021 calendar year as a ’22 model.
Steve Ames of Ames Performance passed away December 20.
Ames graduated with an engineering degree from Columbia University and immediately went into the National Guard.
Afterward, he worked for a large paper company in Maine. Shortly after, he left Maine to run a machine shop while pursing his passion for drag racing until he was 33. He started in the parts business by traveling up and down the East Coast buying NOS parts from primarily Chevy Dealers. However, there were also Pontiac parts mixed in.
He attended one of the first Carlisle events in the Fall of 1976 with Chevy and Pontiac parts. At that time, he saw how competitive the Chevy parts business was and that his Pontiac parts were also selling well, so he decided to specialize in Pontiac.
In 1980, Ames was asked for a rare 64 GTO part, which made him realize that the demand for Pontiac parts far exceeded the supply of NOS parts that he could find. So he made some connections and started to get these popular items reproduced. In 1983, he compiled one of the first full line GTO catalogs. The first Firebird catalog followed in 1984. A combination of supplying parts readily available from a Pontiac dealer, NOS and high-quality aftermarket items helped set the bar for the industry.
Ames was one of the original founders of SEMA's Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), and was named ARMO’s Person of the Year in 2007.
As a successful female in a male-dominated industry and an immigrant to the United States, Marquez brings a unique perspective to her job. She will share details of her journey into the automotive aftermarket, including real-life challenges, and how she’s was able to succeed and earn the SEMA’s Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) Sales Team Annual Recognition (STAR) Award for most outstanding manufacturer’s sales team.
Tune in to the SBN’s Facebook page on January 6 for what is promised to be an inspiring and motivating Live Chat.
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Theresa Contreras as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. Contreras is the president of LGE-CTS Motorsports, where she specializes in custom design and paint for the company’s vehicle builds—many which have been featured in magazines and newspapers over the years. She is an active SEMA volunteer and has helped spearhead countless association projects and programs. The SBN is proud to recognize her for her untiring efforts.
SEMA: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
Theresa Contreras: Communication to me will always be one of the most challenging aspects of working with others, especially when they are your family, lol. But seriously, we all communicate differently, and understanding people’s personalities and how to work with each person will, to me, always be the biggest challenge for most of us.
SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
TC: I would consider this my first industry job, so 22 years at the family business. I started in the office as the secretary, taught myself how to paint, and have been painting for 20 years. The list of things I do here are graphic design, vehicle renderings, accounting and custom paint work.
SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? Do you have a specific situation that comes to mind?
TC: My biggest accomplishment has been being part of the first all-female SEMA build through SBN. That build has helped break barriers in the industry. I have truly made some of my best friends through that build!
Another big one is being one of PPG Industries Vibrance Collection Top Guns. This is such an honor to be listed there with other truly amazing painters that I look up to. I have always wanted to be the best at what I do, but I seriously taught myself in a paint booth, and I am humbled by this happening.
As for challenges, I have never seen myself as a “woman” trying to break through, but as just being the best at what I wanted to do. Did I get dismissed sometimes because I was a woman, or a newbie at what I did? Sure! That happened quite a lot. But I just wanted to be the best at what I did, and it’s all about earning respect. That will always come through, no matter your gender. My biggest challenge has been getting to where I wanted to be by showing what I can do.
SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received? How has this advice helped you either professionally or personally?
TC: “Sell Cool.” – Pete Chapouris. People will buy what you are selling if you think it’s cool, but you have to believe that, first and foremost. Then, it’s really not about selling, but about, well, being cool!
It’s definitely all about confidence. This advice has helped me both professionally and personally. It’s about believing in yourself because guess what… you’re cool!
SEMA: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?
TC: Mike Spagnola—he is a “Super Connector!” He is truly that person who believes in everyone. He listens, and then connects people with others so that they can see their potential to grow. We did our first SEMA build together with LGE-CTS Motorsports and Street Scene Equipment in 2003. He really saw something in me to push me further than I ever saw myself going. And life is really about hanging out with people that you achieve to be like; I want to be like Mike!
Toyota’s second wave of custom SEMA vehicles broke cover this week, just in time for the holidays. The ’21 GR Supra Sport Top and overlanding-ready TRD-Sport Trailer ensure that Toyota’s on- and off-road performance and adventure concepts continue to inspire Toyota fans and the automotive aftermarket.
TRD-Sport Trailer
Toyota previously unveiled four builds in its wave one SEMA360 Showcase presentation, held November 2, 2020. SEMA360 is SEMA’s online program connecting the automotive aftermarket industry in a year that made the traditional SEMA Show impossible.
’20 GR Supra Heritage Edition
“Our wave one reveals whet Toyota fans’ appetite with four creations—a bold, hand-painted GR Supra, two GR Supra drift cars and an outrageous overlanding-ready Tacoma pickup,” said Ed Laukes, group vice president–Toyota Division Marketing. “But we saved the best for last, and today we’re proud to show off our latest creations, the ’21 GR Supra Sport Top and the TRD-Sport Trailer, among some additional content as well.”
The new ’21 GR Supra Sport Top concept is a perfect follow up to the ’20 GR Supra Heritage Edition that debuted at Toyota’s 2019 SEMA Show display, featuring custom visual and performance upgrades paying homage to the MKIV Supra from the late ‘90s. And Toyota’s TRD-Sport Trailer answers the backroads adventure calling and the growing popularity of overlanding getaways in a year where socializing with family and friends is a challenge.
Highlights from Toyota’s second wave of SEMA360 Showcase creations include:
’21 GR Supra Sport Top
Inspired by the GR Supra Heritage Edition that debuted last year, Toyota set out to dream up a fitting companion. Conceptualizing an open-air tribute to removable-top Supra models of the past, the team put much thought into the unprecedented task of removing the roof and a significant part of the GR Supra’s structure.
The crew ensured structural rigidity by reinforcing large sections of the vehicle’s frame. The removable roof includes two composite panels that can be stored in the car’s trunk. Unlike a “T-Top” car, there is no center bar down the middle; just open air as far as the eye can see.
As a sibling to the GR Supra Heritage Edition, the Sport Top delivers similar styling cues, including the MKIV-inspired basket handle wing and round taillights. At the same time, it has a striking profile all its own that includes a black piano-finish canopy over the top.
TRD-Sport Trailer
Overlanding’s growing popularity inspired the Toyota team to think outside the box, as they sought to make a true overland trailer out of a Tacoma pickup bed. The TRD-Sport Trailer concept serves as a base camp to extend adventurers’ off-highway fun while being pulled by a Toyota truck or SUV.
It features a remote-operated scissor-lift that raises a platform several feet out of the bed. There’s a Yakima four-person tent with an awning and fly fishing-pole holders, a custom-built toilet and trash can, a refrigerator, a hot water heater, fresh and gray water holding tanks, a slide-out sink and stove, and efficient campsite lighting.
’20 GR Supra Heritage Edition
This 500-plus hp sportscar debuted late last year, and it makes an encore appearance in 2020 as the inspiration for this year’s GR Supra Sport Top. Returning to the spotlight for Toyota’s second wave of content, this one-off creation painted in Re-entry Red continues to excite fans with its retro-inspired custom headlights, taillights and MKIV-style rear wing. Upgrades, such as bigger brakes, a tuned engine, turbocharger and ECU, and custom front and rear suspension, ensure optimal performance. The Ornamental Conifer Supra and the 4WD Overland-Ready Tacoma also get a reprise from last month with a freshening of new materials.
The final episodes for the GR Supra Sport Top and TRD-Sport Trailer can be found here:
The end of 2020 is finally here. While the economy continues to recover, growth is slowing as COVID-19 cases rise across the country. There is still significant uncertainty moving into 2021 that makes it difficult to predict the long-term economic outlook, but there is optimism as vaccines are beginning to roll out.
Steve Ames of Ames Performance passed away December 20.
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SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? Do you have a specific situation that comes to mind?
