Wed, 11/04/2015 - 09:23

By SEMA News

Texas Auto Media
Jim Trainor (center), product public relations senior group manager of Hyundai Motor Co., accepted the AutoJudge Award for Car of the Year from automotive journalist Alan Gell (right) and Focus Daily News Publisher Marlon Hanson (left).

The AutoJudge Awards for automobiles, SUVs and pickups were presented at a Monday press conference at the 2015 SEMA Show. In the selection process, a panel of automotive journalists spent the year test-driving vehicles and providing feedback to consumers, who then cast their votes in each category. 

Taking the consumer perspectives into account, the judges selected the ultimate winners. This is the ninth year the awards have been presented at the Show.

The 2015 Winners are:

  • AUTOJUDGE CAR OF THE YEAR: Hyundai Genesis
  • AUTOJUDGE SUV OF THE YEAR: Ford Explorer Platinum 
  • AUTOJUDGE PICKUP TRUCK OF THE YEAR: Ford F-150
  • COMPACT SEDAN: Volkswagen Golf
  • MIDSIZE SEDAN: Chrysler 200
  • FULLSIZE SEDAN: Hyundai Genesis
  • SPORTS CAR: Ford Mustang
  • LUXURY CAR: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  • PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE: Kia Soul EV
  • VAN: Chrysler Town & Country
  • COMPACT SUV: Nissan Rogue
  • MIDSIZE SUV: Jeep Cherokee
  • SUV OF THE YEAR: Ford Explorer Platinum
  • MIDSIZE OFF-ROAD TRUCK: Toyota Tacoma
  • MIDSIZE ON-ROAD TRUCK: Chevrolet Colorado
  • FULLSIZE TRUCK: Ford F-150
  • BEST NEW CAR INTRODUCTION: Chevrolet Camaro
  • BEST NEW TRUCK INTRODUCTION: Nissan Titan
Wed, 11/04/2015 - 09:05
Shelby Cobra Coupe
The ’64 Shelby Cobra Coupe was presented by the vehicle’s first driver (from left) Craig Breedlove, designer Peter Brock, and owner Fred Simeon; Rusty Barron, Shell Lubricants vice president of marketing; and Mark Gessler, Historic Vehicle Association president.

By SEMA News

Headlining the return of Shell to the SEMA Show was the unveiling of the ’64 Shelby Cobra Coupe piloted to set 25 individual records during a Goodyear tire test in 1965 at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This year’s SEMA Show also happens to mark the 50th anniversary of the famed day and the reunion of first-time driver (Craig Breedlove), designer (Peter Brock) and the Cobra.

The event took place at the Shell SEMA Show space (booth #60005), which offers attendees a place to recharge and revel in automotive lore, as Shell hosts legendary and modern automotive personalities on its sound stage.

Show attendees can view a unique lineup of historical cars that helped mold the modern era of high performance. Shell’s 10,000-sq.-ft. displays bring a roster of industry experts, legendary automotive personalities and enviable vehicles. Special guests are scheduled to appear throughout the week.

Wed, 11/04/2015 - 09:05
Shelby Cobra Coupe
The ’64 Shelby Cobra Coupe was presented by the vehicle’s first driver (from left) Craig Breedlove, designer Peter Brock, and owner Fred Simeon; Rusty Barron, Shell Lubricants vice president of marketing; and Mark Gessler, Historic Vehicle Association president.

By SEMA News

Headlining the return of Shell to the SEMA Show was the unveiling of the ’64 Shelby Cobra Coupe piloted to set 25 individual records during a Goodyear tire test in 1965 at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This year’s SEMA Show also happens to mark the 50th anniversary of the famed day and the reunion of first-time driver (Craig Breedlove), designer (Peter Brock) and the Cobra.

The event took place at the Shell SEMA Show space (booth #60005), which offers attendees a place to recharge and revel in automotive lore, as Shell hosts legendary and modern automotive personalities on its sound stage.

Show attendees can view a unique lineup of historical cars that helped mold the modern era of high performance. Shell’s 10,000-sq.-ft. displays bring a roster of industry experts, legendary automotive personalities and enviable vehicles. Special guests are scheduled to appear throughout the week.

Wed, 11/04/2015 - 09:00
SEMA Award

The 2015 SEMA Award for Hottest Car for the Ford Mustang, Hottest Truck for the Ford F-Series and Hottest Sport Compact for the Ford Focus was presented by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) to Global Director Ford Performance Dave Pericak (center). The SEMA Award for Hottest 4x4-SUV went to Jeep for the Jeep Wrangler, and was presented to Pietro Gorlier (right), head of MOPAR.

By SEMA News

This year’s SEMA Award for the top trending vehicle models in four categories was announced Tuesday, November 3, at the SEMA Show. The Ford Mustang was named Hottest Car, the Ford Focus took the Hottest Sport Compact honors, the Ford F-Series won Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler received the Hottest 4x4-SUV award.

“Traditionally, the SEMA Show is where the newest and most innovative specialty-equipment products are seen first,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The SEMA Award celebrates the industry’s unique ability to identify the vehicles and trends that will excite both the aftermarket and automotive consumers worldwide in the coming year.” The SEMA Award recognizes vehicle models that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and that showcase the year’s coolest products. It also underscores the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies.

“For five years now, the SEMA Award has helped guide consumers toward the hottest-trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the market,” added Kersting. “Our Show exhibitors are industry visionaries who determine the winners, with each booth space counting as a “ballot,” and the vehicles they choose to showcase in their spaces counting as votes. The most prominent models in each category earn the award.”

To learn more about the SEMA Award winners and the products available for them, visit www.sema.org/semaaward. 

Wed, 11/04/2015 - 09:00
SEMA Award

The 2015 SEMA Award for Hottest Car for the Ford Mustang, Hottest Truck for the Ford F-Series and Hottest Sport Compact for the Ford Focus was presented by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) to Global Director Ford Performance Dave Pericak (center). The SEMA Award for Hottest 4x4-SUV went to Jeep for the Jeep Wrangler, and was presented to Pietro Gorlier (right), head of MOPAR.

By SEMA News

This year’s SEMA Award for the top trending vehicle models in four categories was announced Tuesday, November 3, at the SEMA Show. The Ford Mustang was named Hottest Car, the Ford Focus took the Hottest Sport Compact honors, the Ford F-Series won Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler received the Hottest 4x4-SUV award.

“Traditionally, the SEMA Show is where the newest and most innovative specialty-equipment products are seen first,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The SEMA Award celebrates the industry’s unique ability to identify the vehicles and trends that will excite both the aftermarket and automotive consumers worldwide in the coming year.” The SEMA Award recognizes vehicle models that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and that showcase the year’s coolest products. It also underscores the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies.

“For five years now, the SEMA Award has helped guide consumers toward the hottest-trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the market,” added Kersting. “Our Show exhibitors are industry visionaries who determine the winners, with each booth space counting as a “ballot,” and the vehicles they choose to showcase in their spaces counting as votes. The most prominent models in each category earn the award.”

To learn more about the SEMA Award winners and the products available for them, visit www.sema.org/semaaward. 

Wed, 11/04/2015 - 08:40
Neil-Tjin-Edition Genesis
Revealed Tuesday at the Hyundai press conference was this Genesis Coupe, built by Neil Tjin, president of Tjin Edition RoadShow (left).

By SEMA News

Builder Neil Tjin turned to underground racing for inspiration to create this mad, 500hp racer. The Genesis coupe was revealed at Hyundai’s press conference in the company’s booth (#24387) on November 3.

At the heart of the Genesis Coupe is Hyundai’s 3.8L “Lambda” V6 engine, which has been boosted via a Vortech supercharger kit built by the power gurus from Bisimoto Engineering. With the addition of a free-flowing exhaust system, Vortech front mount intercooler and blow-off valve, the vehicle now produces more than 500 hp.

Featuring Rotiform 19-in. three-piece HUR wheels, custom Baer x CBA Extreme Plus brake calipers and Falken FK345 tires, the vehicle’s stopping power is now on par with its go-fast performance.

The vehicle now sits lower on KW coilovers to give a more aggressive stance. Unique Fabrication supplied a custom front lip, rear spoiler and custom trunk lid, and the exterior was finished in a custom Tjin green Axalta paint job.

Wed, 11/04/2015 - 08:40
Neil-Tjin-Edition Genesis
Revealed Tuesday at the Hyundai press conference was this Genesis Coupe, built by Neil Tjin, president of Tjin Edition RoadShow (left).

By SEMA News

Builder Neil Tjin turned to underground racing for inspiration to create this mad, 500hp racer. The Genesis coupe was revealed at Hyundai’s press conference in the company’s booth (#24387) on November 3.

At the heart of the Genesis Coupe is Hyundai’s 3.8L “Lambda” V6 engine, which has been boosted via a Vortech supercharger kit built by the power gurus from Bisimoto Engineering. With the addition of a free-flowing exhaust system, Vortech front mount intercooler and blow-off valve, the vehicle now produces more than 500 hp.

Featuring Rotiform 19-in. three-piece HUR wheels, custom Baer x CBA Extreme Plus brake calipers and Falken FK345 tires, the vehicle’s stopping power is now on par with its go-fast performance.

The vehicle now sits lower on KW coilovers to give a more aggressive stance. Unique Fabrication supplied a custom front lip, rear spoiler and custom trunk lid, and the exterior was finished in a custom Tjin green Axalta paint job.

Wed, 11/04/2015 - 08:33
Foose Design Pantera Sport
The Chip Foose-designed ’71 DeTomaso Pantera, featuring MagnaFlow exhaust, was a huge crowd-pleaser at its unveiling Tuesday afternoon.

By SEMA News

Recognized worldwide as a leading manufacturer of performance exhaust systems, MagnaFlow unveiled a Chip Foose-designed ’71 DeTomaso Pantera at its booth (#23543) in the SEMA Show’s Central Hall, Tuesday afternoon. Deriving its name from the Italian word for “panther,” the mid-engined sports car was produced from 1971–1992. 

In keeping with his well-known design philosophy, Foose chose to retain the vehicle’s classic lines, highlighting its factory body with a custom Foose Design paint scheme. The drivetrain is a Ford 351 Windsor with custom MagnaFlow exhaust. The vehicle rides on factory 15-in. magnesium/Foose Design custom wheels and includes a push-button door release, Euro Spec side marker lamps and a lowered ride height.

Wed, 11/04/2015 - 08:33
Foose Design Pantera Sport
The Chip Foose-designed ’71 DeTomaso Pantera, featuring MagnaFlow exhaust, was a huge crowd-pleaser at its unveiling Tuesday afternoon.

By SEMA News

Recognized worldwide as a leading manufacturer of performance exhaust systems, MagnaFlow unveiled a Chip Foose-designed ’71 DeTomaso Pantera at its booth (#23543) in the SEMA Show’s Central Hall, Tuesday afternoon. Deriving its name from the Italian word for “panther,” the mid-engined sports car was produced from 1971–1992. 

In keeping with his well-known design philosophy, Foose chose to retain the vehicle’s classic lines, highlighting its factory body with a custom Foose Design paint scheme. The drivetrain is a Ford 351 Windsor with custom MagnaFlow exhaust. The vehicle rides on factory 15-in. magnesium/Foose Design custom wheels and includes a push-button door release, Euro Spec side marker lamps and a lowered ride height.

Sun, 11/01/2015 - 16:23

SEMA News—November 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

Formula D
Formula Drift will conduct live drift demonstrations at SEMA Ignited.

Formula D Brings Live Drifting to SEMA Ignited

Formula Drift, the leading international drifting organization, will conduct live drift demonstrations at the 2015 SEMA Ignited event, taking place Friday, November 6, 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Convention Center Gold Lot.

Seating will be available for spectators to view the drifting demonstrations. Other activities and entertainment at SEMA Ignited include a unique collection of vehicles from the SEMA Show, celebrity appearances, music and more.

SEMA Ignited is the official SEMA Show after-party, where consumers are invited to connect with Showgoers and vehicles from the world’s premier automotive trade show. Show attendees who select the “SEMA Ignited” event on their applications can get into SEMA Ignited at no cost.

To learn more about the event or reserve tickets, visit www.SEMAIgnited.com.

Keynote & Coffee
Keynote & Coffee kicks off at 8:00 a.m., every morning of the Show.


Start the Day with Keynote & Coffee

The SEMA Show is bringing back one of the most exciting attractions from last year. Keynote & Coffee features thought leaders in business and industry to help attendees get an early start to the day with stimulating perspectives on how to look at business in a slightly different way.

The free seminars kick off every morning of the Show at 8:00 a.m., before the exhibit halls open and the conference sessions begin, meaning attendees have a chance to get their brains moving with new ideas about the industry before plunging into the day’s activities—and they’ll get a free cup of coffee to go along with it!

Each of the early morning Keynote & Coffee sessions have their own theme and speakers, who represent some of the most forward-thinkers you’ll find in the industry today. All of these speakers are available at no charge, first thing every morning of the SEMA Show, to set buyers in the right frame of mind before hitting the exhibit halls and conference sessions.

Download the 2015 SEMA Show App

The all-new SEMA Show mobile app helps attendees plan and navigate the Show with ease. It includes exhibitor listings and a virtual New Products Showcase. It’s also a way-finding device that leads buyers from one exhibitor or place to another.

Attendees who have used the app in previous years will need to download the new one. It is now available for download at www.SEMAShow.com/app.

Rich Barsamian
The 2014 SEMA Person of the Year was Rich Barsamian. The 2015 award will be presented at the SEMA banquet.

Celebrate the Industry at the SEMA Banquet

The SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet is an annual celebration of the specialty-equipment industry and provides the backdrop for the presentation of the SEMA Person of the Year, SEMA WD of the Year and SEMA Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year awards. The 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—Joel Ayres, Jim Bingham and Dennis Gage—will also be honored for their contributions to the industry. The 2015 event will take place Thursday, November 5, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., in the Paradise Event Center. This year’s featured entertainer is comedian Billy Gardell, who currently stars on the CBS hit series “Mike & Molly.”

Pre-ordered banquet tickets can be picked up in SEMA Central, located in the Grand Lobby.

Prepare for the Future of Vehicle Technology

The SEMA Show’s Vehicle Technology Briefing Seminar (TBS) program focuses on advanced vehicle technologies and government regulations immediately impacting SEMA members’ businesses, as well as future legislation, technologies, systems and engineering trends being implemented by OEMs. The primary goal is to help members understand the latest vehicle technologies and leverage SEMA-developed vehicle technology solutions, as well as new business opportunities, by providing open forums with industry leaders and experts for networking and learning about vehicle technologies that are important to them and relevant to their product-development and business plans.

Four vehicle-technology briefing sessions are scheduled for the 2015 TBS Program, themed “Fast, Smart, Cool and Connected.” The seminars will take place Monday–Thursday, 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Attendance is free, but registration is required at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

SEMA Show Transportation
With two taxi pick-up and drop-off locations, taking a cab is a convenient option.

The Ultimate SEMA Show Transportation Guide

Options abound in navigating to and from the Las Vegas Convention Center. The best choice varies depending on where Showgoers are staying and what time they’re arriving. More details about schedules, routes and pick-up and drop-off locations are available at www.SEMAShow.com/ground-transportation.

Shuttle Service: Various shuttles are available from select partner hotels to the airport, on a SEMA Show loop and to the AAPEX Show.
Monorail: Trains run every seven minutes. Exclusive discounts are available to SEMA Show attendees.
Taxis: Can be accessed from either the East end of the Performance Pavilion, or in the Blue Lot on the East end of the Grand Lobby, adjacent to Central Hall.
Uber and Lyft: Designated pick-up and drop-off locations are listed online.
Strip and Downtown Express (SDX): The public SDX service runs daily and includes 18 different stops.
Driving: Limited parking is available in the Gold Lot for a nominal fee.

Meet the Next Generation of Aftermarket Leaders

The 2015 Launch Pad business competition will take place Wednesday, November 4, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., in the Upper North Hall, room N258. Five innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 will showcase their business plans for marketing a new aftermarket product or service while a panel of seasoned judges evaluates and offers feedback.

Show attendees are invited to join in the excitement and learn about the contestants’ fresh ideas. Seats can be reserved now through the SEMA Show registration dashboard: www.SEMAShow.com/register.