By Nick Barajas

Sponsored by WD-40, this year’s SEMA Cares build project—a ’67 Camaro—will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson, January 12–20, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Since 2007, SEMA Cares has done its part to give back to the community and help those in need. To kick off 2019, SEMA Cares looks to bring in a generous donation to benefit Childhelp at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction, January 12–20, in Scottsdale, Arizona. This year’s build project, sponsored by WD-40, has been underway for nearly a full calendar year. According to Luis Morales, SEMA Garage visual product data specialist, the process began in October 2017 when the ’67 Chevy Camaro was delivered to the SEMA Garage.

Restoring a 50-year-old vehicle has not been an easy task. According to Morales, some of the primary challenges with this project have been fitment, sourcing parts, a motor swap and a new frame. To get the word out, the SEMA Garage has posted updates on its Facebook and Instagram pages throughout the entire build process.

Morales is optimistic the Camaro will be an attractive piece at Barrett-Jackson.

“We are expecting a large crowd and higher attention, due to the extensive amount of aftermarket products that will be installed on the vehicle.”

The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro has been assigned Charity Lot 3004, and will cross the block Thursday, January 17, 2019, at approximately 7:30 p.m. (PST).

The SEMA Garage has received several contributions from SEMA-member companies, including:

• Auto Custom Carpets: trunk lid cover, trunk carpet, interior carpet, sound deadeners, floor mats
• BGR Motorsports: engine wiring
• DEI Powersports: heat shielding products, interior sound deadening
• Distinctive Industries and Roadwire Leather Interiors: seats and custom interior paneling
• MagnaFlow: custom exhaust
• NRG Innovations: deep dish suede steering wheel, carbon-fiber quick-release hub adaptor
• Rotofab: carbon-fiber plenum cover, LS3 engine covers

Watch the Auction Live Stream Here!

Founded in 1959 by Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, the purpose of Childhelp has been the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Since its establishment, Childhelp has grown to become one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations.

By Nick Barajas

Sponsored by WD-40, this year’s SEMA Cares build project—a ’67 Camaro—will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson, January 12–20, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Since 2007, SEMA Cares has done its part to give back to the community and help those in need. To kick off 2019, SEMA Cares looks to bring in a generous donation to benefit Childhelp at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction, January 12–20, in Scottsdale, Arizona. This year’s build project, sponsored by WD-40, has been underway for nearly a full calendar year. According to Luis Morales, SEMA Garage visual product data specialist, the process began in October 2017 when the ’67 Chevy Camaro was delivered to the SEMA Garage.

Restoring a 50-year-old vehicle has not been an easy task. According to Morales, some of the primary challenges with this project have been fitment, sourcing parts, a motor swap and a new frame. To get the word out, the SEMA Garage has posted updates on its Facebook and Instagram pages throughout the entire build process.

Morales is optimistic the Camaro will be an attractive piece at Barrett-Jackson.

“We are expecting a large crowd and higher attention, due to the extensive amount of aftermarket products that will be installed on the vehicle.”

The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro has been assigned Charity Lot 3004, and will cross the block Thursday, January 17, 2019, at approximately 7:30 p.m. (PST).

The SEMA Garage has received several contributions from SEMA-member companies, including:

• Auto Custom Carpets: trunk lid cover, trunk carpet, interior carpet, sound deadeners, floor mats
• BGR Motorsports: engine wiring
• DEI Powersports: heat shielding products, interior sound deadening
• Distinctive Industries and Roadwire Leather Interiors: seats and custom interior paneling
• MagnaFlow: custom exhaust
• NRG Innovations: deep dish suede steering wheel, carbon-fiber quick-release hub adaptor
• Rotofab: carbon-fiber plenum cover, LS3 engine covers

Watch the Auction Live Stream Here!

Founded in 1959 by Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, the purpose of Childhelp has been the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Since its establishment, Childhelp has grown to become one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations.

By Nick Barajas

Sponsored by WD-40, this year’s SEMA Cares build project—a ’67 Camaro—will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson, January 12–20, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Since 2007, SEMA Cares has done its part to give back to the community and help those in need. To kick off 2019, SEMA Cares looks to bring in a generous donation to benefit Childhelp at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction, January 12–20, in Scottsdale, Arizona. This year’s build project, sponsored by WD-40, has been underway for nearly a full calendar year. According to Luis Morales, SEMA Garage visual product data specialist, the process began in October 2017 when the ’67 Chevy Camaro was delivered to the SEMA Garage.

Restoring a 50-year-old vehicle has not been an easy task. According to Morales, some of the primary challenges with this project have been fitment, sourcing parts, a motor swap and a new frame. To get the word out, the SEMA Garage has posted updates on its Facebook and Instagram pages throughout the entire build process.

Morales is optimistic the Camaro will be an attractive piece at Barrett-Jackson.

“We are expecting a large crowd and higher attention, due to the extensive amount of aftermarket products that will be installed on the vehicle.”

The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro has been assigned Charity Lot 3004, and will cross the block Thursday, January 17, 2019, at approximately 7:30 p.m. (PST).

The SEMA Garage has received several contributions from SEMA-member companies, including:

• Auto Custom Carpets: trunk lid cover, trunk carpet, interior carpet, sound deadeners, floor mats
• BGR Motorsports: engine wiring
• DEI Powersports: heat shielding products, interior sound deadening
• Distinctive Industries and Roadwire Leather Interiors: seats and custom interior paneling
• MagnaFlow: custom exhaust
• NRG Innovations: deep dish suede steering wheel, carbon-fiber quick-release hub adaptor
• Rotofab: carbon-fiber plenum cover, LS3 engine covers

Watch the Auction Live Stream Here!

Founded in 1959 by Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, the purpose of Childhelp has been the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Since its establishment, Childhelp has grown to become one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations.

By Kristopher Porter

The HRIA open meeting is a great opportunity to learn about the council’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved.

SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) invites members who are in town for the Media Trade Conference or the Grand National Roadster Show to its open meeting, to be held Friday, January 25, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

This is a great opportunity to learn about the council’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the hot-rod industry at large. HRIA select committee members, along with SEMA staff, will be on hand to answer questions for those interested in joining HRIA. A continental breakfast will be provided.  

For more information, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, or email jimsk@sema.org.

Register now!

By Kristopher Porter

The HRIA open meeting is a great opportunity to learn about the council’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved.

SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) invites members who are in town for the Media Trade Conference or the Grand National Roadster Show to its open meeting, to be held Friday, January 25, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

This is a great opportunity to learn about the council’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the hot-rod industry at large. HRIA select committee members, along with SEMA staff, will be on hand to answer questions for those interested in joining HRIA. A continental breakfast will be provided.  

For more information, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, or email jimsk@sema.org.

Register now!

By Kristopher Porter

The HRIA open meeting is a great opportunity to learn about the council’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved.

SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) invites members who are in town for the Media Trade Conference or the Grand National Roadster Show to its open meeting, to be held Friday, January 25, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

This is a great opportunity to learn about the council’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the hot-rod industry at large. HRIA select committee members, along with SEMA staff, will be on hand to answer questions for those interested in joining HRIA. A continental breakfast will be provided.  

For more information, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, or email jimsk@sema.org.

Register now!

By Kristopher Porter

The HRIA open meeting is a great opportunity to learn about the council’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved.

SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) invites members who are in town for the Media Trade Conference or the Grand National Roadster Show to its open meeting, to be held Friday, January 25, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

This is a great opportunity to learn about the council’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the hot-rod industry at large. HRIA select committee members, along with SEMA staff, will be on hand to answer questions for those interested in joining HRIA. A continental breakfast will be provided.  

For more information, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, or email jimsk@sema.org.

Register now!

By AJ Carney

The 2018 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) featured an interactive panel discussion moderated by Billy Godbold, COMP Performance Group, and featured legendary engine builders Ed Pink, Sonny Leonard, Keith Dorton and Jon Kaase.

The 2018 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) kicked off Tuesday, December 4, with an opening experience that included an interactive panel discussion moderated by Billy Godbold, COMP Performance Group, and featured legendary engine builders:

• Ed Pink, Ed Pink’s Garage
• Sonny Leonard, Sonny’s Racing Engines
• Keith Dorton, Automotive Specialists
• Jon Kaase, Jon Kaase Race Engines

On Wednesday, there was a full day of value-packed seminars delivered by such experts as Jeremy Wagler, Wagler Motorsports;  Lake Speed Jr., DRIVEN Racing Oils; and Gary Patterson of ECR, to name a few. The day also featured a special seminar hosted by winners of the 2018 Engine Masters.

Following the conference on Wednesday, attendees were invited to attend the second Annual Engine Builder Happy Hour that serves to recognize engine builders and offered a great community of networking for the industry.

The award honorees were:

• Sonny Leonard; Sonny's Racing Engines, Inc.—Engine Builder Honor Winner
• Ben Strader; EFI University—U 40 Engine Designer Award Winner

There’s more—on both Thursday and Friday of the PRI Trade Show, more than 90 attendees participated in the AETC+ seminars, hosted by:

• Chuck Lynch, AERA
• Jim Arentz, Penske Racing Shocks
• Charles Navarro, LN Engineering LLC
• Jason Enders, RE Suspension & Gary Crooks, Crooks Racing
• Mark Bush, Racewise

Want to attend AETC in 2019? Register now for early-bird pricing.

By AJ Carney

The 2018 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) featured an interactive panel discussion moderated by Billy Godbold, COMP Performance Group, and featured legendary engine builders Ed Pink, Sonny Leonard, Keith Dorton and Jon Kaase.

The 2018 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) kicked off Tuesday, December 4, with an opening experience that included an interactive panel discussion moderated by Billy Godbold, COMP Performance Group, and featured legendary engine builders:

• Ed Pink, Ed Pink’s Garage
• Sonny Leonard, Sonny’s Racing Engines
• Keith Dorton, Automotive Specialists
• Jon Kaase, Jon Kaase Race Engines

On Wednesday, there was a full day of value-packed seminars delivered by such experts as Jeremy Wagler, Wagler Motorsports;  Lake Speed Jr., DRIVEN Racing Oils; and Gary Patterson of ECR, to name a few. The day also featured a special seminar hosted by winners of the 2018 Engine Masters.

Following the conference on Wednesday, attendees were invited to attend the second Annual Engine Builder Happy Hour that serves to recognize engine builders and offered a great community of networking for the industry.

The award honorees were:

• Sonny Leonard; Sonny's Racing Engines, Inc.—Engine Builder Honor Winner
• Ben Strader; EFI University—U 40 Engine Designer Award Winner

There’s more—on both Thursday and Friday of the PRI Trade Show, more than 90 attendees participated in the AETC+ seminars, hosted by:

• Chuck Lynch, AERA
• Jim Arentz, Penske Racing Shocks
• Charles Navarro, LN Engineering LLC
• Jason Enders, RE Suspension & Gary Crooks, Crooks Racing
• Mark Bush, Racewise

Want to attend AETC in 2019? Register now for early-bird pricing.

The Land Rover Defender replacement has been spotted in public in the UK. These spy shots show a heavily camouflaged prototype, which is reasonably close to the final product. Previous shots have shown a mule car with a modified Range Rover Sport body on the Defender running gear. The vehicle snapped here is a three-door—the replacement for the 90. The photos have been taken near the Land Rover factory.

Speaking from the 2018 Paris Motor Show, Jaguar Land Rover’s chief marketing officer Felix Bräutigam said: “Our brand is about passion, and it is icons that drive that passion. The truth is the world doesn’t need another premium brand doing what all the others do. These icons are what separate us; at Land Rover, we are rooted in our heritage, and that’s what makes us different.”

The prototype shows a wealth of design cues from the Defender as well as a few from the Discovery and Range Rover families. The offset grille badge has been with the family since 1994. The horizontal radiator grille itself dates from the introduction of the Ninety and One Ten models of 1984. Rear cargo space appears to be short, making a seven-seater a tight fit and a roof rack or trailer a necessity for remote touring—just like the older Discoveries.

Purists will dislike the full independent suspension, especially on the utility models, despite how well the Discovery handles off road; the 2.0L turbodiesel will be shunned by the big engine brigade, even though the Ingenium engine range has proven to be strong performers for a number of years now. There is a high chance the drivetrain will be hybrid electric, if not across the range but as an option. The tapered sides and raked roof aren’t as economical for interior space. Shallower window lines and Alpine Window deletion will take from the bright and airy feel of the Defender.

Bräutigam added, “If we had wanted to recreate the existing car then we could have moved quicker, but it is our view that for an icon to remain an icon it cannot only look backwards, but must move forwards too. The new Defender will move the game on again, and having the benefit for some perspective in order to achieve that should be to our advantage.”

“The one thing I can promise you is that the new Defender will do all that our customers expect of it, without being a copycat of what has gone before. It is a car for the modern world, and that means that it must move the game on if it is to be relevant.”

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde